If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing a slice of Italy straight into your kitchen, this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe is just what you need. It combines a tender, chewy crust with a vibrant, garlicky tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves — capturing the essence of traditional Italian flavors in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe guides you through each step with warmth and simplicity, ensuring your pizza turns out irresistibly delicious every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the flour that creates that perfect, chewy crust to the San Marzano tomatoes giving the sauce its rich, authentic flavor. Together, they build layers of texture, color, and taste that make this pizza truly unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for a soft and elastic dough that holds up beautifully when baked.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: This little ingredient brings your dough to life, making it rise and become delightfully airy.
- 3/4 cup warm water (100°F – 110°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a great rise.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors in both the dough and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps keep it tender.
- 1 can (15 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (crushed): The heart of the sauce with a balanced sweetness and acidity.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that ooey-gooey goodness on top.
- Fresh basil leaves: A fragrant finish that brightens every slice.
How to Make Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast! Combine the warm water and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because you want the yeast to activate and get bubbly. Meanwhile, mix your flour and kosher salt in another bowl. Slowly integrate the yeast mixture into the flour, stirring gently until it comes together. You’ll begin to see the dough take shape, which is the exciting start of your pizza foundation.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer your dough mound to a floured surface and get ready to knead for about 10 minutes. This part is like giving your dough a little workout to develop gluten, which brings out that stretchy, chewy texture we all love. Don’t rush it! When it feels smooth and elastic, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This patience will reward you with a beautifully airy crust.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While your dough is rising, it’s time to build that luscious sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed San Marzano tomatoes with minced garlic. Let it gently simmer for around 15 minutes until it thickens and develops an intense, concentrated flavor. Season lightly with salt, then remove from heat — this simple sauce packs a powerful punch and perfectly complements your crust and toppings.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
To get a crisp, golden crust, preheat your oven to its highest setting — usually around 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside while preheating; it mimics the hot brick ovens of Italy, giving your pizza that beautiful char and perfect bake. This step might seem simple, but it’s essential for achieving that classic pizzeria quality in your own kitchen.
Step 5: Shape Your Pizza
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions because this recipe makes two delicious pizzas. Lay each portion on a floured surface and roll out to your preferred thickness — whether you like it thin and crispy or a little thicker for a soft bite. Shaping the dough is where you start to see your masterpiece come alive.
Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza
Now comes the fun part: layering your pizza. Spread a generous spoonful of your homemade tomato sauce over each dough base, allowing the fresh tomato aroma to tantalize your senses. Next, scatter slices or chunks of fresh mozzarella cheese across the top. Finally, tuck in fresh basil leaves to infuse each slice with herbal brightness. Slide your assembled pizzas onto the preheated stone or baking tray, then bake for about 12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles beautifully.
How to Serve Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Once your pizza comes out of the oven, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few more fresh basil leaves to elevate the flavor. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of flaky sea salt. These final touches add bursts of flavor and make your pizza look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Authentic Italian pizza pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think of a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon juice and olive oil or some roasted vegetables dressed in garlic and herbs. A crisp glass of Italian white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon can round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, slice the pizzas into generous wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards with plenty of napkins and a side of chili oil or pesto. You can also turn your pizza into fun appetizers by cutting it into smaller squares and arranging them on a large platter for sharing. Presentation is all about inviting everyone to savor and enjoy each slice together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store your pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with foil. Keeping it in the fridge maintains freshness for up to 2 days without losing much of that wonderful texture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza after it’s baked. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy your Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe whenever cravings hit, preserving all the taste for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat your pizza in a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp up the base, or pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the crust from becoming soggy and soft.
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour for the dough?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works great and is easily accessible, you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture or even a blend with whole wheat flour for added nuttiness. Just keep in mind that different flours may slightly alter the dough’s hydration needs.
Is fresh mozzarella necessary, or can I use shredded cheese?
Fresh mozzarella is highly recommended because it melts beautifully and provides a creamy texture that shredded cheese just can’t replicate. However, if convenience is key, good-quality shredded mozzarella can stand in a pinch, but the flavor and texture might differ slightly.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries! You can use a regular baking sheet instead. For a crispier crust, preheat the baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza dough on it — this mimics the effect of a pizza stone to a certain extent.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. This slow fermentation enhances flavor and gives more flexibility with your cooking schedule. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I know when the pizza is fully cooked?
Look for a crust that’s golden brown with some charred spots, and cheese that’s bubbling and slightly browned. The pizza should feel firm when gently pressed but still have a bit of bounce, meaning it’s cooked through but not overdone.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe is truly a celebration of simplicity, quality ingredients, and that incomparable Italian zest for delicious food. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a joyful experience you can share with loved ones, made from scratch with love and care. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own cherished favorite in the kitchen!
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Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe guides you through crafting a classic thin-crust pizza with homemade yeast dough, a simple San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Perfectly baked to golden perfection in your oven, this recipe serves two and brings traditional Italian flavors right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (100°F – 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the warm water with active dry yeast and let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour while stirring until fully incorporated into a shaggy dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough into a bowl lightly coated with olive oil, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and minced garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste, then remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature setting, around 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat up for the best crust texture.
- Shape Your Pizza: Punch down the risen dough to release excess air, divide it into two equal portions, and roll each out on a floured surface to your preferred thinness, forming circular pizza bases.
- Assemble Your Pizza: Spread an even layer of the tomato sauce on each pizza base. Top with slices or chunks of fresh mozzarella cheese and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Transfer the pizzas carefully onto the preheated pizza stone or baking tray.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake each pizza in the oven for about 12 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Remove from oven, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven to create a crispy crust.
- Ensure your water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with low-moisture mozzarella for a less watery pizza.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for a lighter, airier crust.
- Feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms or olives if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
