Are you struggling to remove dough balls from your proofing box? One of the most common pizza-making mistakes is incorrect handling of the dough balls. Without the right tools and techniques, you’ll not get the light and airy crust your dreaming of.
There’s a secret weapon to effortless dough transfer: the pizza spatula. And in this guide, we’ll explore the crucial role a pizza spatula plays when making Neapolitan pizza. In addition to provide a step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively, helping you achieve the perfect Neapolitan pizza crust every time!
By the end of this post, you’ll be well-equipped to effortlessly move your dough from the proofing box, without sticking, frustration, and without compromising the crust. Let’s get started!
What is a pizza spatula?
A pizza spatula is a specialized tool for handling and moving pizza dough when making Neapolitan pizza.
Pizza spatulas are usually made from a flexible material, with a pointy edge and a handle that easily allows you to move your pizza dough balls. The main purpose of a pizza spatula is to loosen and lift pizza dough balls out from the dough box without deforming them or ruining the structure. Incorrect handling of the pizza dough balls is one of the most common mistakes new pizza makers make, and the result is a dense and less tender crust.
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Now that we know what a pizza spatula is, let’s dig into how it can improve your Neapolitan pizza.
How using a pizza spatula will improve your Neapolitan pizza
Where it often goes wrong when making Neapolitan pizza at home is when you try to get the dough balls out from the proofing box.
The problem is that the pizza dough balls stick to each other and to the dough box. This makes it tricky to release them without ruining their shape and structure. And that’s crucial to preserve the air bubbles in the dough to achieve that light, fluffy crust that Neapolitan pizzas are famous for.
That’s where the pizza spatula comes into play!
Thanks to its thin, flexible blade, a pizza spatula can smoothly slide under the dough, detaching it from the proofing box without deflating those precious air bubbles. It provides an easy and efficient way to transfer your dough balls from the rising box to your countertop for stretching.
By using a pizza spatula, you’ll minimize the chances of dough misshapes and preserve the integrity of your dough’s structure. This leads to a better Neapolitan pizza crust.
Benefits of using a pizza spatula for Neapolitan pizza
Using a pizza spatula in your Neapolitan pizza-making process gives several advantages. Let’s break them down:
1. Improved dough handling
With a pizza spatula, you can handle your dough with ease. The thin and flexible design allows for smooth sliding underneath dough balls, making it much easier to lift and transfer them without causing any damage to the dough.
2. Better crust
By preserving the structure of your dough and preventing deflation, a pizza spatula contributes to better crust formation. The end result? Light and airy Neapolitan pizza crust that is truly mouthwatering.
3. Increased efficiency
No more struggling with sticky dough clinging to the proofing box or the other dough balls. A pizza spatula makes the dough-transferring process more efficient, saving you time and effort.
5. Easy cleaning of the proofing box and working surface
A pizza spatula is also a useful tool to scrape off dough and flour from both the proofing box and your countertop, making it easier to clean up after pizza night.
In the next section, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to use your pizza spatula effectively.
How to use a pizza spatula step-by-step
Using a pizza spatula might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips and techniques that can make the process even smoother:
1. Prepare your tools and dough
Before you begin, make sure your pizza spatula and other tools are clean and dry. Have your prepared dough balls resting in the proofing box or rising container.
2. Flour the dough
Sprinkle a generous sprinkle of pizza flour or semolina over the dough ball you want to use.
3. Separate the dough ball
Next, use the edge of the spatula to separate the dough ball from the other dough balls and the walls of the box.
4. Slide the pizza spatula under the dough ball
Make sure you have plenty of flour on your spatula, and gently slide it under the dough ball.
5. Lift the dough ball out from the proofing box
Once your spatula is positioned under the dough, lift the dough from the surface. Be careful to maintain the structure of the dough and avoid popping any air bubbles. You can use your other hand to help balance the dough so it doesn’t fall off the spatula. Next, move the dough over to your working surface to prepare for opening and stretching the dough.
And there you have it! Using a pizza spatula effectively can truly improve your Neapolitan pizza. With these steps in mind, you’re well on your way to making perfectly shaped pizzas with the perfect crust!
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