Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe

When it comes to creating the perfect dinner centerpiece, nothing beats a homemade neapolitan pizza dough recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen. This authentic Italian recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly magical.

The beauty of this neapolitan pizza dough recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor that develops through proper fermentation. With just four basic ingredients and a little patience, you'll create dough that's perfectly chewy on the inside with those signature leopard-spotted edges that make neapolitan pizza dough recipe so special.

Why This Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe Creates Restaurant-Quality Results

This traditional approach to neapolitan pizza dough recipe focuses on the fundamentals that Italian pizzaiolos have perfected over centuries. The high-hydration technique creates an incredibly light and airy texture that's impossible to achieve with standard pizza dough methods.

What sets this neapolitan pizza dough recipe apart is the extended cold fermentation process, which develops complex flavors while making the dough easier to digest. The combination of Caputo 00 flour and precise hydration ratios ensures you get that authentic Italian taste and texture that makes neapolitan pizza dough recipe truly exceptional.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Secret Pizza Perfection Tips
• FAQ
• Bring Italy Home Tonight
• Related
• Pairing
• Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Dough

Ingredients

Main Dough Components

• Caputo 00 flour (or high-quality bread flour)
• Lukewarm water
• Fine sea salt
• Active dry yeast (or fresh yeast)

Optional Enhancements

• Extra virgin olive oil (for extra flavor)
• Honey (to feed the yeast)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Mixing the Foundation

1. Dissolve yeast in 100ml of the lukewarm water with honey if using
2. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt
4. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture
5. Gradually add remaining water while mixing with your hands

Step 2: Kneading and Gluten Development

1. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface
2. Knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic
3. The dough should pass the windowpane test (stretch thin without tearing)
4. Form into a smooth ball

Step 3: First Rise and Cold Fermentation

1. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth
2. Let rise at room temperature for 2 hours
3. Punch down gently and divide into 4-6 portions (250-300g each)
4. Shape into tight balls and place in oiled containers
5. Refrigerate for 24-72 hours for optimal flavor development

Expert Cooking Tips

Temperature Control Mastery

Managing dough temperature is crucial for perfect results. Keep your neapolitan pizza dough recipe ingredients at room temperature before mixing, as cold ingredients can slow yeast activation. The ideal dough temperature after kneading should be around 75-78°F.

Key timing considerations:

• Allow 30 minutes for dough balls to come to room temperature before stretching
• Never rush the fermentation process ; longer is always better
• Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor water temperature (should be 70-75°F)

Flour Selection and Handling

• Caputo 00 flour creates the most authentic texture and flavor
• If using bread flour, reduce water by 25ml for proper consistency
• Always weigh ingredients rather than using volume measurements
• Keep extra flour minimal when stretching to maintain dough integrity

Yeast Management

• Fresh yeast produces superior flavor but active dry yeast works excellently
• Never use hot water as it kills yeast cultures
• Test yeast viability by proofing in warm water with sugar before mixing

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

For gluten-free options, substitute with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, though texture will differ significantly. Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if not included in your flour blend.

Whole wheat variation:

• Replace 30% of Caputo flour with whole wheat flour
• Increase water by 50ml to compensate for absorption
• Expect a nuttier flavor and denser texture

Flavor Enhancement Options

• Herb-infused dough: Add 2 tablespoons dried oregano or basil during mixing
• Garlic variation: Mix in 3 minced garlic cloves for aromatic depth
• Sourdough hybrid: Replace 100g flour with active sourdough starter, reduce water by 50ml

Professional tip: Adding a tablespoon of olive oil creates more extensible dough that's easier to stretch.

Equipment Recommendations

Essential tools for perfect neapolitan pizza dough recipe:

• Kitchen scale for precise measurements
• Large mixing bowl (stainless steel or glass)
• Bench scraper for easy handling
• Proofing containers with tight-fitting lids
• Pizza stone or steel for optimal baking results

Budget-friendly alternatives:

• Use measuring cups if scale unavailable (though less accurate)
• Large stockpot can substitute for proofing bowls
• Inverted baking sheet works as pizza stone alternative

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Properly stored dough balls keep for up to 5 days refrigerated. Place in individual oiled containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. The neapolitan pizza dough recipe actually improves with time as flavors develop.

Best practices:

• Label containers with preparation date
• Remove from fridge 30-60 minutes before use
• Oil containers prevent sticking and drying

Freezer Storage Guidelines

• Freeze individual dough balls in airtight containers up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bring to room temperature
• Frozen dough may require slightly longer rising time
• Never refreeze previously frozen dough

Meal prep strategy: Make double batches and freeze half for quick weeknight dinners.

FAQ

Bring Italy Home Tonight

Creating this authentic neapolitan pizza dough recipe transforms any dinner into a special Italian experience that brings family together around the table. The combination of simple ingredients and traditional techniques proves that the best flavors often come from time-honored methods.

Once you master this neapolitan pizza dough recipe, you'll never want to order takeout pizza again. The satisfaction of creating restaurant-quality results at home, combined with the incredible aroma and taste, makes every step worth the effort. For more delicious dinner ideas, try our Pizza Pasta Salad Recipe or Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread Recipe to complete your Italian-inspired meal.

Happy baking! There's nothing quite like homemade pizza magic! 🍕
; Viola

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe: