Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
Craving authentic Neapolitan pizza from dough recipe? This easy homemade pizza dough recipe delivers a chewy, charred crust. San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, Bellissimo!

Recipe Introduction
Ever crave a perfect slice of pizza? like, really crave it? that crispy crust, the tangy sauce, the melty cheese.
.. honestly, who doesn't? this pizza from dough recipe is gonna be your new best friend. we're talking authentic, homemade goodness.
From Italy With Love: Neapolitan Pizza, Your Way
Neapolitan pizza, born in naples, italy, is known for its simple, fresh ingredients and incredible flavor. it's a celebration of quality over complexity.
This recipe? it's medium difficulty. the entire process takes a minimum of 2 hours and 26 minutes, plus proofing. this recipe yields two, 12-inch pizzas.
Get ready for pizza night!
Why This Recipe Rocks
This best pizza dough recipe uses simple ingredients. the result is an unforgettable flavor. also, homemade pizza is way healthier than takeout.
Plus, the easy homemade pizza baking process is perfect for a friday night gathering with friends. it's more than food; it's an experience.
One quote that i've always loved and that has to do with this is this one: "anyone who says that money cannot buy happiness has clearly never spent their money on pizza" - bill murray.
Ready to dive in and make the Best Pizza Dough ever? Let's talk ingredients.
Okay, let's dive into what you need to make this awesome pizza. we're talking about the ingredients and equipment . it is easier than you think.
This pizza from dough recipe will be a game changer. let's get started!
Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 00 Flour: 500g (17.6 oz)
- Water: 325g (11.5 oz), lukewarm (around 85°F/29°C)
- Fresh Yeast: 2g (0.07 oz)
- Fine Sea Salt: 15g (0.5 oz)
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- San Marzano Tomatoes: 400g (14 oz) can, crushed
- Fresh Mozzarella: 250g (8.8 oz), sliced or torn
- Fresh Basil: 1 bunch, leaves picked
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For drizzling
- Sea Salt: To taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste
🥄 Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast (if using Active Dry): Dissolve the yeast in a small amount of the lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine Flour and Water: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and most of the lukewarm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Autolyse for 30 minutes.
- Add the Yeast and Salt: Add the yeast mixture (if using) and salt to the dough. Knead for 10-15 minutes (by hand or with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic. Add olive oil and continue to knead until dough is satiny and smooth.
- Bulk Fermentation: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Divide and Shape: Gently punch down the dough. Divide it into 2 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a ball.
- Proofing: Place the dough balls in separate lightly oiled bowls or on a floured surface. Cover and let proof for 2-4 hours, or until puffy and relaxed.
- Prepare the Toppings: While the dough is proofing, prepare the toppings: crush the tomatoes, slice the mozzarella, and pick the basil leaves.
- Preheat the Oven: Place the pizza stone or baking steel in the oven. Preheat the oven to its highest temperature (ideally 500-550°F/260-290°C) for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the Pizza: On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out one dough ball into a 12-inch circle. Be careful not to deflate the dough.
- Top the Pizza: Transfer the pizza dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour or semolina. Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a small border. Top with mozzarella, basil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking steel. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the crust is puffed, charred in spots, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice and serve immediately.
Ingredients & Equipment for Pizza Perfection
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
For the dough , you'll need:
- 500g (17.6 oz) of 00 flour.
- 325g (11.5 oz) of lukewarm water. Aim for around 85° F ( 29° C) .
- 2g (0.07 oz) of fresh yeast, or 1g (0.035 oz) of active dry yeast.
- 15g (0.5 oz) of fine sea salt.
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil.
For the topping, grab:
- 400g (14 oz) can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes.
- 250g (8.8 oz) of fresh mozzarella.
- A bunch of fresh basil.
- Extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Quality matters, especially with the flour. 00 flour is the gold standard for neapolitan pizza. it gives you that perfect chewy, slightly crisp crust.
If you can't find it, bread flour works in a pinch. and honestly, san marzano tomatoes are worth the hype.
They're sweet, less acidic, and make a world of difference.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Keep it simple with the seasonings. salt, pepper, and basil are your stars. some people love a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Garlic powder in the tomato sauce? your call. remember, you can make your own easy homemade pizza.
