Do you love pizza? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to learn all about what is Neapolitan style pizza!
This authentic Italian style of pizza has been around for centuries and is known for its delicious crusts, unique shape, and flavorful ingredients. From Housewives to Chefs, anyone interested in cooking can benefit from learning how to make the perfect slice of Neapolitan-style pie.
You may be surprised by just how easy it can be — whether you’re using homemade dough or store-bought — so let’s take a journey together through the history and process that goes into creating this beloved dish!
Let’s know about what is Neapolitan style pizza!
What Is Neapolitan Style Pizza?
Neapolitan style pizza is a type of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is known for its simplicity, with only a few high-quality ingredients used to create a delicious and authentic pizza. The key characteristics of Neapolitan style pizza include:
1. Thin, soft crust: The crust of a Neapolitan pizza is thin and soft, with a slightly chewy texture. It is traditionally made with a high-protein flour, water, salt, and yeast, and is allowed to rise for several hours before being baked in a wood-fired oven.
2. San Marzano tomato sauce: The sauce on a Neapolitan pizza is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity. The sauce is typically made with only a few simple ingredients, like salt and olive oil.
3. Fresh mozzarella cheese: Neapolitan pizza is topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, which is soft and creamy. The cheese is typically sliced or torn into pieces and scattered over the sauce.
4. Simple toppings: Neapolitan pizza typically has only a few toppings, such as fresh basil leaves or sliced garlic. The toppings are meant to complement the flavors of the sauce and cheese, rather than overpower them.
Neapolitan style pizza is often considered the gold standard of pizza, and it has become increasingly popular in pizzerias around the world. It is typically cooked at a high temperature for a short period of time, resulting in a pizza with a crispy crust and melty cheese.
Now, let’s dive more things about what is Neapolitan style pizza!
Neapolitan Style Pizza Ingredients
The ingredients used to make Neapolitan style pizza are simple but of high quality, which is essential for creating an authentic and delicious pizza. Here are the typical ingredients used in Neapolitan style pizza:
1. Flour: The pizza dough is traditionally made with high-protein flour, such as tipo 00 flour, which creates a soft and chewy crust.
2. Water: The dough is mixed with water to form a smooth and elastic dough that can be easily stretched and shaped.
3. Yeast: Yeast is added to the dough to help it rise and develop flavor.
4. Salt: Salt is added to the dough to enhance the flavor and help regulate the fermentation process.
5. San Marzano tomatoes: The sauce on Neapolitan style pizza is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity.
6. Mozzarella cheese: Neapolitan style pizza is topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, which is soft and creamy.
7. Olive oil: Olive oil is used to add flavor and moisture to the pizza dough and to the sauce.
8. Fresh basil: Fresh basil leaves are often added to Neapolitan style pizza as a topping, which adds a fresh and aromatic flavor.
9. Garlic: Garlic is sometimes used as a topping on Neapolitan style pizza, especially in the Margherita pizza.
The simplicity and quality of these ingredients are what make Neapolitan style pizza so delicious and popular around the world.
What Makes Neapolitan Style Pizza Different?
Neapolitan style pizza is different from other types of pizza in several ways. Here are some of the key differences:
1. Thin, soft crust: The crust of a Neapolitan style pizza is thin and soft, with a slightly chewy texture. This is different from other types of pizza, which may have thicker or crispier crusts.
2. San Marzano tomato sauce: The sauce on a Neapolitan style pizza is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity. This is different from other types of pizza, which may use different types of tomato sauce.
3. Fresh mozzarella cheese: Neapolitan style pizza is topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, which is soft and creamy. Other types of pizza may use different types of cheese, such as shredded mozzarella or other types of cheese altogether.
4. Simple toppings: Neapolitan style pizza typically has only a few toppings, such as fresh basil leaves or sliced garlic. This is different from other types of pizza, which may have more complex or numerous toppings.
5. Wood-fired oven: Neapolitan style pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives the pizza a unique smoky flavor and charred crust. Other types of pizza may be cooked in a conventional oven or using different cooking methods.
Overall of what is Neapolitan style pizza, Neapolitan style pizza is known for its simplicity, high-quality ingredients, and unique flavor profile, which sets it apart from other types of pizza.
