Master Pizzaiolo Franco Pepe Unveils Pizza Secrets in New Cookbook
Franco Pepe, the celebrated Italian pizzaiolo and star of Netflix's Chef's Table: Pizza, has finally released his long-awaited cookbook, Franco Pepe: Pizza Chef. Published by Phaidon in 2025, this culinary masterpiece offers home cooks an unprecedented look into the techniques and philosophy of one of the world's most respected pizza makers.
The Journey of a Pizza Pioneer
As a third-generation baker and pizza-maker from Caiazzo in Italy's Campania region, Pepe carries forward a rich family tradition while establishing his own innovative path. He opened his acclaimed restaurant, Pepe in Grani, in 2012, transforming it into a global destination for pizza enthusiasts. Recognized as "a pioneer of terroir-driven pizza," Pepe earned the No. 2 spot at the 2025 Best Pizza Awards in Milan, following two consecutive years as the top-ranked pizzaiolo.
In his new book, Pepe shares not just recipes but his entire culinary philosophy. "The message behind the book is very deep," Pepe explained through his executive assistant Alfredo Vito, who served as interpreter during a video interview with National Post. "It's about believing in your ideas, even without financial backing. Because if you develop competence and a strong will, you can have a course, a story, a path, and you'll be doing great things."
The Foundation: Handmade Pizza Dough
At the heart of Pepe's pizza mastery lies his dedication to handmade dough, using techniques passed down from his grandfather Francesco and father Stefano. "I strive to use the dough as a universal language," Pepe revealed. "I don't speak other languages, but I do speak the language of food. If you use the dough as a tool, you can tell a really great story. The story is about the farmers, the producers, the ingredients of our territory that can be read on a pizza."
This dough serves as the foundation for Pepe's innovative pizza creations, which showcase the distinctive flavors of his native territory—the countryside around Caiazzo in the province of Caserta. After declining book opportunities for 13 years, Pepe felt the time was right to share his story and inspire both aspiring pizzaioli and home cooks.
Three Signature Recipes Revealed
The cookbook features 30 carefully curated recipes, including Pepe's "secret recipe" for pizza dough that forms the basis of all his creations. Among the standout pizza recipes are:
- Il Sole Nel Piatto: A vibrant pizza that captures the essence of Italian sunshine on a plate
- Memento: A thoughtful creation that pays homage to culinary traditions
- Straccetti with Honey and Rosemary: An innovative combination of savory and sweet elements
Each recipe reflects Pepe's unique approach, which combines lessons from Neapolitan pizza masters with inspiration from haute cuisine. The pizzaiolo hopes his book will inspire younger generations to pursue their culinary passions with dedication and creativity.
For pizza enthusiasts and home cooks seeking to elevate their skills, Franco Pepe: Pizza Chef offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of the world's most accomplished pizza masters. The book represents not just a collection of recipes, but a comprehensive guide to understanding pizza as both an art form and a means of storytelling through food.
