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Pizza Napoletana Diavola

Pizza Napoletana Diavola balances spicy salami and a crispy crust for an authentic Italian flavor explosion. This dish is loved for its simplicity and bold flavors.
Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or dough scraper
  • Baking stone or steel
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pizza peel or flat baking sheet
  • Saucepan for cooking sauce

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour 500 g
  • 1 ½ cups lukewarm water 360 ml
  • 1 ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp active dry yeast

For the Sauce

  • 1 can San Marzano tomatoes 14 oz / 400 g
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Sea salt to taste

For the Topping

  • 7 oz spicy salami 200 g, such as 'nduja or pepperoni
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese 225 g, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • A sprinkle of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, forming a well in the center. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and pour it into the well.
  • Tip: Let the yeast sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly for better activation.
  • Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Make the Sauce

  • While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
  • Tip: Use fresh tomatoes for a more robust sauce if desired.
  • Add the San Marzano tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Season with sea salt, simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened, and then let cool.

Shape the Dough

  • Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to the highest setting, ideally around 475°F (245°C), with a baking stone inside. Divide the dough into four equal portions and shape each into a ball. Let rest for 15 minutes.
  • Tip: Keep the dough covered to prevent it from drying out.
  • On a floured surface, gently stretch each ball into a 10-12 inch round, maintaining a thicker edge for the crust. Place the shaped dough on a pizza peel lined with parchment paper.

Assemble the Pizza

  • Spread an even layer of sauce over each base, leaving a little edge for the crust. Scatter slices of mozzarella and evenly distribute the spicy salami.
  • Tip: Don’t overload the toppings to ensure a crispy crust.

Bake the Pizza

  • Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated baking stone. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

  • Once done, remove from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes over the top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Pro tips for Pizza Napoletana Diavola
Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
Adjust the spice level by choosing different salami or adding more red pepper flakes.
Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavors.
Let the dough rise longer if you have the time; this improves flavor and texture.
Use a pizza stone to achieve crispy crusts each time.
Keyword Authentic Pizza, Diavola, Napoletana Recipe, Pizza Napoletana, Spicy Italian Pizza