You know, sometimes i add a tiny bit of oregano to my tomato sauce. it's not traditional, but it gives it a nice, subtle flavor.
Try to bake the best pizza dough with my recipe.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
You don't need fancy gear for this.
- A large mixing bowl or stand mixer.
- Plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
- A pizza stone or baking steel. This is key for that crispy crust!
- A pizza peel is optional, but makes transferring the pizza a breeze. I always use one.
- An oven thermometer to make sure your oven is HOT!
No pizza stone? no problem! a baking sheet turned upside down works okay. not amazing, but it does the job.
This pizza dough recipe easy to follow. and you want to try it now, right?
This easy pizza dough could be the start of a new hobby. Experiment with different flours. Play around with toppings. Have fun with it! You will bake easy homemade pizza.
Best pizza dough recipe are often the simplest. Don't overthink it. Trust your instincts. Make sure you got my pizza dough recipe and try to do it right now!
This whole homemade pizza dough recipe is so easy to follow. And honestly? There's nothing quite like a freshly baked pizza made with your own two hands.

Alright, let's dive into making some seriously awesome pizza. we're talking that real neapolitan style stuff, right here in your kitchen.
Seriously, is there anything better than pizza from dough recipe that you made yourself? i don't think so! let's make this best pizza dough recipe now.
Cooking Method: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
I remember the first time i tried to make this. oh my gosh, it was a disaster! the dough stuck everywhere , and the pizza ended up looking like a sad, misshapen pancake.
But hey, we live and learn, right? now i can crank out a pie that rivals any pizzeria. and you will too, after this.
This is the easy homemade pizza dough
Prep Steps: Your Pizza Command Center
Before we even think about touching the dough, let's get our mise en place sorted. this means getting everything prepped and ready to go.
I cannot stress enough! it makes life so much easier.
- Essential mise en place: Weigh out your flour ( 500g ), measure your lukewarm water ( 325g ), have your yeast ( 2g fresh or 1g active dry), salt ( 15g ), tomatoes, cheese, and basil ready to roll. Slice the mozzarella. Don't get lazy on me now.
- Time-saving organization tips: Measure out all dry ingredients into separate bowls before you start. Then, cover the mozzarella in a paper towel to remove excess water. Now, no one likes a soggy pizza!
- Safety reminders: We're dealing with a super hot oven here. Be careful not to burn yourself when sliding the pizza in and out. Trust me, a pizza peel is your best friend here.
Step-by-Step: Pizza Dough Recipe Easy
Okay, here's where the magic happens. Get your aprons ready!
- Activate the Yeast: If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in a little of the lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes , until it gets all foamy and bubbly. Think of it as waking up the yeast.
- Combine Flour and Water: Mix flour and most of the water in a bowl. Mix into a rough, shaggy dough. Let it hang out for 30 minutes . This is called autolysing. It helps with the gluten.
- Add Yeast and Salt: Add the yeast (if bloomed) and salt. Knead for 10- 15 minutes til it's smooth. This is a Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
- Bulk Fermentation: Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 2 hours . It should double in size. Be patient here.
- Divide and Shape: Punch the dough down. Divide it into 2 balls .
- Proofing: Put the balls in oiled bowls, and cover. Let them puff up for 2- 4 hours .
- Preheat the Oven: Put the pizza stone in the oven. Preheat to 500- 550° F (260- 290° C) . Let it heat for 1 hour .
- Shape and Bake: Stretch the dough, add toppings, bake for 6- 8 minutes .
Pro Tips: Easy Pizza Dough
Honestly, these tips are game-changers.
- Expert technique: Use a super high heat to mimic a real pizza oven. It's all about that char!
- Common mistake: Overworking the dough. Be gentle! Best Pizza Dough is from handling it smoothly
- Make-ahead: You can make the dough a day ahead. Just put it in the fridge after the bulk fermentation.
There you have it! your pizza dough recipe . now go forth and make some amazing easy homemade pizza ! oh, and send me a slice, would ya? i am hungry now.
Don't forget to maybe add pudding chia to add a unique twist!
Alright, here’s the deal. you’ve got your pizza dough recipe . you’re ready to make something amazing. but wait! a few more things to consider before you dive in.
