Best Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe
Discover the best Neapolitan pizza dough recipe that's authentic, easy to follow, and perfect for your Chefman Electric Pizza Oven. Learn how to make delicious homemade pizza with a light, airy crust using traditional 00 flour.
Servings: 2 people
Cost: 10.25
Equipment
- Parchment paper optional
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ½ cups 00 flour (440g)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 ¼ cups water warm, around 105°F, 300ml
Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced or torn
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Virgin Olive oil
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.
- Preheat your Chefman Electric Pizza Oven to its highest setting (around 750°F) for at least 20 minutes.
- 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. Note: If you are having trouble moving the dough around, try placing a piece of parchment paper underneath the pizza. This will help transfer the pizza to the pizza peel and into the oven. Cut the parchment paper around the pizza to reduce excess material that could burn in the oven.
- Add Toppings: Spread a thin layer of crushed San Marzano tomatoes (or pizza sauce) over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust. Add mozzarella slices and any other desired toppings (be conservative with/ toppings - heavy pizzas don't turn out as well).
- Bake the Pizza: 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 of olive oil if desired, add fresh basil, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, let the dough ferment in the refrigerator overnight after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before shaping. Use fresh mozzarella and pat it dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. Be gentle when stretching the dough to maintain its airy structure. Avoid using a rolling pin.
Tips:
Preheat your Chefman pizza oven thoroughly. A well-heated stone ensures a crispy crust and evenly cooked pizza.
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.
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.
