I’ll admit it—I’m kind of obsessed with pizza.
Whether I’m trying to perfect a crisp Neapolitan crust or tackle a hearty, cheesy Roman-style pie, pizza night in my kitchen has become a bit of a ritual.
If there’s another thing you should know about me, it’s that I love reading and obsessivel collect books.
Over the years, I’ve gathered plenty of pizza cookbooks to level up my home pizza game.
After trying different styles and dough recipes, I’m here to share some of my absolute favorite books that have truly transformed my pizza-making experience.
So, if you’re as passionate about pizza (or books!) as I am, or just looking to perfect your pizza dough recipe, this list is for you.
Let’s dive into some of the best pizza cookbooks that will have you kneading, stretching, and baking your way to perfect pizzas!
My Favorite Pizza Cookbooks for Home Cooks
“The Pizza Bible” by Tony Gemignani
Why It’s Awesome: If you want an in-depth guide to creating all types of pizza—from thin crusts to deep dish—this is the pizza book for you. Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion, covers everything from New York-style to Grandma-style pies, offering expert tips on dough rise, tomato sauce, and mastering the pizza peel.
His Pro Tips:
- Make sure to let your pizza dough sit at room temperature before stretching it.
- Use olive oil and a preheated pizza stone to ensure a crisp crust.
Bonus Points: Gemignani includes QR codes for video tutorials, which are a game-changer for visual learners.
“The Elements of Pizza” by Ken Forkish
Why It’s a Must-Have: This New York Times bestseller covers the fundamentals of pizza-making. Ken Forkish explains the science behind a great dough, using a mixture of bread dough techniques, including the use of sourdough starter. Whether you want a simple pizza dough recipe or an artisan sourdough pizza adventure, this cookbook has you covered.
His Pro Tips:
- Use warm water and instant yeast for faster dough proofing.
- If you’re short on time, use plastic wrap to cover the dough for quicker rise times.
Bonus Points: His techniques work wonders in both a regular home oven and outdoor pizza ovens like Ooni.
“Modernist Pizza” by Nathan Myhrvold and Francisco Migoya
Why It’s Groundbreaking: For the pizza lover who wants to dive into the nitty-gritty details, this multi-volume set explores the science behind perfect pizza. It covers everything from dough mixing, the best ingredients, and the use of pizza steel and baking stones for even cooking.
Their Pro Tips:
- Use pizza flour with a higher gluten content for the perfect pizza crust.
- Master the pizza peel technique to prevent sticking when transferring your pizza to the oven.
Bonus Points: There are entire sections dedicated to using high temperatures and achieving unsurpassed freshness in your homemade pizza.
“The Joy of Pizza” by Dan Richer
Why It’s Fun: This cookbook focuses on perfecting your pizza technique through small, detailed steps. Dan Richer’s enthusiasm for pizza shines through, making this book fun and easy to follow.
His Pro Tips:
- Keep your pizza dough at room temperature for an easier stretch.
- Use parchment paper to transfer your pizza if you’re worried about sticking.
Bonus Points: The recipes are easy to replicate at home, even if you’re a beginner.
“Pizza Camp” by Joe Beddia
Why You’ll Love It: If you want to recreate pizzeria-style pizza at home, this is your go-to. Joe Beddia shares his secrets for making perfect pies using simple ingredients and traditional methods.
His Pro Tips:
- Use cold water in your dough for a longer ferment, which leads to better flavor.
- Try your hand at both thin crust and grandma-style pie.
“Mastering Pizza” by Marc Vetri
Why You Need It: This book covers more than just your classic pizza recipes—it dives into how to use different grains, flours, and techniques to create innovative pizzas. Whether you’re making a traditional pie or getting creative with unique grains, Marc Vetri’s insights are invaluable.
Pro Tips:
- Experiment with different types of flours to elevate your pizza dough, including whole wheat and spelt flour.
- Vetri explains how to use your home oven for professional results, with detailed guidance on cooking times and temperatures.
