Pizza is one of the most famous international dishes, and despite the variety of its recipes and methods of preparation, the best way to make authentic Italian pizza is still the most requested because of its rich flavor, simple ingredients, and irresistible classic character. In Italy, pizza is a special philosophy that relies on few ingredients but with high quality and a delicate balance, which makes every bite carry a unique flavor that is different from any other type.
In this article, we will take you on a complete journey from the dough to the presentation, to learn about the best way to make Italian pizza , the secrets of its success, and the most important tools and flavors used in it, while learning about the role of pizza spices and Italian spices in highlighting the true Italian character. We will also present chefs’ tips and mistakes to avoid to get a high-quality Neapolitan or Roman pizza.
What makes Italian pizza special?
Before delving into the details of the best way to make Italian pizza , we must understand the philosophy behind this recipe. Italian cuisine always focuses on:
- Use fresh ingredients.
- A flexible, smooth, and light dough.
- A very simple sauce with no artificial flavors.
- The baking temperature is very high.
- Natural mozzarella cheese, not a substitute.
- Relying on simple Italian spices and aromatic herbs such as basil and oregano.
All these elements make Italian pizza not just a meal, but a complete culinary experience.
How to prepare authentic Italian pizza dough
The dough is the first essential element in the best way to make Italian pizza , as it gives the pizza a thin texture in the middle and a crispy texture at the edges, which is the texture that distinguishes Neapolitan pizza from others.
Dough ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or special pizza flour.
- A glass of lukewarm water.
- One teaspoon of yeast.
- Half a teaspoon of sugar.
- A pinch of salt.
- 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Preparation method
- Mix the water with the yeast and sugar and leave the mixture until it reacts.
- Add the flour and salt gradually, and knead until a soft dough is formed.
- Add the olive oil and continue kneading for 7–10 minutes.
- Cover the dough and leave it for one to two hours to rise.
- When rolling, do not press too hard so that the dough does not lose the air that gives it its lightness.
This is how you get a dough that is best suited for Italian pizza in both taste and texture.
Preparing the authentic Italian sauce
The sauce is the soul of pizza, and the best way to make Italian pizza is with a very simple sauce, in order to highlight the flavor of the tomatoes rather than cover them up.
the components
- A cup of high-quality crushed or canned tomatoes.
- One tablespoon of olive oil.
- A pinch of salt.
- A clove of garlic.
- Half a teaspoon of pizza seasoning .
- Half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning .
- A sprinkle of black pepper.
The method
- Heat the olive oil and add the garlic.
- Add the tomatoes and the spice set.
- The sauce is left to simmer for only 5–10 minutes.
Adding pizza seasoning and Italian seasoning gives the flavor a different depth, which makes this sauce an essential part when preparing the best Italian pizza .
Decoration ingredients and additions
After preparing the dough and sauce, it is the turn of the topping that determines the character of the pizza.
The best authentic Italian additions
- Fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Green basil.
- Tomato slices.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
- Oregano.
- Olive slices (optional).
- Sliced mushrooms (optional).
Italians believe in simplicity, so the fewer the additions, the more pronounced the flavor.
Baking method
When following the best method for Italian pizza , baking at a high temperature is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
Baking steps
- Preheat the oven to its highest setting (250–300).
- Place a pizza stone inside the oven if available.
- Spread out the dough and add the sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings.
- Put it in the oven for 7–10 minutes.
The high oven temperature step is what gives pizza its crispy edges and famous "air bubbles" in the dough.
Why are spices considered the basis of authentic pizza flavor?
To prepare the best Italian pizza , you must rely on high-quality spices, most importantly:
Pizza seasoning
Pizza is given an intense flavor and delicious aroma, and is used in:
- sauce
- dough
- Season the vegetables before adding them
Italian spices
It is used to add a classic Italian touch based on a mixture of basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic.
Using these two types of spices is an essential step to achieving the authentic taste, and the best way to make Italian pizza cannot be achieved without them.
Professional secrets to successful Italian pizza
These are tips used by professional chefs:
- Use special pizza flour for a better texture.
- Don't use too much yeast; Italians prefer a slow fermentation.
- Be careful not to overdo the sauce.
- Use fresh cheese instead of commercially grated cheese.
- Extra virgin olive oil gives pizza a wonderful aroma before serving.
- A light sprinkle of Italian seasoning after the pizza comes out of the oven gives it a distinctive flavor.
Get your Italian flavor with EsnadFood products
To prepare the best Italian pizza at home with the authentic flavor of Italian restaurants, EsnadFood offers you a distinctive range of Italian spices that guarantee you the perfect taste:
Features of Esnad products
- Pizza seasoning with concentrated and pure flavors without any artificial additives.
- Authentic Italian spices with a perfect blend of Italian herbs.
- High quality suitable for professional cooking.
- Airtight packaging to preserve flavor and aroma for a longer period.
Use Esnad products to improve the quality of all your Italian recipes, not just pizza.
Frequently asked questions about the best way to make Italian pizza
What is the best way to make Italian pizza?
Prepare a slow-fermented dough, a simple tomato sauce, and use pizza seasoning and Italian seasoning to create a balanced flavor.
Why is Italian pizza lighter than regular pizza?
Because it relies on a light dough, less sauce, and simple ingredients.
Can regular flour be used?
It's possible, but special pizza flour gives better results.
Should a pizza stone be used?
It's not essential, but it gives a texture closer to restaurants.
Are spices used after baking?
Yes, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or olive oil can be added after baking to enhance the aroma.