New York City is known for its iconic pizza, and it’s one of the most popular foods in the world. The classic New York-style pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust, deliciously tangy tomato sauce, and stretchy mozzarella cheese. This pizza is typically served in large, wide slices, making it perfect for folding and eating on the go—just like a true New Yorker would!
If you’ve ever wondered how to make authentic New York-style pizza at home, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll walk you through every step of making the perfect New York-style pizza—from the dough to the sauce and toppings. You don’t need to live in the Big Apple to enjoy a slice of this delicious pizza; with a few simple ingredients and some time, you can create this iconic pizza right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the process of making New York-style pizza, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for the dough, sauce, and toppings:
For the Dough of New York Style Pizza:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce New York Style Pizza:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole-milk mozzarella works best)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Step 1: Preparing the Pizza Dough New York Style Pizza
The dough is the foundation of any great pizza, and making a good New York-style pizza dough is key to achieving the right texture and taste. New York pizza dough is known for being thin, crispy, and chewy.
1.1. Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, add 1 ½ cups of warm water. The water should be warm but not too hot—about 110°F or 45°C. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar into the water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The yeast will begin to bubble and foam, indicating that it’s activated.
1.2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture.
Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water.
1.3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and begin kneading it. Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should bounce back when you press it with your finger, which indicates it’s ready.
1.4. Let the Dough Rise
Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the resting period that allows the dough to develop flavor and rise properly.
1.5. Punch Down the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. You can now divide the dough into two equal portions if you’re planning to make two pizzas. If you only want to make one large pizza, you can keep it whole.
Cover the dough and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes before stretching it out to make your pizza.
Step 2: Making the Pizza Sauce
The pizza sauce is another important element that gives New York-style pizza its distinctive flavor. It’s simple, fresh, and tangy, with a few key ingredients that bring it all together.
2.1. Sauté the Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2.2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
To the garlic, add the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
2.3. Blend the Sauce (Optional)
If you like a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it until it’s smooth. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky if you prefer a more rustic style of sauce.
Once done, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside to cool. This sauce is now ready to use for your pizza!
Step 3: Stretching and Shaping the Dough
Now that the dough has rested and the sauce is ready, it’s time to shape the dough. New York-style pizza dough is typically thin and slightly larger than your standard pizza, so be prepared to stretch it out.
3.1. Preheat the Oven
Before you start stretching the dough, preheat your oven to its highest setting—ideally 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s heating up. A pizza stone helps mimic the high heat of a pizza oven and gives the crust that perfect crispiness.
3.2. Stretch the Dough
On a floured surface, take the dough and gently press it into a round shape using your fingers. Once it’s flat, start stretching it by gently pulling the edges, rotating the dough as you go. You can also pick it up and let gravity help stretch the dough.
Be careful not to tear the dough. Aim for a thin crust, about 12-14 inches in diameter. If the dough starts to shrink back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to stretch.
3.3. Transfer the Dough to a Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet
Once the dough is stretched to your desired size, transfer it to a floured pizza peel or a baking sheet. If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure the pizza peel is well-floured to help slide the pizza onto the stone easily.
Step 4: Assembling the New York Style Pizza
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to assemble your New York-style pizza with the sauce, cheese, and any additional toppings.
4.1. Spread the Sauce
Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of your homemade pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Be careful not to add too much sauce, as New York-style pizza has a relatively thin layer of sauce.
4.2. Add the Cheese
Next, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Mozzarella is the classic cheese for New York-style pizza, but feel free to add a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
4.3. Add Extra Toppings (Optional)
While a classic New York pizza is usually just cheese and sauce, you can add other toppings if you like. Popular options include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, or even fresh basil leaves.
Step 5: Baking the Pizza
Now that your pizza is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection.
5.1. Bake the Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone if you’re using one). Bake the pizza for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
If you’re using a pizza stone, the pizza will cook faster because of the intense heat, so keep an eye on it.
5.2. Check for Doneness
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven. The crust should be crispy, and the cheese should be melted and golden. If you like a slightly crispier crust, you can leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.
Step 6: Slicing and Serving
Once your New York-style pizza is baked to perfection, let it cool for a minute or two before slicing. New York pizza is known for its large, foldable slices, so use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut it into wedges.
