Making pizza is a blend of art and science, and at Pizza Basildon, we've perfected the process to create delicious, authentic Fire Neapolitan Pizza. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the perfect baking technique, every step is crucial. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we make pizza that keeps our customers coming back for more.

The Dough

The foundation of any great pizza is its dough. At Pizza Basildon, we use a traditional Neapolitan dough recipe, which is known for its simplicity and quality. Our dough consists of only four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast.

1. Mixing: We start by mixing high-quality, finely milled 00 flour with water. The hydration level is carefully controlled to ensure the dough is neither too dry nor too sticky.
2. Kneading: The dough is then kneaded until it reaches the perfect elasticity. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten, which gives the dough its structure.
3. Fermentation: After kneading, the dough is left to ferment for at least 24 hours. This slow fermentation process allows the flavors to develop and results in a light, airy crust.

The Sauce

Our pizza sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweet and rich flavor. The tomatoes are crushed and blended with a hint of salt and fresh basil. We avoid cooking the sauce to maintain its fresh and vibrant taste, allowing the natural flavors to shine through when baked.

The Toppings

The beauty of Fire Neapolitan Pizza lies in its simplicity. We use high-quality, fresh ingredients to top our pizzas. Some of our favorite toppings include:

• Mozzarella: We use fresh mozzarella di bufala, which melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the pizza.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves are added to give a burst of aromatic flavor.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors and adds a touch of richness.

The Baking Process

The baking process is what truly sets our pizzas apart. Our Fire Neapolitan Pizzas are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, which reaches temperatures of up to 900°F. This high heat cooks the pizza in just 90 seconds, creating a perfectly charred, crispy crust with a soft and chewy interior.

1. Preparing the Oven: Our wood-fired oven is preheated using a blend of hardwoods, which impart a unique smoky flavor to the pizza.
2. Shaping the Dough: The fermented dough is carefully stretched by hand to form a thin, even crust.
3. Adding the Toppings: The sauce, cheese, and other toppings are added just before the pizza is placed in the oven.
4. Baking: The pizza is slid into the oven using a wooden peel and baked until the crust is blistered and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

The Final Touch

Once the pizza is baked to perfection, it's removed from the oven and allowed to rest for a moment before slicing. This brief resting period ensures that the toppings settle and the flavors meld together.

At Pizza Basildon, every pizza is a labor of love. From the careful selection of ingredients to the precise baking process, we strive to deliver the best Fire Neapolitan Pizza to our customers. Whether you're a longtime pizza enthusiast or new to the world of artisanal pizza, we invite you to experience the magic of our pizza-making process. Come visit us and taste the difference that passion and dedication make.