Authentic Italian Wood-Fired Pizza at Home

Introduction

Bringing the taste of an authentic Italian wood-fired pizza to your home kitchen is easier than you think! This recipe combines a classic, thin-crust Neapolitan-style dough with simple, high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Cooking it on a hot grill, like the Arteflame, or in a wood-fired oven helps recreate that crispy, slightly charred crust that’s iconic in Italy. Let’s make a pizza that tastes like it came straight from Naples!

Ingredients

For the Dough (makes 2 pizzas):

• 3 1/2 cups (450g) 00 flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) lukewarm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• A pinch of sugar (optional)

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the lukewarm water and yeast, allowing it to activate for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Gradually pour the yeast mixture into the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Add the olive oil and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce

While the dough rises, make the pizza sauce. In a small bowl, mix the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (optional). Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Preheat Your Grill or Wood-Fired Oven

For the best results, use an Arteflame grill with the optional Pizza Oven. Preheat the grill for about 20 minutes until the temperature inside the oven reaches 700-900°F (370-480°C). Move the charcoal / wood away from being directly underneath the place where you'll be baking the pizza.  This way the toppings bake at the same speed as the crust.

4. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll or stretch each portion into a thin circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter. Be careful not to flatten the edges too much to maintain a slightly raised crust.

5. Assemble the Pizza

Transfer the shaped dough onto a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving about 1 inch of the border uncovered for the crust. Add slices of fresh mozzarella and a few torn basil leaves.

6. Cook the Pizza

Slide the pizza onto the hot Pizza Oven. and cook for 2-4 minutes, rotating the pizza halfway through to ensure even cooking. The pizza should have a beautifully charred, bubbly crust and melted cheese.

7. Finish with Olive Oil and Basil

Once the pizza is done, remove it from the grill or oven and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Top with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your authentic Italian wood-fired pizza!

Tips

• Hot Grill: The hotter, the better! High heat is essential for that authentic Neapolitan-style crust with a slight char.
• Stretch, Don’t Roll: For the best crust, stretch the dough by hand rather than rolling it with a pin to retain air bubbles in the dough.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil ensures the best flavor for your pizza.

Variations

1. Pizza Margherita: Keep it simple with just tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil for the classic Margherita pizza.
2. Pizza Quattro Formaggi: Use a mix of four cheeses (mozzarella, gorgonzola, Parmesan, and fontina) for a rich, cheesy pizza.
3. Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza: Top the pizza with thin slices of prosciutto and fresh arugula after cooking for a fresh, savory bite.
4. Spicy Salami Pizza: Add spicy Italian salami or soppressata for a bit of heat.
5. Vegetarian Pizza: Add roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives for a delicious veggie version.

Best Pairings

• A light, crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant
• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Gelato or tiramisu for dessert