Authentic Italian Pizza at Home, Step by Step
Italian pizza is a simple yeasted dough of flour, water, olive oil, salt and sugar, proved for an hour, topped with a reduced tomato sauce and mozzarella, and baked at the highest temperature your oven reaches — ideally 230–250°C — for 10–12 minutes.
- Prep
- 24 min
- Cook
- 27 min
- Total
- 51 min
- Calories
- 285
Pizza is eaten everywhere, but nothing matches the Italian original: a light base, a sauce that has been properly reduced, and restraint with the toppings. Here's how to get there at home with ordinary ingredients and an ordinary oven.
Method
-
1
The dough
In a large bowl, stir the yeast and sugar into the warm water and leave for ten minutes until it activates. Add the flour, salt and olive oil, and knead for ten minutes by hand or five in a mixer. Cover and leave somewhere warm for an hour, or until doubled in size.
-
2
The sauce
In a pan over the heat, soften the garlic in the olive oil. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper and oregano. Let the sauce simmer and reduce until it's fairly thick, 10–15 minutes. Let it cool before you use it.
⏱ 15 min -
3
Shaping
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a medium thickness. Move it onto a greased tray or a pizza stone. Spread a thin layer of sauce, scatter over the mozzarella, and add your toppings.
-
4
Baking
Preheat the oven as hot as it goes — 230–250°C is ideal. Bake on the middle shelf for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the edges have browned. If you have a grill, turn it on for the final minute to colour the top.
⏱ 12 min
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Tips that actually matter
- Italian pizza dough needs no eggs and no milk.
- Use proper pizza flour if you can get it — it gives a lighter, crisper base.
- Fresh mozzarella makes a very noticeable difference.
- Go easy on the sauce and the toppings so the pizza stays light.
- If you have a pizza stone, use it — it gets you much closer to a restaurant base.
What is Italian pizza?
Italian pizza is a traditional dish that originated in Naples. It is known for its light dough, fresh tomato sauce and simple, high-quality ingredients.
The whole secret lies in the dough, the sauce and the right way to bake it.
Ways to enjoy Italian pizza
- A main meal for lunch or dinner.
- A quick bite at get-togethers or parties.
- It can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Why is Italian pizza special?
- A light dough that is easy to digest.
- Fresh ingredients and a balanced flavour.
- Toppings you can vary to suit your taste.
- Quicker and cheaper than ordering one in!
Can I use a ready-made sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce tastes far better and has no preservatives.
Can I cook it in a frying pan instead of the oven?
You can, but the taste and the result won’t be the same as in the oven.
Can I use a cheese other than mozzarella?
Yes, but it’s best to mix it with mozzarella for softness and a good melt.
That's authentic Italian pizza at home — straightforward steps and an excellent result. Make it once and you'll stop ordering in.
Cook mode
Authentic Italian Pizza at Home, Step by Step
-
1
The dough
In a large bowl, stir the yeast and sugar into the warm water and leave for ten minutes until it activates. Add the flour, salt and olive oil, and knead for ten minutes by hand or five in a mixer. Cover and leave somewhere warm for an hour, or until doubled in size.
-
2
The sauce
In a pan over the heat, soften the garlic in the olive oil. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper and oregano. Let the sauce simmer and reduce until it's fairly thick, 10–15 minutes. Let it cool before you use it.
-
3
Shaping
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a medium thickness. Move it onto a greased tray or a pizza stone. Spread a thin layer of sauce, scatter over the mozzarella, and add your toppings.
-
4
Baking
Preheat the oven as hot as it goes — 230–250°C is ideal. Bake on the middle shelf for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the edges have browned. If you have a grill, turn it on for the final minute to colour the top.
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