When it comes to Italian cuisine, there’s no doubt that pizza is one of the most iconic and popular dishes, winning over the hearts of countless food lovers around the world. But what truly makes a pizza *the* pizza? In this article, we reveal the secrets of the best Italian pizza and present an authentic Roman pizza recipe, and we’ll also tell you where you can taste the best Roman-style pizza in Budapest.
What makes the best Italian pizza perfect?
The best Italian pizza is recognized by its thin, crispy crust, prepared using traditional methods with patience and passion. The secret lies in high-quality ingredients, proper dough handling, and a precise baking process.
Ingredients: Precision in selection
High-quality, fresh ingredients are essential. San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, the finest extra virgin olive oil, and freshly picked basil are the fundamental elements of a true Italian pizza.
The dough: the soul that holds everything together
The secret to perfect pizza dough is time. Long, slow fermentation—typically taking 24–48 hours—allows the flavor and texture of the dough to fully develop. Stretching the dough by hand (never with a machine!) ensures that the air remains inside, making the pizza irresistibly light and crispy.
How is Roman pizza made?
Unlike the more commonly made Neapolitan pizza, which is thicker and airier, Roman pizza is defined by its extremely thin and crispy crust. It bakes quickly, offering bites that are light yet satisfying.
Roman Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500 g pizza flour (type 00)
- 350 ml lukewarm water
- 10 g salt
- 2 g fresh yeast
- Olive oil
- San Marzano tomatoes tomato sauce
- Fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
- Optionally, freshly sliced Italian cured meats
Preparation:
- Dough: Mix the flour, water, and yeast in a large bowl. Once combined, add the salt and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then let it rise, covered, at room temperature for 2 hours, followed by an additional 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preparation for baking: On the day of baking, take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Then divide it into 4 equal portions and stretch each one out thinly.
- Toppings: Spread each pizza with a thin layer of tomato sauce, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and drizzle a little olive oil over it.
- Baking: Bake in a preheated oven at 250°C (preferably using a pizza stone) for about 7–10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Although making the perfect Roman pizza at home in a conventional oven can be challenging—since its signature thin, crispy texture is achieved at temperatures above 450°C—it’s still well worth trying even without a wood-fired oven! And if you’re looking for an authentic experience, at our Trattoria Toscana restaurant we bake our pizzas in a professional pizza oven, ensuring the taste and texture remain truly authentic.
Taste the perfect Roman pizza at Trattoria Toscana!Visit Trattoria Toscanawhere classic Roman pizzas are prepared with respect for Italian culinary traditions, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With us, you don’t just taste a dish—you experience a slice of authentic Italy.
