More than just a meal, Italian pizza is a centuries-old tradition at the heart of Italian cuisine. Unlike the heavily topped, thick-crusted pizzas found in many places around the world, authentic Italian pizza is known for its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and expertly made dough. But what makes a pizza truly Italian? From its history to its key ingredients, let’s explore what sets authentic Italian pizza apart and where you can get a true taste of Italy.

What makes a pizza authentic Italian?

An authentic Italian pizza follows specific guidelines that have been passed down through generations. It all starts with the dough, which is made from just four ingredients: flour, water, yeast and salt. The dough must be kneaded to the perfect consistency and left to rise for at least 24 hours to develop its characteristic airy, chewy texture.

The sauce is another key ingredient. Authentic Italian pizza sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are naturally sweet and slightly acidic. These tomatoes are blended with a touch of salt and extra virgin olive oil, with no added sugar or artificial ingredients.

When it comes to toppings, Italian pizzas embrace minimalism. The focus is on quality ingredients rather than excessive toppings. Traditional pizzas use fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance natural flavors rather than mask them. The finishing touch? Cooking in a wood-fired oven, which gives the crust its signature char and crispy edges.

How to make authentic Italian pizza at home

If you want to experience real Italian pizza without traveling to Italy, you can try making it at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the dough

• Mix 3 ½ cups 00 flour (a finely ground Italian flour), 1 ¼ cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon dry yeast.
• Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Let rise in a covered bowl at room temperature for 24 hours.

2. Prepare the sauce

• Blend the San Marzano tomatoes with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Avoid cooking the sauce-Italian pizza sauce is used fresh to preserve the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

3. Assemble the pizza

• Roll out the dough into a thin circle.
• Spread a thin layer of sauce and top with fresh mozzarella.
• Top with a few fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

4. Bake in a high temperature oven

• If you have a wood-burning oven, bake the pizza at 900°F (480°C) for about 90 seconds.
• In a conventional oven, bake at the highest temperature possible (usually around 500°F (260°C) for 7-10 minutes.

Classic Italian pizza styles

Italy is home to many regional styles of pizza, each with its own unique flavor. Some of the most popular include

• Margherita: The most iconic pizza, with tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. It was created in 1889 in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy.
• Marinara: A simple but flavorful pizza with tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Unlike the Margherita, it does not contain cheese.
• Diavola: A spicy version with Italian salami or pepperoni for a bold and savory taste.
• Funghi e Tartufi: A rich, earthy option made with portobello mushrooms and truffle oil.

Where to eat authentic Italian pizza in Miami

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a truly authentic Italian pizza, Miami’s Mercato Di Mare offers an experience that transports diners straight to Italy. Their margherita, portobello mushroom and pepperoni pizzas are prepared using traditional techniques and the freshest ingredients. 

Reserve your table here at Mercato Di Mare in Miami today and enjoy a dining experience you will never forget.

What are the best drinks to pair with Italian pizza?

Pairing the right drink with pizza enhances the overall dining experience. Here are a few classic pairings:

• Red wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese complements the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of the cheese.

• White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino is a great choice with lighter pizzas, such as those with mushrooms or truffle oil.

• Beer: A cold Italian lager or hoppy IPA will balance the flavors of the pizza crust and toppings.

• Cocktails: A Negroni, with its bitter notes, or an Aperol Spritz, with its citrusy freshness, are both excellent pairings.

Other popular Italian sauces

While tomato sauce is the most common, Italian cuisine offers many other delicious pizza sauces:

• Pesto: Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil, pesto is a flavorful alternative to traditional tomato sauce.
• White Sauce (Bianca): A creamy blend of ricotta, garlic and herbs used for pizzas without tomato sauce.
• Truffle Oil: Used as a finishing touch, truffle oil adds depth and flavor to many gourmet pizzas.

The global love affair with Italian pizza

Authentic Italian pizza has influenced countless pizza styles around the world. While American deep-dish, New York-style, and even stuffed-crust pizzas have gained popularity, traditional Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas remain the gold standard for authenticity. The simplicity, balance, and attention to detail of Italian pizza have made it a cherished dish around the world.

Made at home or enjoyed in a true Italian restaurant, authentic Italian pizza is more than a dish – it is an experience. The combination of simple ingredients, expert preparation, and time-honored cooking methods make it a culinary masterpiece. If you’re in Miami and craving a taste of real Italian pizza, Mercato Di Mare is the perfect place to indulge in this beloved tradition.