If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a slice that perfectly balances a crispy yet foldable crust, tangy tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella, then this New York Style Pizza Recipe is just what you need. It captures that authentic street-slice experience, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll create a classic that’s crispy on the edge, tender inside, and loaded with all the flavor that makes New York pizza iconic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this pizza starts with ingredients that seem basic but are carefully chosen to deliver that perfect texture and bold flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the earthiness of the flour to the bright notes in the tomato sauce, resulting in a harmonious blend that’s unforgettable.
- ⅔ cup warm water (151 grams, 105-110°F): Essential to activate the yeast and bring life to your dough.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4 grams): Feeds the yeast for a flavorful rise and lends a hint of sweetness to the crust.
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast (2 grams): The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully and become airy yet chewy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams): Provides structure with just the right balance of gluten for that signature chew.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (2 grams): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (4 grams): Adds richness and helps in dough elasticity and crust color.
- 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes (794 grams): Forms the base of an incredible sauce that’s fresh, bright, and slightly sweet.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (13 grams): Used in the sauce for richness and to meld flavors.
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (36 grams): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herb notes that sing in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Offers aromatic earthiness and freshness.
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the tomato sauce just right.
- 3 cloves garlic (14 grams, minced): Imparts a warm savory kick to the sauce.
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar (6 grams): Balances tomato acidity in the sauce perfectly.
- 3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (339 grams): Melts beautifully to give you that irresistible gooey, cheesy layer.
How to Make New York Style Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast with warm water and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it bloom until it’s frothy and alive, about 5 minutes. Then, combine the flour, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl. Gradually add your yeast mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for at least an hour or until doubled in size. This slow ferment creates that perfect chewy crust with subtle flavor.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the dough is rising, focus on your sauce. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent and sweet. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them with your spoon to break them apart. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and the remaining sugar. Let this simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes so it thickens and all those herbs and spices meld into a bright, punchy sauce that will be the heartbeat of your pizza.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake your Pizza
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface to a large, thin circle—aim for about 14 inches in diameter for that large foldable slice vibe. Transfer your dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the tomato sauce over the base, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle that lush mozzarella evenly across the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for roughly 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese bubbles enticingly. Nothing beats the smell of baking pizza filling your home!
How to Serve New York Style Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, finishing your pizza with simple garnishes can elevate the flavor and freshness. A sprinkle of dried oregano or some torn fresh basil leaves scattered on top adds aroma and a burst of herbaceous brightness. Drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil just before serving can also add a subtle richness that complements the tangy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
New York style pizza is quite the star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or a bowl of garlic Parmesan breadsticks can round out the meal beautifully. These sides provide a refreshing contrast and help balance the richness of the cheesy pie.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your friends or family, try slicing your pizza into classic triangular slices and serve with extra chili flakes and Parmesan cheese on the side. For a party, you could also cut the pizza into squares for easy grabbing or pair small slices with different flavored olive oils for dipping—making your New York Style Pizza Recipe not just delicious but a fun interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Storing leftover New York style pizza is easy and keeps your delicious creation ready for later enjoyment. Let the pizza cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place slices in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save slices for longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer bags with minimal air. Frozen pizza slices keep best for up to 2 months, so you’ll always have a quick meal option that tastes like you made it fresh.
Reheating
The best way to reheat New York style pizza is in a hot skillet on the stove or in the oven to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture, but if pressed for time, a quick zap followed by a minute in a toaster oven works well.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If you swap in active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water with sugar first and wait for it to bubble before mixing it into the flour. This step is crucial to ensure your dough rises nicely.
What makes this a New York style pizza and not another type?
New York Style Pizza Recipe is characterized by its large, thin, and foldable slices with a crisp outer crust and chewy interior. The sauce is simple yet bright, and the cheese is copious and melty—unlike thicker crusts or heavily topped pies.
Can I make this pizza with gluten-free flour?
While it’s possible, the texture will differ from the traditional New York style that hinges on gluten’s elasticity. Using a good gluten-free blend and adding xanthan gum might get you close, but expect a slightly different bite.
How do I get a crisp crust without burning the pizza?
Using a preheated pizza stone or baking steel helps distribute heat evenly and crisps the bottom perfectly. Bake at a high temperature, watching closely towards the end to prevent burning, and avoid piling toppings too thickly.
Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Mozzarella is essential for that melty, stretchy texture classic New York style pizza is known for. However, you can blend it with provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor profile, but avoid cheeses that don’t melt well.
Final Thoughts
This New York Style Pizza Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it brings a little bit of the Big Apple’s pizza culture to your table. I encourage you to dive in, roll up your sleeves, and savor every crispy, cheesy slice—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
Print
New York Style Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This New York Style Pizza recipe features a classic thin, chewy crust topped with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, and generous layers of mozzarella cheese. Perfectly balanced with herbs and garlic, this homemade pizza delivers an authentic pizzeria experience right from your oven.
Ingredients
Dough
- ⅔ cup water (151 grams, warm (105-110°F))
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4 grams)
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast (2 grams)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (2 grams)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (4 grams)
Tomato Sauce
- 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes (794 grams, 1 can)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (13 grams)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (36 grams)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic (14 grams, minced)
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar (6 grams)
Topping
- 3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (339 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated. In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour and kosher salt, then add the yeast mixture along with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Mix and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: While the dough rises, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Crush the whole peeled tomatoes by hand or with a blender for a smoother consistency. Add the tomatoes to the pan along with dried oregano, dried basil, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to form a large thin circle suitable for an 8-slice pizza. Transfer the dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted and started to brown slightly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven to ensure a crispy crust.
- If you prefer a thinner or thicker crust, adjust the dough thickness when rolling.
- You can substitute fresh basil for dried if desired, adding fresh basil after baking for more vibrant flavor.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place; refrigeration will slow this process significantly.
- Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers before baking.
