- Neapolitan is a type of pizza from Naples, Italy that is known for its airy texture
- This pizza is cooked at an extremely high heat for a very short time
- Italian 00 flour is the most important ingredient for obtaining Neapolitan pizza crust’s signature texture
Pizza is pizza, right? Not quite. If you’re craving pizza but your go-to delivery orders aren’t exciting your taste buds tonight, sampling something from another part of the world might be the perfect solution. Much like the United States is home to several regional types of pizza that were first created in specific cities, such as New York, Chicago, and Detroit, there are many more varieties that were born in specific parts of Italy that have not achieved the same level of popularity in the US. Neapolitan pizza is a light and airy local variety from Naples that can take your pizza-enjoying experience to the next level.
Neapolitan Pizza: The Gold Standard of Wood-Fired Tradition
Neapolitan pizza is a regional type of pizza from Naples that is known for its extra-soft, pillowy texture. It typically includes ingredients that are favorites among residents of Naples and the rest of southern Italy, such as basil, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh San Marzano tomatoes. Italian 00 flour plays the most important role in getting the airy crust of this type of pizza just right.
Neapolitan pizza is cooked at an extremely high heat (typically at least 800-900 degrees), which can be achieved in a wood-fired, gas, or electric oven. Limiting this heat to just 60-90 seconds ensures that this pizza’s edges are perfectly charred.
While Neapolitan pizza may not be as well-known in the United States, it is an early and classic choice across Italy and the rest of Europe that helped to pave the way for many of the varieties that Dallas residents are typically familiar with.
New York and Detroit Styles: High-Volume Slices and Crispy Pan Crusts
New York and Detroit style pizza are among the most popular choices in the Dallas area and across the United States. While these varieties are quite different from Neapolitan pizza, their roots still connect them to early styles from Naples and other parts of Italy.
New York Style
New York style pizza pairs perfectly with NYC’s on-the-go lifestyle. This simple pizza type consists of large, flat slices that stay together easily and make a popular quick meal option for walking through the city. New York-style slices are often folded over to make them even easier to eat with one hand, and they are often enjoyed with plain cheese or one or two basic toppings. This pizza’s characteristic chewy texture with a light crisp touch is made using lower-moisture mozzarella, high-gluten flour, and medium-heat gas ovens.
Detroit Style
Often served in rectangles, Detroit-style pizza is a thick, pan-style pizza that is packed with Wisconsin cheese. This pizza is characterized by its caramelized crust, and sauce is typically added after baking. These traits bring Detroit-style pizza much closer to Chicago’s classic deep dish than portable New York slices or Neapolitan pizza.
Experience Authentic Neapolitan Craftsmanship at Partenope Ristorante
At Partenope Ristorante, we are proud to take residents of the Dallas area’s options for enjoying authentic Italian cuisine to the next level. We know that “Italian food” is a much broader term than many people realize, and narrowing our focus to distinct Naples traditions lets us introduce your taste buds to something a bit different.
If you know that you are in the mood for pizza but yet another chain delivery isn’t quite what you are looking for, look no further than sampling one of Partenope Ristorante’s many authentic Neapolitan varieties. With fresh ingredients and a delicious wood-fired flavor, Neapolitan pizza provides just the right balance between your favorite comfort food and something a bit more unique. Reserve your table today to make sure that we have space to introduce you to everything that Neapolitan pizza has to offer.