New York-style pizza is a beloved classic, famous for its thin, foldable crust, crisp edges, and rich, cheesy topping with tangy tomato sauce. Whether you’re craving a slice from the Big Apple or want to recreate that iconic pizza experience at home, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves authentic pizza. It’s easy to prepare, and you don’t need to book a flight to enjoy the full flavor of New York pizza right in your own kitchen.
Why This New York Pizza Recipe Is a Must-Try
- The crust is delightfully thin, chewy, and crisp—just like you’d find in New York.
- It has the perfect balance of savory sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and just the right seasoning.
- The slices are perfectly foldable, making each bite as satisfying as the last.
- It’s ideal for homemade pizza nights, so you can enjoy it fresh and hot at home.
- This recipe works with both homemade dough and store-bought dough, giving you flexibility.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- Bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Olive oil
For the Sauce:
- Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Sugar (optional)
For the Toppings:
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil (for brushing crust)
- Dried oregano and red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
1. Make the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix the ingredients together, and knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
Once kneaded, place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to thicken slightly. Once done, remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 500°F (260°C), or the highest temperature it will go. Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven as it heats. This will help achieve the perfect crispy crust.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two portions (this recipe makes two medium-sized pizzas). Roll each portion into a 12 to 14-inch circle on a floured surface.
Transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and top with a little grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
5. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza (still on the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and brush the crust with olive oil. Let it cool slightly before slicing it into generous portions.
Servings and Timing
- This recipe yields 2 medium-sized pizzas, each serving 4 to 6 people.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Rise time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Cook time: 8 to 10 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Variations
There are countless ways to customize your New York-style pizza. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Pepperoni Pizza: Add thinly sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese before baking.
- White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic-infused olive oil base with ricotta and mozzarella for a creamy alternative.
- Veggie Lover’s: Top with fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, and black olives for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Meat Lover’s: Add crumbled sausage, pepperoni, and other savory meats to satisfy your carnivorous cravings.
- Spicy Slice: Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top or drizzle hot honey before serving to give your pizza a spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and heat them in a 375°F oven for 7 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet for a crispy bottom.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
New York Pizza
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups bread flour plus more for dusting
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 â…“ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing crust
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- For the sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Roll dough into 12–14 inch circles and transfer to parchment paper.
- Spread sauce over the dough, add mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake for 8–10 minutes until crust is golden.
- Brush crust with olive oil, cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes New York pizza unique?
New York pizza is characterized by its thin, chewy, yet crisp crust and large, foldable slices. The sauce is simple but flavorful, with mozzarella cheese melting perfectly on top.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought dough is a great shortcut if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s high-quality dough for the best results.
Why use bread flour for pizza dough?
Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create that chewy, airy texture in the crust that’s synonymous with New York pizza.
How can I achieve a crispy crust?
Baking on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet at a high temperature ensures that the crust gets crisp while the toppings cook evenly.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just let it come to room temperature before using it.
What cheese is best for New York-style pizza?
Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal for this pizza because it melts perfectly and provides the stretchy cheese texture that’s a hallmark of New York pizza.
Can I bake the pizza without a pizza stone?
Yes, you can use an inverted baking sheet if you don’t have a pizza stone. Just preheat it along with the oven to get a similar crispy effect.
What kind of sauce is used for authentic NYC pizza?
A simple tomato sauce with garlic and oregano is the go-to for New York-style pizza. The sauce should be lightly seasoned and not overpower the other flavors.
How do I avoid a soggy pizza?
To avoid soggy pizza, be sure not to overload it with toppings. Baking it on a hot surface is also crucial for achieving a crisp, golden crust.
Can I grill this pizza?
Yes, you can grill the pizza. Grill the rolled-out dough on one side, flip it over, add your toppings, and finish cooking until the cheese has melted and the crust is crisp.
Conclusion
Nothing beats a classic New York pizza. With its thin, chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, every bite takes you straight to the heart of New York City. With this simple and straightforward recipe, you can make your own New York-style pizza at home, perfect for family pizza nights or any casual occasion. Enjoy the flavors of the Big Apple with no plane ticket required!