If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering the perfect pizza at home, this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures everything that makes classic Italian pizza irresistible: a tender yet crisp crust, fresh San Marzano tomatoes for that rich tang, creamy mozzarella melting in all the right ways, and fragrant basil leaves that add an herbal punch. Following this recipe, you’ll be transported to a sun-kissed Italian kitchen, creating a pizza that’s bursting with genuine flavors and made with simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re a pizza novice or an enthusiast, this recipe makes the magic of Italy feel absolutely achievable and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each plays a critical role in building the flavor, texture, and look of your pizza. From the flour that forms your dough’s backbone to the fresh basil that adds a pop of color and aroma, these essentials come together beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and chewiness for the dough when kneaded properly.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: This little powerhouse helps your dough rise, giving it that airy, light texture.
- 3/4 cup warm water (100°F – 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps bind your dough ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and ensures it stays tender after baking.
- 1 can (15 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (crushed): The heart of your sauce – these tomatoes bring earthy, sweet, and vibrant notes.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses your sauce with a fragrant depth of flavor.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature gooey, creamy topping.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fragrant freshness that finishes every bite with a true Italian touch.
How to Make Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast in warm water, which sets the stage for a dough that will rise perfectly and develop an irresistible airy texture. Mixing the flour and salt separately keeps the salt from interfering with yeast activity, so when you gradually combine the two mixtures, you’re setting up a dough that is elastic and flavorful from the very beginning.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Kneading is where the magic happens—working the dough for about 10 minutes helps develop gluten, giving your pizza that classic chewy bite. After kneading, placing the dough in an oiled bowl and covering it allows it to rise until doubled, creating those little pockets of air that mean a lighter crust and more enjoyable texture.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
This step lets you create a sauce that truly sings. Slowly simmering crushed San Marzano tomatoes with minced garlic concentrates the flavors and softens the acidity, resulting in a thick, luscious sauce. Season lightly with salt to balance the tang, so every bite is garnished with taste and tradition.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
Getting your oven piping hot is essential for authentic Italian pizza. Preheating to 475°F (245°C) and using a pizza stone if you have one ensures your crust will crisp quickly while staying soft inside—mimicking the effects of a wood-fired oven in your own kitchen.
Step 5: Shape Your Pizza
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air and divide into two balls for individual pizzas. Rolling or stretching on a floured surface allows you to customize the thickness—you can choose the thin, slightly crisp style or a bit thicker and chewy, all while maintaining that tender bite.
Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza
Spread your homemade sauce evenly over the dough bases to create a saucy canvas. Generously top with fresh mozzarella and scatter fragrant basil leaves before baking. Sliding the pizza onto your preheated stone or tray and baking for around 12 minutes will give you a golden crust and bubbling cheese that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Once the pizza is out of the oven, adding a few extra fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the flavors even further. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or fresh cracked black pepper brings out the best in each ingredient, making every slice vibrant and memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp green salad tossed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich cheese and dough. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto plate of olives, cured meats, and marinated artichokes also complement the pizza beautifully, rounding out your meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving each pizza individually on wooden boards or colorful plates, garnished with a few basil leaves and a slice of lemon on the side for brightness. Inviting guests to add their own toppings like chili flakes or extra drizzle of oil creates an interactive and festive experience that celebrates the authenticity and joy of Italian pizza-making.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pizza left, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. This keeps the crust from drying out and preserves the freshness of the toppings for your next quick meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them individually in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza should be eaten within 1 to 2 months for the best taste and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat gently to bring back that authentic experience.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your pizza to restore that original crispness is in a hot oven or on a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the crust soggy. A quick reheat in an oven set at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes or until bubbly works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for the dough?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works wonderfully for this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe, using bread flour can give your crust more chewiness due to its higher protein content. Just remember to adjust the water slightly, as different flours absorb liquids differently.
Is fresh mozzarella necessary or can I use shredded mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella is key to achieving the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture classic to this recipe. Shredded mozzarella tends to be drier and melts differently, so while it’s a convenient substitute, fresh mozzarella is worth the extra effort for authenticity.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance! After kneading, let it rise once, then refrigerate it tightly covered. Before using, bring it back to room temperature and give it a brief knead. This slow fermentation can even improve flavor and texture.
Why is a pizza stone recommended for baking?
A pizza stone absorbs and retains heat evenly, which helps crisp up the crust quickly and mimics the effects of a traditional pizza oven. If you don’t have one, a heavy baking sheet turned upside down will also work in a pinch.
Can I add other toppings without losing authenticity?
While this Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe shines with its simplicity, traditional Italian pizzas often welcome ingredients like prosciutto, mushrooms, or artichokes. Just keep the toppings minimal and fresh to maintain that authentic balance and let each component shine.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe is such a joy to make and share, turning simple ingredients into a meal that feels both special and comforting. Each step invites you to slow down and appreciate the magic of well-made pizza—crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and melty cheese all in harmony. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself falling in love with homemade pizza as much as I have!
Print
Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 2 pizzas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe brings the classic flavors of Italy to your home kitchen. Featuring a tender handmade dough, a rich San Marzano tomato sauce infused with garlic, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, this pizza is baked to golden perfection on a hot oven stone or tray. Perfect for serving two, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian pizza with simple, high-quality ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
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
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, combine warm water with active dry yeast and let sit for 5 minutes to activate. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with kosher salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir until fully combined to form the dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for approximately 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the Sauce: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with minced garlic. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste and remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to its highest temperature, around 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone inside the oven if you have one, to preheat as well, ensuring a crisp bottom crust.
- Shape Your Pizza: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion to your preferred thickness, shaping them into rounds or desired pizza shapes.
- Assemble Your Pizza: Spread a generous layer of the prepared tomato sauce across each pizza base. Evenly distribute slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Carefully transfer the pizzas onto the preheated pizza stone or baking tray.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizzas in the oven for about 12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, a preheated baking tray works well as an alternative.
- Letting the dough rise fully will make the crust light and airy.
- You can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure the water used to activate yeast is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
