Blog

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Pizza at Home

Making the perfect pizza at home may seem difficult at first, but with a bit of practice and attention, anyone can succeed. There are common mistakes that can ruin your pizza, so it’s important to avoid them in order to achieve a crispy and delicious result, just like a professional pizza. Here are the 5 mistakes to avoid:

1. Choosing the Wrong Flour

A frequent mistake is using the wrong type of flour. Type "00" flour is ideal for Neapolitan pizza due to its fineness and absorption capacity. If you use less refined flours, the dough can become elastic or hard to digest.

Tip: Use specific flours for pizza, such as those with the correct W value (strength). For a firmer dough, mix type "00" flour with Manitoba flour.

2. Not Allowing Enough Time for Fermentation

Fermentation is crucial for good dough. If you reduce fermentation time or use too much yeast, the dough will become heavy and indigestible. Proper fermentation also enhances flavor.

Tip: Let the dough rest for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator. This will give you a light and flavorful base.

3. Rolling Out the Dough Too Thinly

Many believe that a thinner dough results in a crispier pizza. However, if it’s too thin, it may burn or lose its proper softness.

Tip: Roll out the dough by hand, leaving a 1-2 cm crust. This ensures optimal cooking and structure.

4. Using Cold Ingredients

Adding cold ingredients like mozzarella or vegetables directly onto the pizza can slow down cooking and negatively affect quality.

Tip: Bring ingredients to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using them. Make sure to pat the mozzarella dry to limit moisture.

5. Cooking at Low Temperatures

A common mistake is cooking pizza at low temperatures (200-250°C). The ideal temperatures are higher (450-500°C). Cooking at low temperatures can make the pizza chewy.

Tip: If you own an electric oven like the Diavola Pro 3.0, you can use the BOOST function to reach high temperatures. Ensure the oven is well preheated before cooking.

Learn and Become an Expert

Avoiding these mistakes will improve your homemade pizzas. Choosing the right ingredients and paying attention to preparation and cooking will allow you to make delicious pizzas at home. Experiment, learn from your attempts, and have fun in the process. Discover the secrets to a perfect pizza and make every dinner a special occasion!