WOOD-FIRED PIZZAS IN THE BAROSSA PIZZA OVEN

Neapolitan pizza is an Italian classic, known for its soft dough, puffy crust, and unique flavor. This style of pizza is defined by its wood-fired cooking, where the type of wood and the right temperature play a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and taste. Below, we share some tips on selecting the best firewood, reaching the ideal cooking temperature, and a foolproof Neapolitan pizza dough recipe!

Which Firewood to Use?

To achieve the signature smoky flavor and quick, even cooking of Neapolitan pizza, it's best to use hardwoods like white quebracho. It produces steady heat and the perfect flame, enhancing the dough and toppings. Avoid woods like espinillo, as they create excessive smoke and a bitter taste that can ruin your dough.

Ideal Temperature

Neapolitan pizza requires high cooking temperatures, between 430°C and 500°C. At this heat, the pizza cooks in 60 to 90 seconds, resulting in a soft, airy interior with a crispy outer crust.

Pizza Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

• 830g of 000 flour (fine-milled)
• 500ml of water
• 1.5g of fresh yeast or 10g of dry yeast
• 30g of salt
• 20g of olive oil

Preparation:

1️⃣ Mixing: Dissolve the yeast in water. In a large bowl, add 500g of flour and gradually mix in the water until fully combined. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

2️⃣ Kneading: Add the remaining flour and salt, knead until smooth, then incorporate the olive oil. Knead for another 5-10 minutes.

3️⃣ First Rest: Let the dough rest for 1 hour at room temperature.

4️⃣ Portioning & Fermentation: Divide into 4 dough balls and let them rest for 24 to 48 hours in the fridge for optimal flavor and texture. If short on time, let them rise at room temperature for 1.5 hours.

5️⃣ Shaping: Stretch the dough into 25 cm circles, being careful not to press down the edges—this helps them puff up beautifully in the oven.

6️⃣ Cooking: Add your toppings and bake in a preheated wood-fired oven at the ideal temperature for 60-90 seconds, until the crust is golden and crisp, and the center is bubbling.

🔥 Now you're ready to make the perfect Neapolitan pizza in your Barossa wood-fired oven!