Experience the authentic taste of Italy with this fan-freaking-fantastic best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe, perfectly crafted for the Chefman electric pizza oven. We’re making two 12-inch pizzas using traditional 00 flour for that classic, airy crust.
This classic pizza is a staple in Italian cuisine and is perfect for any time of the year, especially during family gatherings and special occasions. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.
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Best Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe Ingredients
To create the perfect Neapolitan pizza, we’ve selected premium ingredients that capture the essence of Italian cooking. This best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe uses 00 flour to provide a light and airy crust, essential for authentic Neapolitan pizza.
- 3 ½ cups (440g) 00 flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (around 105°F)
- 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Best Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe Instructions
Follow these steps to craft two 12-inch authentic Neapolitan pizzas. We’ve included step photos to guide you through each stage of this best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe.
- Step 1: Activate the yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the 00 flour and sea salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading process is crucial for developing gluten in the best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Gently stretch each dough ball into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Step 6: Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes over the dough, add mozzarella slices, and top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil.
Hint: Preheat your Chefman pizza oven to the highest setting (around 750°F) for at least 20 minutes before baking to ensure a crispy crust. This is essential for achieving the best results in this Neapolitan pizza dough recipe.
Chef’s Note
Be gentle when stretching the dough to maintain its airy structure. Avoid using a rolling pin to keep the crust light and fluffy.
Substitutions
To accommodate different dietary needs or ingredient availability, consider these substitutions:
- Flour – If 00 flour is unavailable, use all-purpose flour for a similar result, though the texture may differ slightly from the best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe.
- Yeast – Instant yeast can replace active dry yeast; skip the activation step.
- Mozzarella – Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives for a vegan option.
Variations
Here are some ways to customize your Neapolitan pizza:
- Spicy – Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a kick.
- Deluxe – Top with prosciutto, arugula, or shaved Parmesan after baking.
- Kid-friendly – Let kids add their favorite toppings like pepperoni or pineapple.
- Large crowd? Check out our eggplant parmesan recipe to round out the meal.
Best Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe Equipment
Using the right equipment can significantly impact the outcome of your recipe. For this best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe, the Chefman Electric Pizza Oven is a game-changer.
My Experience with the Chefman Electric Pizza Oven:
I attempted this recipe about 10 times, resisting the need to buy a pizza oven. I tried pizza stones, smart ovens, grills, and even a wood pellet-powered outdoor pizza oven. Each time, the results were good but not quite what I was aiming for (actually, some attempts were brutal failures). The first time I made pizza in my new Chefman was way better than all of the previous attempts. The oven reaches temperatures up to 750°F, which is crucial for achieving that authentic Neapolitan crust.
Save yourself the frustration and get this indoor oven that reaches 750 degrees! It heats up quickly, fits perfectly on the countertop, and the built-in pizza stone ensures even cooking. Click here to check it out and elevate your homemade pizza experience.
If you don’t have this oven, you can still achieve good results with a regular oven and a quality pizza stone. Preheat your conventional oven to its highest setting and use a pizza stone to replicate similar cooking conditions.
Best Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe Storage
Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best taste.
These pizzas can be frozen after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months.
Top Tip
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh basil and real San Marzano tomatoes make a noticeable difference in flavor, enhancing this best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe.
FAQ
A Neapolitan pizza features a soft, chewy crust made from 00 flour, baked at high temperatures (around 750°F) in a wood-fired oven. It is topped with simple ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, embodying traditional Italian flavors and craftsmanship.
Yes, Neapolitan pizza dough differs from regular pizza dough by using 00 flour, which creates a softer and chewier texture. It also undergoes a longer fermentation process and is baked at higher temperatures (around 750°F), resulting in an airy, blistered crust that sets it apart from standard pizza dough.
Classic pizza encompasses various styles with thicker crusts and a wide range of toppings, while Neapolitan pizza is characterized by its thin, soft, and chewy crust made from 00 flour. Neapolitan pizzas use simple, high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and they are baked at high temperatures (around 750°F) to achieve a blistered, flavorful crust.
Lightly dust the pizza peel with flour or cornmeal before placing the dough on it.
Yes, but the crust will be less chewy and airy compared to using 00 flour.
Using 00 flour, proper kneading, and high-temperature baking create an authentic Neapolitan crust that’s light, airy, and perfectly chewy.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Italian Pairings
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Neapolitan pizza:
Best Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
Toppings
- 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes crushed
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced or torn
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
- Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 00 flour and sea salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading process is crucial for developing gluten in the best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Gently stretch each dough ball into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Add Toppings:
- Spread a thin layer of crushed San Marzano tomatoes over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust. Add mozzarella slices, scatter fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Preheat your Chefman Electric Pizza Oven to its highest setting (around 750°F) for at least 20 minutes. Using a pizza peel, transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden with charred spots and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven, drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh basil and real San Marzano tomatoes make a noticeable difference in flavor, enhancing this best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe. Substitutions: Flour: If 00 flour is unavailable, use all-purpose flour for a similar result, though the texture may differ slightly from the best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe.
Yeast: Instant yeast can replace active dry yeast; skip the activation step.
Mozzarella: Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives for a vegan option.
Variations: Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a kick.
Deluxe: Top with prosciutto, arugula, or shaved Parmesan after baking.
Kid-friendly: Let kids add their favorite toppings like pepperoni or pineapple.
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