How to Make Neapolitan Pizza and Roman Pizza at Home Using the Same Dough

How to Make Neapolitan Pizza and Roman Pizza at Home Using the Same Dough is a medium Italian recipe that serves 8. 2100 calories per serving. Recipe by Vincenzo's Plate on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 4 min | Cook: 18 hrs 35 min | Total: 19 hrs 54 min

Cost: $10.57 total, $1.32 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg 00 Flour (00 flour with at least 11% protein; all‑purpose flour can be used as a substitute)
  • 1 tsp Dry Yeast (Active dry yeast)
  • 20 g Table Salt (Fine sea salt)
  • 30 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Divided: some for dough, extra for topping and oiling containers)
  • 600 ml Cold Water (Tap water, chilled; gives 60% hydration)
  • 400 g Canned Peeled Tomatoes (For sauce; blend smooth and season with salt)
  • 200 g Fresh Mozzarella (Cut into small cubes and drained on a colander)
  • 50 g Pecorino Romano (Finely grated)
  • 10 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (Whole leaves for topping)
  • 2 tbsp Fine Semolina (For dusting the work surface and pizza peel)
  • pinch Black Pepper (Optional, added to sauce if desired)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients and Equipment

    Measure out flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and water. Set out all equipment listed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In the mixing bowl, whisk together the 00 flour, salt, and dry yeast until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Water and Knead

    With the stand mixer on medium speed, slowly drizzle the cold water while the mixer runs. Knead for about 5 minutes until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Incorporate Olive Oil

    Pour the measured olive oil into the bowl and continue kneading on medium speed for another 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT2M

  5. First Rest (Room Temperature)

    Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.

    Time: PT20M

  6. Portion Dough into Balls

    Using the kitchen scale, divide the dough into 250 g balls for Neapolitan and 180 g balls for Roman pizzas. Shape each ball by folding the edges underneath to create a smooth top.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Oil Containers and Refrigerate

    Lightly coat each plastic container with a thin layer of olive oil, place one dough ball inside, seal, and refrigerate for 16–24 hours.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Prepare Tomato Sauce

    Blend the canned peeled tomatoes until smooth, add a tablespoon of salt (and pepper if desired), and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Drain Fresh Mozzarella

    Place the mozzarella cubes in a colander, let the whey drain for a few minutes, then pat gently with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Preheat Oven

    If using a pizza oven, preheat to 400 °C for Neapolitan and 320 °C for Roman. For a home oven, set to the highest temperature (usually 250 °C) and use a pizza stone.

    Time: PT30M

  11. Shape Roman Thin‑Crust Pizza

    On a semolina‑dusted surface, press the 180 g dough ball from the edges inward, then gently stretch the center outward to a 10‑inch thin circle.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Bake Roman Pizza

    Transfer the shaped pizza to the peel, spread a thin layer of sauce, add mozzarella cubes, sprinkle pecorino, drizzle a little olive oil on the edges, and bake for 3–3½ minutes at 320 °C.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 320°C

  13. Shape Neapolitan Pizza

    On a semolina‑dusted surface, stretch the 250 g dough ball by pushing the center toward the edges, leaving the outer rim untouched to form a puffy crust.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Bake Neapolitan Pizza

    Place sauce on the base, add fresh basil leaves, then mozzarella and pecorino, drizzle olive oil, and bake for about 90 seconds at 400 °C.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°C

  15. Finish and Serve

    Remove pizzas from the oven, add a final drizzle of olive oil and extra fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
2100
Protein
80 g
Carbohydrates
260 g
Fat
80 g
Fiber
12 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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How to Make Neapolitan Pizza and Roman Pizza at Home Using the Same Dough

Recipe by Vincenzo's Plate

A versatile 60% hydration pizza dough that can be shaped into classic Neapolitan puffy crust or ultra‑crisp Roman thin crust. The recipe walks you through mixing, resting, cold fermentation, and the distinct shaping and baking techniques for each style, using the same dough batch.

MediumItalianServes 8

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

Source Video
1h 39m
Prep
5m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.57
Total cost
$1.32
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Step 5: First Rest (Room Temperature)
  • Step 6: Portion Dough into Balls with correct weight
  • Step 7: Oil Containers and Refrigerate for proper fermentation
  • Step 9: Drain Fresh Mozzarella to avoid soggy crust
  • Step 12: Bake Roman Pizza at 320°C for correct crunch
  • Step 14: Bake Neapolitan Pizza at 400°C for rapid oven spring

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the pizza oven or home oven with extreme care; temperatures reach 400 °C.
  • Use oven mitts and a sturdy peel to avoid burns.
  • Yeast fermentation produces gas; ensure containers are not sealed airtight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Neapolitan pizza originates from Naples and is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. It traditionally uses simple ingredients—tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil—cooked in a wood‑fired oven at very high heat, creating a soft, airy crust with characteristic leopard spots.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Roman thin‑crust pizza in Italian cuisine?

A

Roman pizza, known as "pizza romana" or "pizza al taglio," is typically thinner and crispier than its Neapolitan counterpart. It often features a wider variety of toppings, a light drizzle of olive oil, and is baked at slightly lower temperatures (300‑320 °C) for a longer time to achieve a crunchy texture.

cultural
Q

How is Neapolitan pizza traditionally served in Naples?

A

In Naples, Neapolitan pizza is served whole, often with a few fresh basil leaves on top, a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of grated pecorino. It is eaten with hands, folded slightly, and enjoyed immediately while the crust is still soft and blistered.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Roman thin‑crust pizza traditionally associated with in Italy?

A

Roman thin‑crust pizza is a staple of casual gatherings, street food festivals, and aperitivo hours in Rome. It is commonly sold by the slice in bakeries and pizzerias, making it perfect for quick meals or social snacking.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Neapolitan pizza versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Neapolitan pizza calls for 00 flour (11 % protein), San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and extra‑virgin olive oil. Substitutes like all‑purpose flour, canned peeled tomatoes, or low‑moisture mozzarella work, but they slightly alter texture and flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with the dual‑style pizza made from this dough?

A

Both Neapolitan and Roman pizzas pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, a classic Caprese, or a glass of Italian Chianti or Frascati for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Neapolitan and Roman pizzas with this dough?

A

Common errors include skipping the 20‑minute room‑temperature rest, using the wrong dough ball weight, over‑hydrating the dough, not draining mozzarella, and baking at insufficient temperature. Each mistake can lead to a dense crust or soggy pizza.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use 60% hydration for both Neapolitan and Roman pizzas instead of a higher hydration level?

A

A 60% hydration provides a balanced dough that is pliable enough for thin‑crust stretching yet strong enough to hold air for the Neapolitan puff. Higher hydrations (70‑80%) can make the dough too sticky for precise portioning and may result in an overly airy Roman crust.

technical
Q

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?

A

Yes. After the initial 20‑minute rest, portion the dough into balls, coat containers with olive oil, and refrigerate for 16‑24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the balls wrapped tightly; thaw in the fridge before the final hour‑before‑bake rest.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Roman pizza is done cooking?

A

The Roman pizza should have a golden‑brown, crisp edge with a light puff in the center. The cheese should be melted but not browned, and the crust should emit a faint crunch when tapped.

technical
Q

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

A

The YouTube channel Vincenzo's Plate specializes in authentic Italian cooking, focusing on traditional techniques, regional recipes, and practical home‑cook adaptations of classic dishes.

channel
Q

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

A

Vincenzo's Plate emphasizes using a single versatile dough for multiple pizza styles, detailed hydration control, and clear visual cues for each step, whereas many other channels teach separate doughs for each style.

channel

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