Ways to Make Neapolitan Style Pizza
To make Neapolitan style pizza at home, you will need a few essential ingredients and tools. Here are the steps to make Neapolitan style pizza:
1. Make the dough: Combine flour, water, yeast, and salt in a bowl and mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, then let it rise for several hours.
2. Make the sauce: Puree San Marzano tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add salt and olive oil to taste.
3. Preheat the oven: Preheat a wood-fired oven to 800-900°F. If you don’t have a wood-fired oven, you can use a conventional oven heated to its highest temperature.
4. Stretch the dough: Place the dough on a floured surface and use your hands to stretch it into a thin, round shape. Leave the edges slightly thicker than the center to create a “cornicione” or crust.
5. Add the sauce and cheese: Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
6. Cook the pizza: Slide the pizza onto a pizza peel and place it in the oven. Cook for 60-90 seconds, rotating the pizza occasionally to ensure even cooking. The pizza should be crispy on the bottom and slightly charred on the edges.
7. Add toppings: Once the pizza is cooked, add any additional toppings, such as fresh basil leaves, sliced garlic, or drizzles of olive oil.
8. Serve: Cut the pizza into slices and serve hot.
Knowing what is Neapolitan style pizza requires some skill and practice, but with the right tools and ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic pizza at home.
How to Store Neapolitan Style Pizza?
To store Neapolitan style pizza, it is important to follow a few simple steps to ensure that the pizza stays fresh and delicious. Here are the steps to store Neapolitan style pizza:
1. Let the pizza cool: After cooking the pizza, let it cool for a few minutes before storing it. This will prevent the crust from getting soggy.
2. Wrap the pizza: Wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to cover the entire pizza.
3. Store in the refrigerator: Place the wrapped pizza in the refrigerator for up to three days. Do not store the pizza at room temperature, as this can cause bacteria to grow and spoil the pizza.
4. Reheat the pizza: To reheat the pizza, preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the pizza on a baking sheet and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. You can also reheat the pizza in a pan on the stovetop, or in a microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.
By following these steps of what is Neapolitan style pizza, you can store your Neapolitan style pizza and enjoy it again later without sacrificing its flavor and quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion of what is Neapolitan style pizza, Neapolitan style pizza is a delicious and unique type of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is known for its thin, soft crust, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and simple toppings like fresh basil and garlic. To make Neapolitan style pizza at home, you will need high-quality ingredients like tipo 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cheese, as well as a wood-fired oven or a conventional oven heated to its highest temperature. To store Neapolitan style pizza, wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, then reheat it in the oven for best results. Overall, Neapolitan style pizza is a classic and delicious dish that is sure to please any pizza lover.
Enjoy cooking with OPS Pizza Kitchen & Cafe! With the answer of what is Neapolitan style pizza, you can make your meal more delicious!
FAQs of What Is Neapolitan Style Pizza
What is Neapolitan style pizza actually?
Neapolitan style pizza is a type of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is known for its thin, soft crust, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and simple toppings like fresh basil and garlic.
What makes Neapolitan style pizza different from other types of pizza?
Neapolitan style pizza is known for its thin, soft crust, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and simple toppings. It is also typically cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a unique smoky flavor and charred crust.
What type of flour is used to make Neapolitan style pizza?
Neapolitan style pizza is traditionally made with high-protein flour, such as tipo 00 flour, which creates a soft and chewy crust.
What type of cheese is used on Neapolitan style pizza?
Neapolitan style pizza is typically topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, which is soft and creamy.
What type of tomato sauce is used on Neapolitan style pizza?
The sauce on Neapolitan style pizza is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity.
What are the typical toppings on Neapolitan style pizza?
Neapolitan style pizza typically has simple toppings, such as fresh basil leaves or sliced garlic.
Can Neapolitan style pizza be made gluten-free?
Yes, Neapolitan style pizza can be made with gluten-free flour, although the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
How is Neapolitan style pizza traditionally cooked?
Neapolitan style pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature, which gives it a unique smoky flavor and charred crust.
What is the nutritional content of Neapolitan style pizza?
The nutritional content of Neapolitan style pizza can vary, but it is generally high in calories, fat, and sodium.
What is Neapolitan style pizza with healthy option?
While Neapolitan style pizza can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it is generally not considered a healthy food due to its high calorie and sodium content.
