New York Style Pizza Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Slice at Home

New York-style pizza is famous for its large, thin, and foldable slices with a crispy yet chewy crust, a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and a hint of olive oil. It’s a classic American favorite that has become iconic worldwide. In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through making an authentic New York-style pizza at home. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will help you recreate the classic NYC slice that everyone loves.

What Makes New York-Style Pizza Unique?

New York-style pizza is defined by its unique characteristics:

• Thin, Foldable Crust: The crust is thin and crispy on the outside but soft and chewy inside, making it perfect for folding.
• Simple, High-Quality Ingredients: A basic dough made from high-gluten flour, water, yeast, and salt, topped with a simple tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese.
• Generous Slices: New York pizzas are typically cut into large slices that can be folded in half to eat on the go.
• Distinct Flavor: The dough’s fermentation process adds a distinct tanginess, while the sauce and cheese provide a balanced blend of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients Needed for New York-Style Pizza

To make a classic New York-style pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) high-gluten bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) lukewarm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Extra olive oil for drizzling
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step New York-Style Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix and Knead: Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Divide and Rest: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, cover, and let rest for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (around 500°F or 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough into a 12-14 inch circle. The dough should be thin but with a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
3. Transfer to a Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet: Dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the peel or sheet.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pizza

1. Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
3. Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Finish with Toppings: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the pizza, add fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Making the Perfect New York-Style Pizza at Home

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The key to great pizza is using high-quality ingredients, especially the flour, cheese, and tomatoes. Opt for fresh mozzarella and canned San Marzano tomatoes for the best results.
• Preheat the Oven: A super-hot oven is essential for achieving the crispy yet chewy crust characteristic of New York-style pizza.
• Don’t Overdo the Toppings: New York-style pizza is known for its simplicity. Keep the toppings minimal to ensure the crust remains crispy and doesn’t get soggy.
• Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest and ferment gives it the characteristic flavor and texture of New York-style pizza.

Variations and Toppings for New York-Style Pizza

• Pepperoni Pizza: Classic pepperoni slices added over the cheese before baking.
• Vegetarian Pizza: Top with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives for a veggie delight.
• White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic for a creamy and cheesy variation.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York-Style Pizza

Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour is preferred as it has a higher gluten content, which contributes to the chewy texture of the crust. All-purpose flour will work, but the crust may be less chewy.

Q2: How do I store leftover pizza dough?
You can store leftover pizza dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Q3: What is the best way to reheat leftover pizza?
Reheat leftover pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

Q4: Can I make the pizza sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the pizza sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q5: What is the secret to a great New York-style pizza crust?
The secret lies in using high-gluten flour, allowing the dough to ferment, and baking at a high temperature to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness.

Conclusion

New York-style pizza is a classic that brings the taste of NYC right into your home kitchen. With its crispy yet chewy crust, delicious sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s no wonder this style of pizza has won the hearts of many. By following this recipe and using the tips provided, you can master the art of making a perfect New York-style pizza at home. Enjoy it with family and friends, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!