Roman Pizza: The Crunchy Soul of the Capital
Roman-style pizza — a firmer, lower-hydration dough rolled thin and baked to a signature crunch.
Ingredients
| — | Tipo 0 or Tipo 00 wheat flour (10–11% protein, W180–240) |
| — | Water (58–60% hydration) |
| — | Tomato sauce |
| — | Mozzarella |
| — | Anchovies |
| — | Oregano |
Instructions
Flour and Dough Roman pizza requires a flour with lower elasticity (W180–240) than Neapolitan dough. This allows the dough to be rolled thinner and baked to a beautiful crunch. You can use Tipo 0 or Tipo 00 wheat flour, but with less protein (around 10–11%). The hydration is lower — around 58–60%.
- Knead for 10–12 minutes, until you have a smooth, slightly firm dough.
- Let it rest for 2 hours at room temperature, then divide into portions, shape into balls, and refrigerate for 12–18 hours.
- Before baking, let the dough come to room temperature for about 1 hour.
Baking Bake on a stone or perforated pan at 280°C (535°F) for 6–8 minutes. The crust should be thin, golden, and crispy, with tiny bubbles and a dry bottom.
Toppings Classic Roman pizza often uses tomato sauce, mozzarella, anchovies, and oregano, but the real essence lies in its variety. Other favorites include:
- Pizza bianca (white pizza) with just olive oil and salt
- Prosciutto and arugula
- Potato and rosemary
Tip: Many beginners make the mistake of using too much water or oil. The Roman pizza dough should be firmer than Neapolitan — that's what gives it the signature crunch. Don't be afraid of the crispness: it's not "dry," it's Roman perfection.