How to Make NEAPOLITAN PIZZA DOUGH like a World Best Pizza Chef

How to Make NEAPOLITAN PIZZA DOUGH like a World Best Pizza Chef is a medium Italian recipe that serves 2. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by Vincenzo's Plate on YouTube.

Prep: 5 hrs 39 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 6 hrs 11 min

Cost: $7.43 total, $3.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • 600 ml Water (room temperature, about 20 °C)
  • 1000 g Type 00 Flour (W value 280‑330, finely milled for pizza)
  • 30 g Fine Sea Salt (Kosher or fine sea salt, dissolved in water)
  • 2 g Fresh Yeast (Active fresh yeast, crumbled)
  • 50 g Extra Flour for Dusting (type 00, kept on work surface)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve Salt

    Pour 600 ml water into the mixing bowl, add 30 g salt and stir until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Initial Flour

    Weigh 100 g of the flour (10 % of total) and add it to the salted water. Mix until a smooth slurry forms; this dilutes the salt and protects the yeast.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Incorporate Yeast

    Crumble 2 g fresh yeast directly into the bowl and stir for a few seconds until it dissolves.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Remaining Flour

    Gradually add the remaining 900 g flour, a handful at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 12 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

    Time: PT12M

  6. First Fermentation

    Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rest for 2 hours at 20‑22 °C.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 20-22°C

  7. Divide into Balls

    Turn the dough onto a clean surface, portion into 4 equal pieces (≈220‑250 g each) and shape each into a tight ball.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Cold Fermentation

    Place each ball in a sealed plastic container, close the lid, and let rest for 24 hours at 16‑18 °C (room temperature in a cool kitchen).

    Time: PT24H

    Temperature: 16-18°C

  9. Bring to Room Temperature

    Remove the balls from the containers, keep covered, and let them sit for another 2 hours at room temperature before shaping.

    Time: PT2H

  10. Preheat Oven and Stone

    Place a pizza stone on the middle rack and preheat the oven to its maximum temperature (≈450 °C / 850 °F) for 45 minutes.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 450°C

  11. Stretch the Dough

    On a well‑floured surface, press the center of a ball with your fingertips, then use both hands to stretch the dough outward, lifting it onto the forearm and rotating until a 12‑inch circle forms with a slightly thicker edge.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Bake the Pizza

    Slide the stretched dough onto a lightly floured pizza peel, add desired toppings, and transfer to the hot stone. Bake for about 90 seconds, rotating once, until the crust is blistered and the bottom is golden.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 450°C

  13. Rest and Serve

    Remove the pizza, let it rest for 1 minute, then slice and enjoy using the traditional “a portafoglio” fold.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
800
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
100 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Yeast

Last updated: March 12, 2026

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How to Make NEAPOLITAN PIZZA DOUGH like a World Best Pizza Chef

Recipe by Vincenzo's Plate

Learn how to make authentic Neapolitan pizza dough from scratch using the proven method of world champion pizzaiolo Johnny. This step‑by‑step guide covers mixing, long fermentation, balling, hand‑stretching and baking at ultra‑high heat for a soft, slightly crisp, elastic crust.

MediumItalianServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29h 32m
Prep
2m
Cook
3h 33m
Cleanup
33h 7m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.43
Total cost
$3.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Dissolving salt before adding the majority of flour to protect the yeast.
  • Maintaining dough temperature between 23‑26 °C during bulk fermentation.
  • Achieving a long, slow fermentation (24 h) at 16‑18 °C for flavor development.
  • Hand‑stretching the dough without a rolling pin to keep the interior airy.
  • Baking at ultra‑high heat (≈450 °C) for a short time to get the characteristic leopard‑spot crust.

Safety Warnings

  • The oven will be extremely hot (≈450 °C); use oven mitts and keep children away.
  • Handle fresh yeast with clean hands to avoid contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Neapolitan pizza dough in Italian cuisine?

A

Neapolitan pizza dough originates from Naples, where it was first made by street vendors in the 18th century. The soft, elastic crust and simple toppings reflect the city's working‑class roots and have become a UNESCO‑recognized culinary heritage.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Neapolitan pizza dough in Italy?

A

In the Campania region, the classic dough uses type 00 flour with a W of 280‑330 and a long, cool fermentation. In nearby regions like Sicily, a slightly higher hydration and the addition of a bit of olive oil are common, creating a softer crumb.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Neapolitan pizza traditionally served in Naples?

A

In Naples, pizza is served whole, hot from the wood‑fired oven, and eaten with a fold‑over “a portafoglio” technique. It is often accompanied by a glass of local red wine or a cold birra.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Neapolitan pizza traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Neapolitan pizza is a staple for family gatherings, street festivals, and casual celebrations. It is especially popular during summer evenings when friends meet for a shared, informal meal.

cultural
Q

What makes Neapolitan pizza dough special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The dough’s high‑protein type 00 flour, low hydration, and long, slow fermentation create a light, airy crumb with a characteristic leopard‑spot crust. The combination of a soft interior and a slightly crisp, elastic edge is unmatched in other Italian pizza styles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Neapolitan pizza dough?

A

Common errors include adding salt directly onto the yeast, using water that is too hot, under‑kneading the dough, and baking at insufficient temperature. Each of these prevents proper gluten development and the rapid oven spring needed for a true Neapolitan crust.

technical
Q

Why does this Neapolitan pizza dough recipe use fresh yeast instead of instant dry yeast?

A

Fresh yeast provides a more subtle, consistent rise and preserves the delicate flavor profile of the dough. It also dissolves quickly when mixed directly into the dough, as shown by Johnny in the video.

technical
Q

Can I make Neapolitan pizza dough ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After the initial 2‑hour bulk rise, divide the dough into balls, seal them in containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the sealed balls for up to a month and thaw in the refrigerator before the final room‑temperature rest.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Neapolitan pizza dough is ready to bake?

A

The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. When pressed in the center, it should spring back, and an internal temperature of 23‑26 °C indicates it is ready for shaping.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Vincenzo's Plate specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Vincenzo's Plate specializes in authentic Italian cooking, with a strong focus on traditional pizza making, regional recipes, and hands‑on technique tutorials presented by Vincenzo and guest experts.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Vincenzo's Plate's approach to Italian pizza differ from other pizza cooking channels?

A

Vincenzo's Plate emphasizes scientific precision—such as flour W values, dough temperature, and fermentation timing—while still celebrating the artisanal, hand‑stretching methods taught by world‑champion pizzaiolos, setting it apart from channels that rely on shortcuts or pre‑made dough.

channel

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