When it comes to pizza styles, everyone’s got their opinion. 

Sure, New York and Chicago are classics, but don’t count out a Cincinnati favorite: the Neapolitan-style pizza.

What Is the Origin of Cincinnati’s Neapolitan Pizza?

Neapolitan pizza is considered to be one of the most classic styles of pizza and is a testament to simplicity in the art of pizza-making. Originally from Naples, Italy — the birthplace of pizza — Neapolitan (or “pizza Napoletana” is a centuries-old tradition tracing back to the 1700s. 

At the time, many were skeptical of eating tomatoes and believed they were poisonous. But as more people started putting them on their flatbreads (cheese would come later), the myth about them disappeared, setting the stage for Naples pizza. In the 1880s, a baker made a special pizza using mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce. The dish was made for the king and queen to reflect the colors of the Italian flag, making it an instant favorite. 

The rest, as they say, is history.

In Cincinnati, this authentic Italian tradition has merged with Midwestern charm for a unique interpretation that keeps the essence of the original while adding a touch of local flavor.

4 Things That Make Cincinnati’s Pizza Napoletana Unique

Want to know just what sets Cincinnati Neapolitan pizza apart from the rest? Here are four reasons:

1. Neapolitan Pizza Dough That Yields a Crispy and Airy Crust

You can’t talk about Neapolitan pizza without mentioning the crust. 

The Neapolitan pizza crust is light, crispy, and delightfully airy when baked right. One of the key ingredients that allows for this is 00 pizza flour, a high-quality variety that’s carefully hand-stretched to the right thickness. The pizza dough ball is then left to ferment and slowly develop the flavor and texture Neapolitan pizza is known for. 

At scorching-hot 900-degree temperatures, the dough transforms into a crust that’s crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside, often with charred spots around the edge, a defining quality of an authentic pizza from Naples.

2. Minimalist Toppings for All Its Variants

Besides the crispy crust, Neapolitan pizzas are known for their minimalist approach to toppings. Embracing the “less is more” philosophy, Naples pizza focuses on the quality of ingredients instead of quantity.  

The result? An uncluttered flavor profile that allows each ingredient to shine and have its say. 

Neapolitan pizzas are usually limited to two or three toppings, and while they can slightly vary, a traditional Neapolitan is a combination of the following:

• Neapolitan pizza sauce 
• Fresh basil leaves 
• Minced garlic
• Extra-virgin olive oil 
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• San Marzano tomatoes 

Marinara pizza

This is a traditional Naples-style pizza topped with tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. Like most Neapolitan pizzas, marinara is known for being simple yet flavorful, with rich tomato notes. 

Margherita pizza

Another of the traditional Neapolitan styles, Margherita pizza is beloved for the harmony it creates with its simplicity and is easily a worldwide favorite. Like the others, Margherita pizzas are topped with tomato sauce, slices of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Other varieties

Outside of Italy, many chefs have put their spin on the classic recipes by experimenting with additional toppings. Some of these include:

• Capers
• Arugula
• Anchovies 
• Mushrooms
• Chili flakes
• Prosciutto (thinly sliced ham) 
• Other cheeses (Provolone, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Pecorino Romano)

3. High-Quality and Locally Sourced Ingredients

Having the right toppings isn’t enough to make authentic Neapolitan pizza. For that, you must also use high-quality ingredients that are organic, fresh, and locally sourced. 

Since Neapolitan pizzas rely on so few toppings, the quality of every single ingredient matters even more than styles with a busier flavor profile. Whether it’s fresh tomatoes, cheese, basil, olive oil, flour, or salt, using the highest-quality ingredients separates a good pizza from one that transports you to Naples on a slice of heaven.  

4. Traditional Pizza Oven

Finally, let’s talk equipment. 

While you can try to make one in your home oven at 500˚F, chances of it looking and tasting like an authentic Neapolitan pizza are slim. 

That’s because the Neapolitan pizza dough needs a scorching-hot environment to rise and sear properly, and only traditional pizza ovens provide those temperatures.

For best results, use a gas-fired brick oven. If you’ve stretched your dough to the right thickness, a traditional Neapolitan pizza should be ready after a bake time of 60 to 90 seconds at 900˚F.

What Is the Best Type of Beer to Go With This Style of Pizza?

Choosing the right beer with a Neapolitan pizza will accentuate the flavor of both, taking the experience to the next level. For a crisp and refreshing contrast, we recommend lighter beers, such as pale ales or lagers, to complement the pizza’s more delicate flavors and savory notes. 

To stay updated on seasonal variants, check out our beer reviews to help you know which beers pair best with pizza.

Discover the Best Homemade Pizza and Local Beer in Cincinnati

If you’re looking for a new Cincinnati pizza place or are tired of the same old Milford pizza menu, you can now enjoy a pint and a slice on the banks of the Little Miami River, where city bustle meets small-town charm. 

Little Miami Brewing Company is proud to offer an authentic experience among the best in Milford pizza places. Whether it’s fresh ingredients, 00 flour pizza, or a diverse selection of seasonal and specialty beers, we always strive to give our guests the highest quality.  

Contact us to learn about our delicious pizzas, seasonal taps, and upcoming events to see how Little Miami Brewing Company can make your next outing more memorable.