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Crudaiola 

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush
  • Spoon for spreading sauce
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Pizza Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 packet 7g active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm water 110°F
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella torn into pieces
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup arugula for added flavor and color

Instructions
 

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  • Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then add the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.
  • Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to form a dough.
  • Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Topping
  • Slice the Tomatoes: While the dough rises, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
  • Prep the Mozzarella: Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. If it’s too wet, pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, gently mix the tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside until the dough is ready.
  • Step 3: Shape and Bake the Pizza Base
  • Preheat the Oven: Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for a crispier crust.
  • Roll the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness—around 12 inches for a classic, thin crust.
  • Bake the Base: Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to create a golden, crispy finish. Transfer it onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and firm.
  • Step 4: Add the Fresh Toppings
  • Assemble: Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven. Immediately top it with the tomato-mozzarella mixture and scatter the fresh basil leaves and arugula, if using.
  • Final Touch: Drizzle with a little more olive oil and add a final sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  • Variations, Tips & Dietary Substitutions
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pizza flour blend.
  • Vegan Variation: Swap the mozzarella for vegan cheese or simply add more tomatoes and a dash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
  • Add Protein: Try adding prosciutto slices or shredded cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze for sweetness.