
Italian Pizza is a beloved dish that originated in Italy and has become popular worldwide. It consists of a thin, crispy crust topped with a variety of ingredients, including tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and various toppings like pepperoni, vegetables, and herbs. Traditional Italian pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven, which imparts a unique smoky flavor and crisp texture to the dough. The most famous types include Margherita (with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) and Napolitana (with anchovies and capers). Italian pizza is known for its simplicity, high-quality ingredients, and perfect balance of flavors.

Italian Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Optional: Toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions for smaller pizzas (or use the entire dough for one large pizza). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Place the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the sliced mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add any additional toppings like pepperoni or vegetables if desired.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer the pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Slice and serve hot.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250-300 (varies depending on toppings)
- Fat: 12-14g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sodium: 400-500mg
Recipe Notes:
- For a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on the pizza stone.
- Feel free to adjust the toppings to your taste (like adding mushrooms, olives, or even prosciutto).
- If you prefer a thicker crust, let the dough rise a little longer before baking.