If you have been craving a truly mouthwatering pizza that carries the soul of Italy right into your kitchen, this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. There’s something magical about making pizza from scratch—the dough with its tender yet chewy texture, the rich, garlicky tomato sauce simmered to perfection, and the melting fresh mozzarella topped with vibrant basil. This recipe brings together simple, honest ingredients to create an unforgettable meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether for a cozy night in or impressing friends, this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe is guaranteed to delight every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving that beloved Italian pizza flavor and texture. Each one plays a special role, from creating the perfect dough to layering the freshest toppings that burst with color and taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and that classic chewy bite.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: The magic behind the dough’s rise, giving it lightness and airiness.
- 3/4 cup warm water (100°F – 110°F): Activates the yeast without killing it, ensuring a perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough’s taste perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and improves dough elasticity and flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (crushed): A top-notch choice for rich, sweet sauce authenticity.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic depth to your tomato sauce.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature gooey texture.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to perfectly finish the pizza.
How to Make Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, mix the warm water with your yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes so the yeast activates and gets bubbly. Meanwhile, combine the flour and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add the yeast mixture into the flour while stirring until it comes together into a soft dough. This step sets the stage for creating the ideal pizza foundation.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Next, dust your work surface with flour and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading process builds gluten and ensures a dough that’s perfect for stretching out. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for an hour until it doubles in size. This rising time develops flavor and texture like no shortcut can.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While your dough is resting, move on to the tomato sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and minced garlic. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens nicely. Season with a pinch of salt and watch how those simple ingredients transform into an irresistible, garlicky sauce that will coat your pizza beautifully.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
Get your oven blazing hot by preheating it to its highest setting, ideally around 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside during preheating to mimic the intense heat of a wood-fired oven—this helps crisp the crust while keeping the inside tender. A properly heated oven is key to recreating that classic pizza restaurant crust at home.
Step 5: Shape Your Pizza
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then divide it into two equal portions. Roll each one out on a floured surface to whatever thickness you prefer—whether thin and crispy or a bit more substantial, it’s all about your taste. This part is incredibly rewarding because you start seeing your pizza take form in your very hands!
Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza
Spread a generous layer of your homemade sauce over each dough base, making sure to leave a little border for that classic crust. Tear or slice your fresh mozzarella evenly on top and scatter fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal fragrance. Transfer your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking tray and bake for about 12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles delightfully. Then it’s ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Once your pizza comes out of the oven, add a few fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For a dash of extra flavor, sprinkle with some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of sea salt. These simple touches brighten the dish and bring an elegant, restaurant-worthy finish that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
To complement the pizza, try serving fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon and parmesan or some roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze. A chilled glass of your favorite Italian wine or sparkling water with lemon completes the experience, balancing the warm, cheesy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic Italian vibe, present your pizza on a wooden cutting board and cut it into irregular slices with a pizza wheel. Alternatively, serve it family-style with several small pizzas on the table so everyone can choose their favorites. You can even pair bite-sized pizza squares with a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or pesto for a fun twist at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to save any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Proper storage keeps the pizza fresh for up to 2 days without losing its delicious flavors or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them individually in foil and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza maintains its quality for up to 1 month—great for quick meals later on when you want a slice of authentic Italian goodness without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat and revive the crispy crust, pop your leftover pizza in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that signature texture intact and enjoy it almost as fresh as when first baked.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your dough a nuttier flavor and denser texture. You might want to start with a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a balance between healthfulness and traditional chewiness in this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe.
Is it necessary to use San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce?
San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their sweetness and low acidity, making them a top choice that really elevates the sauce’s flavor. However, if you can’t find them, any high-quality canned crushed tomatoes will work well.
How thin should I roll out the dough?
This depends on your personal preference, but traditional Italian pizza often features a fairly thin crust that’s crisp around the edges yet soft inside. Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness to get a beautifully balanced texture in your Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight, which actually deepens the flavor. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries. You can use a baking sheet turned upside down to mimic the effect of a pizza stone. Preheat the sheet in the oven to get it hot before placing your pizza on it, helping to achieve a similar crispy crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about crafting your own pizza from scratch, and this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe captures the heart and soul of traditional Italian cooking so effortlessly. It’s a wonderful excuse to slow down, get a little flour on your hands, and savor each step of the process. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also create lasting memories in your kitchen. Buon appetito!
Print
Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 2 pizzas, serves 2
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Experience the taste of Italy with this authentic Italian pizza recipe. Made from scratch with homemade dough and fresh San Marzano tomato sauce, topped with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil, this pizza brings classic flavors straight to your kitchen. Perfectly baked on a pizza stone for a crisp crust and bubbling cheese, it’s a delightful recipe for any pizza lover.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 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
For the Sauce
- 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, mix warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast. In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix until fully incorporated and a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and minced garlic. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Season with salt according to taste and remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature setting, around 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone inside the oven if available to heat up, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Shape Your Pizza: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion to your preferred thickness to form the pizza bases.
- Assemble Your Pizza: Spread a generous amount of the tomato sauce evenly over each pizza base. Tear or slice the fresh mozzarella and distribute it across the pizzas. Top with fresh basil leaves. Transfer the pizzas onto the preheated pizza stone or baking tray.
- Bake: Bake the pizzas in the hot oven for about 12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Notes
- Warm water for yeast activation is critical; too hot or too cold can kill the yeast.
- Using a pizza stone improves crust texture but is optional; a baking tray works as well.
- Allowing the dough to rise sufficiently results in a lighter, airier crust.
- Fresh San Marzano tomatoes provide authentic flavor but use any good quality crushed tomatoes in a pinch.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