Tools You Need to Make the Best Pizza at Home
Making great pizza at home requires more than just ingredients—you need the right tools to achieve that restaurant-quality result.
Here are some must-haves for home cooks looking to perfect their pizza-making skills:
1. Pizza Steel or Baking Stone
Both pizza steels and stones are known for their ability to retain heat, ensuring even cooking throughout your pizza. A pizza steel is typically made from thick metal, which allows it to heat up quickly and maintain higher temperatures for a longer period.
This is perfect for achieving a crispy crust, especially on the bottom, which is often hard to achieve with a standard pizza pan. If you’re going for that perfectly golden brown crust, a pizza steel is the way to go.
On the other hand, a pizza stone—usually made from materials like cordierite or ceramic—mimics the heat retention of a traditional wood-fired oven.
The result? A beautifully crisp crust that cooks evenly from top to bottom.
2. Pizza Peel
A pizza peel is an essential tool for transferring your pizza onto the hot baking stone or pizza steel. It allows you to slide the pizza onto the hot surface without disturbing the dough or toppings.
Peels come in various materials, from wooden to metal, and it’s worth investing in a high-quality one if you’re serious about pizza making.
- Wooden Peels: A wooden peel is less likely to stick to your dough, making it easier to slide the pizza into the oven. It’s a great option for assembling your pizza before cooking.
- Metal Peels: Metal peels, on the other hand, are thinner and more maneuverable, which makes them perfect for removing the pizza from the oven once it’s done.
3. Ooni Pizza Oven or Regular Home Oven
For Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Ooni pizza oven has become a favorite for outdoor pizza lovers. These portable ovens are designed to reach incredibly high temperatures (up to 900°F), which allows for quick, even cooking that mimics the heat of a traditional wood-fired oven.
For the Home Cook: If you’re using a regular oven, don’t worry—you can still achieve great pizza results. A pizza steel or baking stone can help you reach those high temperatures that are crucial for crisping up the bottom of your pizza. Preheating your oven with one of these tools is essential for creating a crispy crust.
4. Pizza Cutter
Don’t forget to invest in a quality pizza cutter! Whether you prefer a classic pizza wheel or a rocking cutter, a good tool will help you slice through that perfect crust without dragging the toppings across your pizza.
5. Other Essential Tools
- Pizza Pan or Cast Iron Skillet: If you’re making a deep dish or pan pizza, a heavy-duty pizza pan or cast iron skillet is essential. These tools help retain heat and give your pizza that perfectly golden crust.
- Rolling Pin or Hands for Stretching Dough: Whether you use a rolling pin or prefer the traditional hand-stretching method, evenly stretched dough is key to ensuring your pizza cooks evenly. Be gentle with the dough to preserve its airiness.
- Parchment Paper or Cornmeal: Both can be used to prevent sticking, whether you’re transferring the pizza or baking it on a surface like a baking sheet.
Additional Tips for Perfecting Your Pizza
- Knead the Dough Properly: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives your pizza dough its structure. Let your dough rest after kneading for better rise.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The best pizza starts with the best ingredients—olive oil, pizza flour, and ripe tomatoes for your sauce. A little lemon zest in your sauce can add brightness too!
- Preheat Your Baking Surface: Whether you’re using a baking steel, pizza stone, or pizza pan, make sure to preheat it in your oven. This is essential for a crispy crust.
- Don’t Forget the Olive Oil: Brushing a little olive oil on the edges of your pizza crust before baking gives it that golden brown color and adds a delicious flavor.
Pizza Night at Home with Mortadella Head
At Mortadella Head, we believe pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a passion. That’s why we’ve perfected our Roman-style pizzas—with a crisp crust and traditional ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
When you’re ready for the ultimate pizza night, be sure to check out our frozen pizzas, which are shipped nationwide.
Whether you’re a pizza newbie or a seasoned pro, having the right cookbook on hand can elevate your homemade pizza game.
From mastering the art of dough-making to finding that perfect sauce recipe, these books offer insights, tips, and tricks that will turn your kitchen into a pizzeria.