For the full New York experience, serve the pizza with a side of garlic knots or a simple salad.
Conclusion New York Style Pizza
There you have it—the perfect recipe for homemade New York-style pizza! Whether you’re craving a classic cheese slice or prefer to add your own favorite toppings, this recipe will give you that authentic taste of New York right in your kitchen. Making pizza from scratch is fun and rewarding, and once you try it, you’ll never want to order takeout again.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a slice of the Big Apple—no plane ticket required!
New York Style Pizza
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F or 45°C
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese whole-milk mozzarella works best
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves optional
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
Preparing the Pizza Dough
- The dough is the foundation of any great pizza, and making a good New York-style pizza dough is key to achieving the right texture and taste. New York pizza dough is known for being thin, crispy, and chewy.
Activate the Yeast
- Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, add 1 ½ cups of warm water. The water should be warm but not too hot—about 110°F or 45°C. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar into the water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The yeast will begin to bubble and foam, indicating that it’s activated.
Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture.Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water.
Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and begin kneading it. Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should bounce back when you press it with your finger, which indicates it’s ready.
Let the Dough Rise
- Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the resting period that allows the dough to develop flavor and rise properly.
Punch Down the Dough
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. You can now divide the dough into two equal portions if you're planning to make two pizzas. If you only want to make one large pizza, you can keep it whole.Cover the dough and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes before stretching it out to make your pizza.
- Making the Pizza Sauce
- The pizza sauce is another important element that gives New York-style pizza its distinctive flavor. It’s simple, fresh, and tangy, with a few key ingredients that bring it all together.
- 2.1. Sauté the Garlic
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 2.2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
- To the garlic, add the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
- 2.3. Blend the Sauce (Optional)
- If you like a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it until it’s smooth. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky if you prefer a more rustic style of sauce.
- Once done, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside to cool. This sauce is now ready to use for your pizza!
- Step 3: Stretching and Shaping the Dough
- Now that the dough has rested and the sauce is ready, it’s time to shape the dough. New York-style pizza dough is typically thin and slightly larger than your standard pizza, so be prepared to stretch it out.
- 3.1. Preheat the Oven
- Before you start stretching the dough, preheat your oven to its highest setting—ideally 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s heating up. A pizza stone helps mimic the high heat of a pizza oven and gives the crust that perfect crispiness.
- 3.2. Stretch the Dough
- On a floured surface, take the dough and gently press it into a round shape using your fingers. Once it’s flat, start stretching it by gently pulling the edges, rotating the dough as you go. You can also pick it up and let gravity help stretch the dough.
- Be careful not to tear the dough. Aim for a thin crust, about 12-14 inches in diameter. If the dough starts to shrink back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to stretch.
- 3.3. Transfer the Dough to a Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet
- Once the dough is stretched to your desired size, transfer it to a floured pizza peel or a baking sheet. If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure the pizza peel is well-floured to help slide the pizza onto the stone easily.
Step 4: Assembling the Pizza
- Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to assemble your New York-style pizza with the sauce, cheese, and any additional toppings.
- 4.1. Spread the Sauce
- Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of your homemade pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Be careful not to add too much sauce, as New York-style pizza has a relatively thin layer of sauce.
- 4.2. Add the Cheese
- Next, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Mozzarella is the classic cheese for New York-style pizza, but feel free to add a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- 4.3. Add Extra Toppings (Optional)
- While a classic New York pizza is usually just cheese and sauce, you can add other toppings if you like. Popular options include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, or even fresh basil leaves.
Step 5: Baking the Pizza
- Now that your pizza is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection.
- 5.1. Bake the Pizza
- Carefully slide the pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone if you’re using one). Bake the pizza for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, the pizza will cook faster because of the intense heat, so keep an eye on it.
- 5.2. Check for Doneness
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven. The crust should be crispy, and the cheese should be melted and golden. If you like a slightly crispier crust, you can leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.
Step 6: Slicing and Serving
- Once your New York-style pizza is baked to perfection, let it cool for a minute or two before slicing. New York pizza is known for its large, foldable slices, so use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut it into wedges.
- For the full New York experience, serve the pizza with a side of garlic knots or a simple salad.
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