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Neapolitan pizza dough

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Dough: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Results

Make authentic Neapolitan pizza dough at home with this simple 4-ingredient recipe. Perfect for achieving that soft, chewy, blistered crust, just like in Naples. A 24-hour fermentation brings out rich flavor and airy texture.

  • Total Time: ~24 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 4 x 10-inch pizzas 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 640g 00 flour
  • 360g room temperature water
  • 14g fine salt
  • 0.2g to 0.5g instant yeast (or 3x more if using fresh yeast)

 Toppings (Optional – Per Pizza):

  • 2 tbsp San Marzano tomato sauce (pureed)
  • 1/2 of a 125g mozzarella ball (drained)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional, ~7g)
  • 23 fresh basil leaves
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix Dough:
    In a large bowl, add the water first. Stir in salt and yeast until dissolved. Gradually mix in the flour until a shaggy dough forms.

  2. Autolyse:
    Cover and let the dough rest for 1 hour at room temp.

  3. Knead:
    Knead by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth.

  4. First Fermentation:
    Place dough in the bowl or proofing box. Cover tightly. Let sit at room temperature (around 68–72°F) for 20 hours.

  5. Divide & Proof Again:
    After bulk ferment, divide dough into 4 equal balls (250g each). Place into proofing containers and let rise for 4–6 more hours.

  6. Stretch & Shape:
    Use your fingers to gently press from the center outward, pushing air to the crust. Do NOT press the crust.

  7. Top & Cook:
    Add tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and other toppings.

    • Pizza oven: 850–930°F (450–500°C) – Cook 60–90 seconds, turning.

    • Regular oven: 500°F (260°C) – Cook 6–8 minutes on a pizza stone or steel.

  8. Serve:
    Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle Parmesan and fresh basil, and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use digital scales to precisely measure yeast.
  • Don’t refrigerate during fermentation. Room temp gives the best results.
  • Remove moisture from mozzarella beforehand using paper towels.
  • Always preheat your stone/steel 30 minutes before baking.
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest/Proof Time: 24 hours
  • Cook Time: 60–90 seconds (pizza oven) OR 6–8 minutes (home oven)
  • Method: Dough / Base
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~540 kcal
  • Sodium: ~800mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 110g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 16g