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Pistachio and Stracciatella Neapolitan Pizza

Pistachio and Stracciatella Neapolitan Pizza

Experience a delightful twist on traditional Neapolitan pizza with this Pistachio and Stracciatella creation. The delicate, creamy stracciatella cheese melts into luscious pools atop the perfectly blistered, chewy crust, providing a luxurious base. Crushed pistachios are artfully scattered, offering a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that beautifully complements the mild sweetness of the cheese. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a whisper of sea salt elevate the flavors, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This pizza is a sophisticated yet approachable choice for home cooks seeking to impress with a unique topping combination that speaks to the artisanal spirit of Neapolitan pizza-making. It’s perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, offering a memorable culinary adventure beyond the classic Margherita. The high heat baking method is essential for achieving the signature Neapolitan crust.

Preparation time
30 min
Cooking time
1 hr 30 min
Total time
2 hrs
Servings
2

Instructions

Preparation

  1. 1Preheat your pizza oven or conventional oven to its highest possible temperature (ideally 450-500°C / 850-930°F for a pizza oven, or 250°C / 480°F for a standard oven with a pizza stone) for at least one hour.
  2. 2If using canned San Marzano tomatoes, gently crush them by hand in a bowl. Season with a pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil, mixing well.
  3. 3Roughly crush the shelled pistachios. If using unshelled, ensure they are hulled first.
  4. 4Tear the stracciatella cheese into smaller, manageable pieces.

Assembly and Baking

  1. 1Lightly dust your work surface with flour or semolina. Take one ball of Neapolitan pizza dough and gently stretch it from the center outwards, maintaining a slightly thicker cornicione (crust) around the edge.
  2. 2Transfer the stretched dough to a lightly floured pizza peel. Spoon half of the crushed San Marzano tomato mixture onto the center of the dough, spreading it evenly while leaving a 1-2 cm border for the crust.
  3. 3Carefully slide the pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60-90 seconds in a pizza oven, or 8-12 minutes in a conventional oven, until the crust is puffed, charred in spots, and the base is crispy.
  4. 4Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately scatter half of the torn stracciatella cheese over the hot pizza, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat.
  5. 5Evenly sprinkle half of the crushed pistachios over the cheese. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.
  6. 6Repeat the process for the second pizza. Serve immediately and enjoy the Neapolitan flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories
950 kcal
Protein
35 g
Fat
45 g
Carbs
95 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories950 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat45 g
Carbs95 g

Tips

  • For the best Neapolitan crust, your oven must be as hot as possible. Use a pizza stone or steel to retain heat.
  • Gentle handling of the dough is key. Avoid overworking it to maintain the airy, open crumb structure characteristic of Neapolitan pizza.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese at its creamiest and the crust at its crispiest. A final drizzle of olive oil enhances flavor.

By Chef Michael Ilin