Recipes & Tips
Learn to make authentic Neapolitan pizza at home with our recipes and tips. Simple dough and sauce recipes, oven safety, and home pizza-making tips from La Fornara.
Recipes
Simple recipes for making authentic Neapolitan pizza at home
Simple Neapolitan Pizza Dough
A basic recipe for authentic Neapolitan pizza dough. Requires patience and proper fermentation for the best results.
Ingredients
- 500g Italian 00 flour
- 325ml water (room temperature)
- 10g sea salt
- 2g fresh yeast
Instructions
- 1Dissolve yeast in water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- 2Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
- 3Gradually add water mixture and knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth.
- 4Cover and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours.
- 5Divide into 4 balls and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.
- 6Remove from refrigerator 2 hours before baking.
Classic Pizza Sauce
Simple, authentic pizza sauce using San Marzano tomatoes. No cooking required—just quality ingredients.
Ingredients
- 400g San Marzano tomatoes (canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- 1Drain tomatoes and crush by hand or with a fork.
- 2Mix in minced garlic and sea salt.
- 3Add olive oil and stir gently.
- 4Tear fresh basil leaves and mix in.
- 5Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Tips & Techniques
Essential tips for making great pizza at home
Oven Safety
When using a wood-fired oven or pizza stone at home, always preheat for at least 30 minutes. Use proper heat-resistant gloves and keep children away from hot surfaces. Never leave the oven unattended while in use.
Temperature Control
For home ovens, use the highest temperature setting (usually 500-550°F). Preheat your pizza stone or steel for at least 30 minutes. The stone should be smoking hot before placing the pizza.
Dough Handling
Handle the dough gently to preserve air bubbles. Use flour on your hands and work surface, but don't over-flour. Stretch the dough from the center outward, leaving a thicker cornicione (edge).
Toppings
Less is more with Neapolitan pizza. Use quality ingredients sparingly. Don't overload the pizza—too many toppings will prevent the dough from cooking properly and create a soggy crust.
Experience the Real Thing
While these recipes are great for home, nothing compares to authentic Neapolitan pizza made in our wood-fired oven. Visit La Fornara in Naples to taste the difference.