How to Make Authentic Italian Pizza at Home

Make authentic Italian pizza at home with a thin dough, simple tomato sauce, quality toppings, and high-heat baking. Finish with olive oil and fresh basil for true flavor.

Share on Linkedin Share on WhatsApp

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Article image How to Make Authentic Italian Pizza at Home

Italian pizza is a culinary masterpiece, celebrated for its thin crust, rich sauce, and simple yet flavorful toppings. Making authentic Italian pizza at home is easier than you might think, and with the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate the magic of a traditional pizzeria in your kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect Italian pizza.

1. Choose the Right Dough

The foundation of an authentic Italian pizza is the dough. Traditional Italian pizza dough is made with just a few simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. The key to great pizza dough is allowing it to rise slowly, which develops the flavor and texture.

Basic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe:

  • Ingredients:
    • 500g of type “00” flour (or all-purpose flour)
    • 325ml of warm water
    • 7g of active dry yeast
    • 2 teaspoons of salt
    • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Steps:
    1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
    2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
    3. Slowly add the yeast mixture to the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
    4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    5. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce

A simple and flavorful tomato sauce is the hallmark of a classic Italian pizza. The sauce should complement, not overpower, the dough and toppings. Use high-quality tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, to achieve the best flavor.

Authentic Pizza Sauce Recipe:

  • Ingredients:
    • 400g can of San Marzano tomatoes
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • A pinch of dried oregano
    • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • Steps:
    1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
    2. Add the canned tomatoes, crushing them with a spoon as they cook.
    3. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano, and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
    4. For extra freshness, add a few basil leaves at the end.

3. Choose Your Toppings Wisely

Traditional Italian pizzas are known for their simplicity. Rather than piling on a lot of toppings, focus on a few high-quality ingredients. The classics include fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Popular Toppings for Italian Pizza:

  • Margherita: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
  • Quattro Formaggi: A blend of four cheeses, typically mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, and ricotta.
  • Prosciutto e Rucola: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, and fresh arugula.
  • Funghi e Tartufo: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, and a drizzle of truffle oil.

4. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Authentic Italian pizzas are known for their thin, crispy crusts, so aim to stretch the dough thin without tearing it.

How to Shape Pizza Dough:

  1. Divide the dough into two equal portions for two pizzas.
  2. On a floured surface, gently stretch each portion into a round shape using your hands. Avoid using a rolling pin, as this can press out the air bubbles that create a light, airy crust.
  3. Aim for a thin center and slightly thicker edges for a perfect pizza crust.

5. Bake the Pizza

Baking at high temperatures is key to achieving a crispy crust and melty toppings. If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven to mimic the effect of a wood-fired pizza oven.

Baking Tips:

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) or as high as it will go, with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
  • Transfer the Pizza: Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel, then top with sauce and your chosen toppings.
  • Bake: Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

6. Finish with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs

After baking, finish your pizza with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor and authenticity.

Conclusion

Making authentic Italian pizza at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. By following these steps—choosing the right dough, preparing a flavorful sauce, and baking at high heat—you can create a pizza that transports you to the heart of Italy. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a rich Quattro Formaggi, your homemade pizza will be a hit with family and friends.

The Science Behind Perfect BBQ: Understanding Heat, Smoke, and Flavor

Master the science of BBQ with heat, smoke and flavor control. Professional techniques ensure juicy, aromatic and unforgettable meat.

Mastering BBQ Techniques: Elevating Your Barbecue Skills for Professional Results

Learn professional barbecue techniques, from heat control to smoking, and elevate your cooking with creativity, practice and technical knowledge.

Understanding Ohm’s Law: The Foundation of Electrical Circuits

Ohm’s Law explains voltage, current, and resistance relationships, forming the essential foundation for electricians in circuit design and troubleshooting.

Introduction to Basic Electronics: Key Concepts Every Aspiring Electrician Should Know

Fundamentos da eletrônica básica essenciais para eletricistas iniciantes, preparando para carreira e estudos avançados no setor elétrico.

How to Safely Use a Multimeter: Essential Skills for Aspiring Electricians

Aprenda a usar o multímetro com segurança e confiança—uma ferramenta essencial para quem está começando na área elétrica ou em eletrônica básica.

Exploring Electronic Components: A Beginner’s Guide for Electricians

Descubra os principais componentes eletrônicos — resistores, capacitores, diodos e mais — essenciais para o aprendizado prático de futuros eletricistas.

Modern Bakery Techniques: Innovating with Sourdough, Rye, and Gluten-Free Breads

Aprenda técnicas modernas de panificação com foco em fermentação natural, pães de centeio e receitas sem glúten para um público cada vez mais exigente.

From Oven to Table: Essential Skills for Professional Bakery Success

Learn essential baking, business, and presentation skills to build a creative and successful career in the bakery industry.

+ 9 million
students

Free and Valid
Certificate

60 thousand free
exercises

4.8/5 rating in
app stores

Free courses in
video and ebooks