Neapolitan Pizza Recipe: How to Make Neapolitan Pizza

For the homemade pizza dough:

• ½ cup, plus ½ tablespoon 00 flour (bread flour is a suitable substitute)
• ½ cup, plus ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup warm water
• ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

For the marinara sauce:

• 1 cup diced San Marzano tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste

For the toppings:

• ½ cup fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese (or regular fresh mozzarella), sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced into ribbons
• Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Red pepper flakes, for serving

Note: The total time does not include 3 hours of inactive time.

1. 1

   Combine the flours and salt in a large bowl.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and olive oil.

3. 3

   Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and knead it together with your hands until the dough forms. Alternatively, combine ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment and mix at low speed to make the dough. Set the dough aside to rest for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Knead the rested dough ball for 2 minutes. Divide it into two pieces and shape each into a ball. Place the dough on a floured surface, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise for 3 to 4 hours at room temperature.

5. 5

   As the dough is rising, make your sauce. In a food processor or blender, add the diced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, and process until smooth, about 30 seconds.

6. 6

   When the dough is almost done rising, place a baking stone, baking steel, or large sheet pan in the oven and preheat the oven to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. 7

   Using a rolling pin, roll each portion of the dough out into a 10-inch circle on a floured work surface.

8. 8

   Brush the dough with additional olive oil and place it in the oven. Transfer the dough to your baking surface inside the oven and bake the crust for 4 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove the pizza crust from the oven and spread the sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the outside of the crust. Top the pizza with buffalo mozzarella cheese.

10. 10

    Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the cheese melts and the crust is golden brown, about 6 minutes.

11. 11

    Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Slice and serve immediately.

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