Pizza isn’t just food—it’s an art form. And like any masterpiece, it starts with the perfect foundation: the dough.
After years of testing and perfecting our craft at Bali Pizza Party, we’ve compiled our essential knowledge into a comprehensive Pizza Dough Guide. Today, we’re sharing the five key elements that make the difference between good pizza and unforgettable pizza.
1. Protein Content Matters More Than Flour Type
While Italian “00” flour gets all the attention, the real secret is the protein content. Choose a strong flour with 12-14% protein content for dough that’s easier to work with and develops better flavor during fermentation. High-protein dough also lasts longer, maintaining quality up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
2. Perfect Weight = Perfect Pizza
For our signature Neapolitan-style 14-inch pizzas, we use precisely 280 grams of dough per ball. This creates the ideal balance between a thin center that cooks quickly and a puffier edge with those gorgeous air pockets and leopard spotting. Consistency in weight ensures every pizza cooks evenly.
3. Hydration Is Your Secret Weapon
Higher hydration (the percentage of water to flour) creates those beautiful airy pockets that make artisanal pizza special. We recommend starting at 65% and working your way up to 68% as your skills improve. Yes, wetter dough is harder to handle, but the results are worth it!
4. Time Creates Flavor
Great dough can’t be rushed. At Bali Pizza Party, we let our dough develop for 24-48 hours through cold fermentation. This slow process breaks down complex carbohydrates, making the dough more digestible while developing those subtle sweet and nutty flavors that quick doughs simply don’t have.
5. When It Comes to Home Baking, Equipment Matters
Your home oven can’t reach the 425-480°C (800-900°F) of professional pizza ovens, but you can still get amazing results with the right setup. Invest in a pizza stone or steel, preheat thoroughly (45-60 minutes), and position it near your broiler element for that perfect crisp-yet-chewy crust.
Create Your Perfect Dough Recipe
To make it easier to apply these principles at home, we’ve built an interactive Pizza Dough Calculator that helps you create the perfect recipe based on:
- How many pizzas you want to make
- Your preferred dough ball weight
- Your climate conditions
- Your desired hydration level
The calculator will generate a precise recipe with flour, water, salt, and yeast measurements, along with custom notes for your specific conditions.
Ready to elevate your pizza game? Head over to our complete Pizza Dough Guide and start creating pizza dough that will impress even the most discerning Italian grandmother.
Got questions about making great pizza at home? Drop us a message—we love talking pizza almost as much as we love making it!
