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How to Stretch Neapolitan Pizza Dough

Author:

Vincenzo Prosperi

Updated:

12th May, 2025

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How to stretch Neapolitan Pizza Dough

Neapolitan Pizza is renowned for its unique style and flavor, and the key to achieving that is in the dough. Moreover, stretching the pizza dough is an art form. And requires skill, practice, and patience. Additionally, to help you achieve the perfect Neapolitan Pizza. Pizza master Johnny Di Francesco shares his simple steps for stretching the dough and creating the perfect cornicione.

With his expert guidance, you’ll learn how to create a crispy, thin crust with a fluffy, chewy edge that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or just starting out. These tips will help you take your Neapolitan Pizza to the next level.

Watch How to Stretch Pizza dough balls video recipe:

How to STRETCH NEAPOLITAN PIZZA DOUGH like a World Best Pizza Chef

hos to stretch pizza dough

Vincenzo’s Top Tip To Make Neapolitan Pizza Dough

Practice and practice 

The more you practice flipping from your forearm and repeating the motion, the faster you will become and the more your muscles will memorize the movement, making it easier and more natural.

How to stretch pizza dough

How to Stretch Neapolitan Pizza Dough

Print Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins
Servings: 1

Equipment

  • Bench
  • Your hands!

Ingredients

  • Neapolitan pizza dough balls
  • Flour
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • To stretch authentic Neapolitan pizza dough, once 24hr have passed your dough balls should have risen and are ready to use so sprinkle flour on to the bench and place one ball on top.
  • Starting an inch from the bottom and working your way an inch from the top, gently press down using the tips of your fingers.
  • Then stop, turn it over and repeat. Do this once more and you will be left with a small round base with a crust around the rim, also known as a “cornicione”.
  • To stretch the pizza base, place one hand on the inside of the crust and with your other hand, have the three end fingers underneath and the index and thumb on top.
  • Placing your thumb on top (aligned with your pinky underneath) and your index finger on top as well (aligned with the finger next to it) gently stretch the dough out and bring it up and over the top of your opposite forearm, holding it there.
  • When you’re ready, flip it back over and let it hit the bench, then try to repeat this motion of stretching, flipping and then flicking it back over again but (trying to get) faster until your dough has reached a suitable size.
  • Your pizza dough base should now be stretched to a reasonable size but still with the air pockets in the crust.
  • It’s time to add the toppings and finish off your Neapolitan pizza.
  • E ora si mangia, Vincenzo’s Plate….Enjoy!

Video

Author: Vincenzo’s Plate

How to serve Neapolitan Pizza Dough

This classic Neapolitan pizza is best served and eaten hot. Watch my authentic Neapolitan pizza dough recipe to learn the best way to top and cook your pizza and you will never want a different style pizza again!

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/vincenzosplate

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