How to make Classic Neapolitan Pizza Base

Step-by-step

1. Step 1

   Prepare the dough or chosen base for Classic Neapolitan Pizza Base. Bring it to room temperature, flour the surface lightly and preheat the oven with a stone, steel, tray or pan until fully hot.

   Look for: The dough feels relaxed and stretches without snapping back aggressively. Tip: A longer preheat matters more than the dial temperature alone. Avoid: Cold dough tears and bakes dense.

2. Step 2

   Slice, drain, cook or season the toppings for Classic Neapolitan Pizza Base before assembly. Keep wet ingredients separate until the last moment.

   Look for: Toppings look dry on the surface and evenly cut. Tip: Pat watery toppings dry and use stronger flavours in smaller amounts. Avoid: Wet vegetables, pineapple, seafood or fresh cheese can flood the centre.

3. Step 3

   Spread the sauce or oil thinly, add cheese in an even layer and distribute the toppings so every slice has balance without covering the entire surface.

   Look for: You can still see small gaps between toppings. Tip: Put delicate herbs, rocket, burrata or honey on after baking unless the recipe needs them cooked. Avoid: A piled pizza steams instead of browning.

4. Step 4

   Bake until the underside is crisp, the rim is browned and the cheese is bubbling. Rotate once if one side colours faster.

   Look for: The crust has colour, the centre has set and the cheese has browned in spots. Tip: Lift an edge with a peel or spatula to check the underside before serving. Avoid: Removing the pizza when only the cheese looks melted can leave a pale, soft base.

5. Step 5

   Rest for 1–2 minutes, then finish with herbs, oil, chilli, hard cheese, lemon or fresh leaves as suits Classic Neapolitan Pizza Base. Slice with a sharp wheel or knife.

   Look for: The cheese settles slightly and the crust stays crisp when cut. Tip: Finish with one fresh element to make rich pizzas taste brighter. Avoid: Cutting immediately can drag toppings and make the centre look messy.