Vito Iacopelli is a renowned pizza chef, known for his traditional yet perfect pizza dough recipe. If you’ve ever wondered how to replicate his dough at home, you’re in the right place. This blog post will take you through every step, ingredient, and tip you need to master the Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough Recipe. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge to create an authentic pizza dough that rivals the best in Italy!
How to Make Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough Recipe
1. Ingredients for Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough
The ingredients for Vito Iacopelli’s pizza dough are simple, but the magic lies in the process and the quality of each component. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Caputo 00 Flour: This finely milled Italian flour is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture that Vito’s dough is famous for.
- 650 ml (22 oz) Water: Use room temperature water. The hydration level is high in this recipe, making the dough soft and pliable.
- 30 g (1 oz) Salt: Helps control the fermentation process and strengthens the dough.
- 3 g (0.1 oz) Fresh Yeast or 1 g Dry Yeast: The yeast is what makes the dough rise, providing a slight fermentation flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: While this isn’t mixed directly into the dough, a small drizzle can be used when shaping or preparing the dough for its final rise.
2. Instructions: Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
Start by adding the Caputo 00 flour into a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour in about 80% of the water while mixing with your hands or a stand mixer on low speed. The goal is to allow the flour to absorb most of the water before adding the rest.
Step 2: Adding Yeast
Dissolve the yeast into the remaining water. Ensure it’s fully dissolved before adding it to the dough mixture. Once added, continue kneading to incorporate the yeast into the dough.
Step 3: Incorporating Salt
Now, add the salt. It’s essential to add the salt after the yeast has been fully absorbed to prevent the salt from hindering the yeast’s activity. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly sticky, a signature texture of Vito’s pizza dough.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it into a ball. Place it in a large bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, depending on your room’s temperature. The longer the dough ferments, the more flavorful it will be.
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
After the dough has risen, divide it into smaller dough balls (about 250g each for a standard pizza). Gently stretch the dough by hand into your desired pizza shape. Avoid using a rolling pin as it can deflate the dough’s air bubbles, which are key to the light, airy crust.
Step 6: Second Rise
Let the shaped dough rise for an additional 30-60 minutes before topping and baking. This final rise ensures a soft, chewy crust.
Step 7: Baking the Pizza
Preheat your oven to the highest possible setting (around 500°F/260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Cook your pizza for 7-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the toppings are perfectly cooked.
3. Tips for Perfect Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough
- Hydration is Key: The high water content (65%) in Vito’s dough is crucial for achieving the perfect crust. Don’t be afraid if the dough feels slightly sticky—this is normal.
- Slow Fermentation: Allowing the dough to ferment slowly over several hours will yield a dough with more flavor and better texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can let it rise for 4 hours, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your flour and yeast matters. Caputo 00 flour is highly recommended for authentic results. For yeast, fresh yeast is preferred, but dry yeast can be used as a substitute.
- Room Temperature Water: Using water that’s neither too cold nor too hot is important for proper yeast activation. Room temperature water helps ensure the dough ferments evenly.
4. What to Serve with Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough
Now that you’ve mastered how to make Vito’s pizza dough, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside your freshly baked pizza. Here are some ideas for appetizers, desserts, and drinks that complement the pizza experience.
Appetizers:
- Bruschetta: A simple yet flavorful option made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil on toasted bread.
- Caprese Salad: A mix of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Desserts:
- Tiramisu: This creamy, coffee-flavored Italian dessert pairs beautifully with pizza.
- Cannoli: A crispy pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese—perfect to end your pizza night.
Drinks:
- Italian Wine: A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a bold red like Chianti works great.
- Limoncello: A zesty Italian liqueur that is refreshing and light after a hearty pizza meal.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze the pizza dough?
Yes! You can freeze Vito Iacopelli pizza dough after the first rise. Wrap each dough ball in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the dough in the fridge for 12-24 hours, then allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.
How long can I store the dough in the fridge?
You can store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days. The longer it ferments, the more complex the flavor will be. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before using it.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of Caputo 00 flour?
You can, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Caputo 00 flour has a lower protein content, which results in a lighter, airier crust. All-purpose flour will still work but may result in a denser dough.
6. Substitutes for Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough
If you’re unable to find Caputo 00 flour or prefer a different approach, there are alternatives you can try.
- All-Purpose Flour: As mentioned earlier, this can be used in place of Caputo 00 flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, substitute half of the 00 flour with whole wheat flour. This will result in a heartier crust.
- Gluten-Free Flour: If you’re gluten intolerant, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough mix. Just be sure to adjust the water and yeast quantities as necessary.
7. Nutrition Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Vito Iacopelli pizza dough (based on one standard pizza):
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 1g
By following this detailed guide on how to make Vito Iacopelli pizza dough, you’ll be able to create an authentic, delicious pizza at home. The combination of high-quality ingredients and a slow fermentation process is what makes this recipe stand out. Whether you’re serving it up with classic Italian sides or pairing it with your favorite drinks, this dough will bring a taste of Italy straight to your kitchen
Ingredients
The ingredients for Vito Iacopelli's pizza dough are simple, but the magic lies in the process and the quality of each component. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Caputo 00 Flour: This finely milled Italian flour is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture that Vito’s dough is famous for.
- 650 ml (22 oz) Water: Use room temperature water. The hydration level is high in this recipe, making the dough soft and pliable.
- 30 g (1 oz) Salt: Helps control the fermentation process and strengthens the dough.
- 3 g (0.1 oz) Fresh Yeast or 1 g Dry Yeast: The yeast is what makes the dough rise, providing a slight fermentation flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: While this isn’t mixed directly into the dough, a small drizzle can be used when shaping or preparing the dough for its final rise.
Instructions
Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
Start by adding the Caputo 00 flour into a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour in about 80% of the water while mixing with your hands or a stand mixer on low speed. The goal is to allow the flour to absorb most of the water before adding the rest.
Step 2: Adding Yeast
Dissolve the yeast into the remaining water. Ensure it’s fully dissolved before adding it to the dough mixture. Once added, continue kneading to incorporate the yeast into the dough.
Step 3: Incorporating Salt
Now, add the salt. It’s essential to add the salt after the yeast has been fully absorbed to prevent the salt from hindering the yeast's activity. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly sticky, a signature texture of Vito’s pizza dough.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it into a ball. Place it in a large bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, depending on your room’s temperature. The longer the dough ferments, the more flavorful it will be.
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
After the dough has risen, divide it into smaller dough balls (about 250g each for a standard pizza). Gently stretch the dough by hand into your desired pizza shape. Avoid using a rolling pin as it can deflate the dough's air bubbles, which are key to the light, airy crust.
Step 6: Second Rise
Let the shaped dough rise for an additional 30-60 minutes before topping and baking. This final rise ensures a soft, chewy crust.
Step 7: Baking the Pizza
Preheat your oven to the highest possible setting (around 500°F/260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Cook your pizza for 7-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the toppings are perfectly cooked.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Vito Iacopelli Pizza Dough
- Hydration is Key: The high water content (65%) in Vito’s dough is crucial for achieving the perfect crust. Don’t be afraid if the dough feels slightly sticky—this is normal.
- Slow Fermentation: Allowing the dough to ferment slowly over several hours will yield a dough with more flavor and better texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can let it rise for 4 hours, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your flour and yeast matters. Caputo 00 flour is highly recommended for authentic results. For yeast, fresh yeast is preferred, but dry yeast can be used as a substitute.
- Room Temperature Water: Using water that’s neither too cold nor too hot is important for proper yeast activation. Room temperature water helps ensure the dough ferments evenly.
