The Ideal Temperature for Baking Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza requires high temperatures to achieve a soft, airy crust, a perfectly melted topping, and a crisp yet tender base. Mastering the right temperature ensures a flawless bake every time!

1️⃣ Ideal Baking Temperature

✅ Oven Temperature: 430-500°C (800-930°F)
✅ Baking Stone Temperature: 400-450°C (750-850°F)

At these temperatures, the pizza cooks quickly and evenly, maintaining the perfect balance between a crispy base and a fluffy crust.

2️⃣ Baking Time

⏳ 60-90 seconds

A fast bake is essential for a Neapolitan pizza. The high heat creates a well-risen, golden crust with a soft interior.
⚠ Lower temperatures will extend baking time, altering the dough’s structure and making the crust denser.

3️⃣ Pizza Placement and Heat Management

🔹 Where to place the pizza?

• Place the pizza directly on the baking stone.
• In a wood-fired oven, position it opposite the flame to avoid burning.

🔹 Rotate the pizza for even cooking

• Turn the pizza 180° every 20-30 seconds to ensure uniform browning.
• If needed, slightly lift the pizza with a peel to check if the base is cooked without burning.
  
  

4️⃣ Tips for Gas and Electric Ovens

If you don't have a wood-fired oven, you can still achieve great Neapolitan-style results with proper heat management.

🔥 Maximize oven temperature

• Set your oven to the highest possible temperature (usually 350-400°C / 660-750°F in home ovens).
• Use a baking stone to retain and evenly distribute heat, mimicking a brick oven.

⏳ Adjusted baking time

• In home ovens, baking may take 2-3 minutes, depending on the oven’s power and heat retention.
  
  

5️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌

🚫 Temperature too low (<400°C / 750°F)

• Leads to a dry, tough crust instead of a soft and airy texture.

🚫 Overbaking (>90 seconds)

• The crust may lose its elasticity and become too crispy or dense.

🚫 Cold baking stone

• Ensure the stone is fully preheated before baking to prevent an undercooked, chewy base.