Craving an authentic slice of Italy? Look no further than your own outdoor pizza oven! Italian pizza has a rich history and unbeatable flavor that you can recreate at home. Let's dive into the story behind this beloved dish and learn how to make a mouthwatering Margherita pizza in your outdoor oven.
Pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th or early 19th century. Before that, flatbreads with various toppings had been enjoyed for centuries. The game-changer? The addition of tomatoes, which were brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century.
In 1889, pizza's popularity soared when pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created the iconic Pizza Margherita for Queen Margherita of Savoy. This pizza, featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag, became an instant classic.
Now, let's bring a taste of Naples to your backyard with this simple yet delicious Margherita pizza recipe.
Ingredients:
250g pizza dough
80g San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
100g fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
Fresh basil leaves
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your outdoor pizza oven to 450°C (842°F).
Stretch the pizza dough into a 10-inch circle on a floured pizza peel.
Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
Distribute the mozzarella pieces over the sauce.
Slide the pizza into the oven and cook for 60-90 seconds, rotating as needed.
Remove the pizza when the crust is charred and the cheese is melted.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and add fresh basil leaves.
Slice and enjoy your authentic Italian Margherita pizza!
Questions About Italian Pizza
So, what do the masters focus on when crafting the ideal pizza? According to seasoned pizzaiolos and world champions alike, there are four key elements you can't overlook:
Get these four pieces right, and you’re well on your way to pizza greatness—just like they do in Naples.
Want to take your homemade pizza to the next level? Here’s what the pros emphasize:
Don’t forget, making pizza is part science, part art. Experiment, have fun, and before you know it, you’ll toss dough and scatter toppings with the confidence of a true pizzaiolo.
Learning to make Italian pizza at home isn't just about following a recipe—it's an invitation to explore your own culinary creativity. With just a handful of humble ingredients—flour, water, yeast, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—you have the chance to unleash your imagination and experiment with new combinations and flavors.
Start with the classic Margherita as your base, but don't stop there. Try adding roasted vegetables, spicy Italian sausage, or a handful of arugula after baking for a peppery twist. Play around with different cheeses or even drizzle a touch of honey over a pie topped with tangy gorgonzola.
Mastering pizza dough by hand is a little like learning a new language: each attempt teaches you something new, and before long, you're improvising with confidence. As you develop your skills—stretching dough, finding the perfect balance of toppings, and working with the high heat of your outdoor oven—you'll enjoy the satisfaction that only comes from a homemade masterpiece shared with friends and family.
And don't worry—every pizza, whether round or slightly wonky, promises plenty of joy (and a few good stories).
While the Margherita often takes center stage, Italian pizza offers a flavorful supporting cast. Here are a few beloved classics that showcase regional flair and delicious simplicity:
Of course, these are just a few of the dozens of classic Italian pizzas waiting to be discovered. The key to any of them? Fresh, high-quality ingredients and plenty of authenticity—right from your own backyard oven.
Creating authentic Italian pizza in your backyard can feel intimidating, especially if you've ever tasted the real deal straight from a Neapolitan wood-fired oven. Many home cooks run into troubles such as:
If your first attempts leave you comparing your homemade pies to those from a trattoria in Naples, don’t be discouraged! With a few tips and the right technique, you’ll be well on your way to pizza greatness.
Want to up your pizza game? You're in luck—Neapolitan pizza makers, widely regarded as the best in the world, are more eager than ever to share their secrets beyond the streets of Naples and straight into kitchens everywhere. Thanks to a treasure trove of video tutorials and online masterclasses taught by legends like Gino Sorbillo and Enzo Coccia, pizza enthusiasts can learn the art of crafting authentic Italian pizza without ever leaving home.
These virtual lessons break down everything for the home pizza-maker:
The best part? These courses offer step-by-step instruction so even beginners can confidently recreate classics like Margherita, Marinara, and Capricciosa pizzas. And if you’re the type who likes to show off a little, several courses even offer a sharable certificate for your wall (or your next pizza party brag).
So whether you’re wielding a wooden pizza peel for the first time or you’re a seasoned home pizzaiolo, learning from Italy’s top pizza chefs is now just a click away. With some practice—and perhaps a few joyful, dough-flinging mishaps—you’ll be serving up slices worthy of the piazzas of Naples.
Curious about taking your homemade pizza to the next level? A pizza-making masterclass—especially one led by true Neapolitan experts—offers more than just recipes. Here’s what you can look forward to mastering:
And as a cherry on top, many masterclasses provide a certificate of completion—a perfect conversation starter to hang in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night for friends or seeking a new culinary adventure, these classes will equip you to serve up authentic Neapolitan pizza with confidence and flair.
If you're eager to elevate your homemade pizza game, you're in good company. Several renowned Neapolitan pizzaioli have made it their mission to share traditional techniques and insider tips with pizza lovers worldwide.
Consider Gino Sorbillo, a world champion and celebrated Master of Arts and Crafts in the elite tradition of Pizzaiuoli. Then there's Antonio Falco from the legendary Pizzeria Da Michele in Naples, revered for maintaining old-school authenticity. Davide Civitiello, another world-class talent and Trofeo Caputo winner, lends his expertise to the famed Rosso Pomodoro chain and is a trusted consultant for Mulino Caputo flour.
Not to be overlooked, Enzo Coccia—whose pizzeria La Notizia is a Naples favorite—has also helped inspire countless home cooks with his passion for perfect dough and balance of flavors.
These pizza maestros often host masterclasses and workshops, welcoming anyone hungry to learn the secrets behind Italy’s most cherished export.
Still hungry for more pizza wisdom? If you're aiming to up your game from backyard enthusiast to bona fide pizzaiolo, there’s never been a better time to learn. Online masterclasses and recipe videos open up a whole world of Italian pizza secrets—right in your kitchen.
What makes these resources so valuable?
Plus, many courses even provide certificates—a fun badge of honor for your pizza passion. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, the confidence and skill you gain from these digital masterclasses are sure to make every slice sing.
Ready to bring the flavors of Italy to your backyard? CasaBellaOutdoor.com offers top-quality outdoor pizza ovens that will transform your patio into a pizzeria. Visit CasaBellaOutdoor.com today to explore our range of pizza ovens and start your journey to pizza perfection!
Don't miss out on the ultimate outdoor cooking experience. Subscribe to our newsletter at CasaBellaOutdoor.com for exclusive recipes, tips, and special offers on outdoor pizza ovens.
authentic pizza, homemade pizza, Italian cuisine, margherita pizza, Naples pizza, outdoor cooking, pizza dough, pizza history, pizza oven, wood-fired pizza
Additiona. Italian pizza resources