If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the magic of a classic pizzeria slice in your own kitchen, this New York Style Pizza Recipe will truly delight you. With a perfectly thin, crispy yet chewy crust, a rich, savory tomato sauce, and generous layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe brings the unmistakable big city pizza experience right to your table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, the balance of simple ingredients and authentic preparation makes every bite feel like a little slice of New York.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this New York Style Pizza Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor and texture that come together to recreate that iconic pizzeria taste you love. From the yeast that breathes life into the dough to the fresh mozzarella melting to perfection, these essentials are what make this pizza outstanding.
- ⅔ cup water (151 grams, warm 105-110°F): Warm water activates the yeast perfectly for a light and airy crust.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4 grams): Adds just a touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and balance the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast (2 grams): The key leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams): Provides structure and that classic chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (2 grams): Enhances all the flavors in the dough without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (4 grams): Adds moisture and richness to the crust.
- 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes (794 grams, 1 can): Forms the base of a deeply flavorful, slightly sweet tomato sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (13 grams): Used in the sauce to add depth and a silky mouthfeel.
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (36 grams): Brings gentle sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb that delivers that authentic pizzeria aroma.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet herbal note to the sauce.
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic (14 grams, minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar (6 grams): Helps mellow tomato acidity and rounds out the flavor.
- 3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (339 grams): The melty, bubbly star topping every great New York style pizza needs.
How to Make New York Style Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast. In a medium bowl, combine the warm water and granulated sugar, then sprinkle in the instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready. Next, mix the all-purpose flour and kosher salt in a larger bowl. Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the flour, add the olive oil, and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
While your dough rises, it’s time to prepare that luscious sauce. Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them gently with a spoon or your hands to break them down. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and granulated sugar. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich in flavor. This sauce is the heart of your New York Style Pizza Recipe and deserves this slow simmer to shine.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside if you have one — this helps create that crisp, blistered crust. Punch down the risen dough and stretch it out on a generously floured surface into a roughly 14-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. Spread an even layer of your homemade tomato sauce across the dough, leaving about an inch of the crust bare at the edges. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice into 8 to 8 pieces—perfect for sharing that authentic New York slice moment.
How to Serve New York Style Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your New York Style Pizza Recipe even further, consider simple garnishes that complement every bite. Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives a gentle heat that wakes up the palate. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves provide brightness and that finishing touch reminiscent of classic New York pizzerias.
Side Dishes
Classic sides round out the pizza experience beautifully. A Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing balances the richness of the cheese. Garlic knots brushed with butter and sprinkled with parsley echo the garlic notes in the sauce and are perfect to share. For a little variety, a bowl of homemade minestrone or Italian wedding soup can make the meal feel special and hearty without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, arrange your pizza slices on a large wooden board or pizza paddle, encouraging everyone to grab a slice as if they were strolling down a bustling New York street. Pair with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic butter, marinara, or spicy ranch for extra fun. You could even serve the pizza alongside a cold craft beer or a glass of red wine to recreate that robust city vibe right in your own home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza is a treasure that keeps on giving. Store slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain crust integrity and keeps the cheese fresh and tasty for quick snacks or next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep the joy longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the whole pizza in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pizza will maintain good quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive your New York Style Pizza Recipe leftovers, avoid microwaving alone as it can make the crust chewy and soggy. Instead, reheat slices in a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until the crust crisps back up, then cover loosely with a lid to warm the toppings evenly. Alternatively, a brief stint in the oven at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet works beautifully to bring back that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
What makes New York style pizza different from other pizzas?
New York style pizza is known for its thin, hand-tossed crust that’s crispy on the outside but soft and chewy inside, topped with a simple tomato sauce and generous mozzarella cheese. It’s often sold by the slice, meant to be folded and eaten on the go, which sets it apart from other styles like deep-dish or Neapolitan.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the sauce?
Absolutely, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used, but canned whole peeled tomatoes provide consistent flavor and sweetness year-round. If using fresh tomatoes, you’ll want to cook them down longer to achieve a similar rich sauce texture without excess moisture.
How do I prevent my pizza dough from being too thick or soggy?
The key is proper dough hydration and oven temperature. Using the right amount of water and flour ensures the dough isn’t heavy, and baking on a preheated pizza stone or steel helps achieve a crisp crust. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with sauce or cheese to keep it from getting soggy.
Can I make this New York Style Pizza Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that the texture will differ slightly, and you may need to adjust liquid ratios. Using a blend with xanthan gum helps mimic the chewiness of traditional dough.
What is the best cheese for New York Style Pizza?
The classic choice is freshly shredded whole milk mozzarella because it melts beautifully and has that creamy, mild flavor essential to the style. Some like to add a bit of low-moisture mozzarella for less moisture, but freshly shredded is what delivers that authentic, perfectly gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about recreating a beloved New York Style Pizza Recipe from scratch at home. It’s the warmth of the rising dough, the scent of simmering sauce, and the joyful anticipation of that first cheesy bite that make it unforgettable. So rally your friends or family, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this rewarding recipe—your kitchen is about to become the best pizzeria in town!
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 Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic New York Style Pizza recipe features a thin, crispy crust with a flavorful tomato sauce and generous layers of gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfectly balanced with a mix of oregano, basil, and garlic, this pizza captures the iconic flavors of New York’s beloved pizzerias right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ⅔ cup warm water (151 grams, 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)
For the 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, minced (14 grams)
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar (6 grams)
For the Topping
- 3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (339 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pizza: Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling. Spread an even layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is crisp and golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Remove from oven, slice into 8 pieces, and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use a pizza stone to achieve a crispy crust.
- You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned if preferred, just be sure to cook them down until thick.
- Let the dough rise long enough for a lighter and more flavorful crust.
- Feel free to add toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers as desired.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated for a perfect bake.
