The Best Toppings for Neapolitan Pizza: Keeping It Traditional
When it comes to pizza, few styles are as iconic—or as protected—as Neapolitan pizza. Born in Naples, Italy, this style has earned global admiration for its simplicity, balance, and bold flavor. But one thing that sets Neapolitan pizza apart from the rest is its strict adherence to tradition, especially when it comes to toppings. While modern pizza may invite creativity, authentic Neapolitan pizza embraces a “less is more” approach.
The Foundation of Flavor: What Makes Neapolitan Toppings Unique
Neapolitan pizza is all about balance. The crust, thin in the center and puffed at the edges, is soft and chewy, and it cooks in under two minutes at a blazing 800–900°F. Because of this quick cook time and delicate base, heavy or complicated toppings simply don’t belong. Instead, traditional toppings are chosen for their quality and ability to complement one another.
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San Marzano Tomatoes: These sweet, low-acid tomatoes from the Campania region are the standard for Neapolitan pizza sauce. Crushed by hand and used raw, they create a fresh, vibrant base without overpowering the dough.
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Mozzarella di Bufala or Fior di Latte: Authentic Neapolitan pizza uses fresh, high-moisture mozzarella. Mozzarella di bufala (from water buffalo milk) is creamier and more flavorful, while fior di latte (from cow’s milk) is slightly firmer and milder—both are excellent choices.
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Fresh Basil: A few leaves go a long way. Basil adds a fragrant, herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and acidity of the tomatoes.
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just a drizzle is enough to enhance every bite with richness and aroma.
Optional but still traditional additions include:
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Anchovies (for a salty kick)
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Olives (often black, such as Gaeta)
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Garlic or Oregano (used in pizzas like the Marinara)
Keeping Tradition Alive in Every Slice
Staying true to Neapolitan pizza’s roots means respecting the ingredients and the process. Rather than piling on toppings, the goal is to highlight each component’s natural flavor.
So next time you’re making or ordering pizza, try going back to the basics. With just a handful of traditional toppings, Neapolitan pizza proves that simplicity isn’t boring—it’s brilliant.
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