Think of these as cheat codes. they'll help you level up your pizza from dough recipe game. this easy homemade pizza dough is about to become your go-to.
Recipe Notes to Kickstart Your Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe Journey
These aren’t just random suggestions, BTW. I’ve learned these the hard way. So, listen up!
Plating Like a Pro and Perfect Pairings
Honestly, presentation matters. don’t just slap that pizza dough recipe easy on a plate. elevate it! a wooden pizza peel makes a killer serving board.
Chop up some extra fresh basil and sprinkle it on top. boom! insta-worthy.
On the side? a simple salad with a light vinaigrette is the way to go. and to drink? a crisp italian beer or a glass of chilled white wine.
You know, classy stuff.
Storage Secrets
Okay, so you made too much Easy Pizza Dough . We’ve all been there. No problem!
- Refrigeration: Leftover pizza slices? Wrap 'em tight in plastic wrap or foil. They'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked dough. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It'll last for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
- Reheating: For that crispy crust, reheat in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes. Or, if you're impatient like me, a quick zap in the microwave works too. But, honestly, oven is so much better.
Remix Time: Variations on the Best Pizza Dough Recipe
Feeling adventurous? Let’s tweak this best pizza dough a bit!
- Dietary: Want a dairy-free pizza dough recipe ? Skip the mozzarella and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can try Pudding Chia as an healthy dessert.
- Seasonal: In the fall, try topping your pizza with roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and goat cheese. Seriously, it’s life-changing. In the summer? Fresh heirloom tomatoes and pesto are the bomb.
Nutrition 101
Let’s keep it real: Pizza isn’t exactly health food. But it can be part of a balanced diet.
One slice of this easy homemade pizza is around 650-750 calories. it gives you protein, carbs, and some healthy fats.
The tomatoes and basil provide vitamins and antioxidants. just don’t eat the whole pie, okay?
So, there you have it! a few extra tips to make your pizza from dough recipe experience even better. don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! this homemade pizza dough recipe is just a starting point.
Go make some magic happen!

Frequently Asked Questions
My pizza dough is too sticky! What did I do wrong?
A sticky dough is a common issue, like a soggy bottom on a baking show! It usually means there's too much hydration (water) relative to the flour. Try adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough becomes more manageable, but avoid adding too much or you'll end up with a tough crust. Also, make sure you're measuring your ingredients accurately – a kitchen scale is your best friend for baking!
How can I get that perfectly charred, Neapolitan-style crust when making pizza from dough recipe at home?
Achieving that coveted char requires high heat! Make sure your pizza stone or baking steel is preheated in the oven at its highest temperature (500-550°F or 260-290°C) for at least an hour before baking. If your oven has a broiler, you can also broil the pizza for the last minute or two, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning - nobody wants a pizza looking like a burnt offering!
Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time? How should I store it?
Absolutely! Making the dough ahead of time is a great way to save time on pizza night. After the bulk fermentation, divide the dough into portions, shape into balls, and lightly coat with oil. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using, like saving leftovers to make a tasty next-day meal.
My pizza is soggy in the middle. What am I doing wrong?
Soggy pizza is a real bummer! This often happens when the toppings are too wet. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from your tomatoes, and if using fresh mozzarella, pat it dry with paper towels. Also, don't overload the pizza with toppings - sometimes less is more! Making sure that the oven is hot enough also helps the pizza crust cook properly and evenly.
What are some fun variations I can try on this pizza from dough recipe?
The possibilities are endless! For a white pizza (pizza bianca), skip the tomato sauce and use garlic-infused olive oil, ricotta, and parmesan. Add some roasted vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and onions for a vegetarian delight. How about trying a Hawaiian variation with ham and pineapple, for a sweet and savoury experience - though be warned, that's a topic of debate amongst pizza aficionados!
Is this pizza recipe healthy? What are some things I can do to make it more nutritious?
While delicious, traditional Neapolitan pizza is relatively high in carbohydrates. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat flour in the dough for added fiber. Load up on vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, for extra vitamins and minerals. You could also reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat mozzarella. Remember that nutritional content is an estimate and varies with ingredients and portion sizes - it's about balance, not deprivation!
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