What is Pizza Napoletana?

Pizza Napoletana: The queen of pizzas

Pizza Napoletana is not just any pizza. Originating in Naples, it is one of the best-known and most traditional styles of pizza in the world. A carefully balanced dough, high-quality ingredients and a controlled baking process give it its characteristic flavour and distinctive texture.

Distinctive pizza from Naples

Unlike many other types of pizza, such as Roman-style pizza or New York-style pizza, Pizza Napoletana is characterised by a soft dough that is very thin in the centre, with a light, delicately crisp crust. This combination creates a distinctive texture and a unique mouthfeel.

The combination of soft dough and carefully selected ingredients really brings out the pure flavour and delicate aroma of San Marzano tomatoes, fiordilatte and other high-quality ingredients. When you take a bite, the delicate dough, the slight crispiness of the crust and the intense flavour of the ingredients combine to create a unique mouthfeel. The balanced combination of carefully crafted dough, carefully selected toppings and high baking temperatures defines the unmistakable character of Pizza Napoletana. Its tradition in Naples dates back to the 19th century.

 

The Evolution: Pizza Contemporanea

The Pizza Contemporanea is a modern evolution of Pizza Napoletana. It is distinguished by a significantly higher water content (65–80 per cent or higher) and a more pronounced crust (cornicione). A characteristic feature is a particularly airy crust, which can reach around 4 centimetres or more and is therefore significantly higher than that of the classic Pizza Napoletana.

Compared to the classic Pizza Napoletana, the Contemporanea is baked at a slightly lower temperature (approx. 400 °C) and for slightly longer (total baking time of 2–3 minutes). The longer baking time allows the extra water in the dough – resulting from the higher hydration – to evaporate sufficiently, ensuring that the crumb remains light and airy and does not have a rubbery or chewy texture.

Would you like to learn how to bake Neapolitan pizza? We offer exciting pizza courses in Mallorca.