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Want to learn how to make authentic New York-style pizza from scratch? With its thin, foldable crust and bold flavors, New York pizza is a slice of American food culture. Whether it’s the perfect pizza dough, tangy pizza sauce, or melty pizza toppings, this guide walks you through every step.
Let’s make pizza night a big hit with this crowd-pleasing classic!
What Is New York-Style Pizza?
New York-style pizza is all about thin, wide slices that you can fold in half. It has a crispy outer crust with a slightly chewy bite, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese.
This iconic style dates back to early 1900s Italian immigrants who brought pizza-making traditions to New York City. Over time, the classic slice evolved and became a staple of American cuisine—one you can now recreate right in your kitchen!
Ingredients for the Perfect New York Pizza
To make great homemade New York-style pizza, the quality of your ingredients matters. Start with the basics, then customize with your favorite toppings!
Essential Ingredients
- All-purpose or bread flour – For the perfect chewy crust.
- Canned San Marzano tomatoes – The gold standard for pizza sauce.
- Whole milk mozzarella – Melts beautifully and tastes rich.
- Olive oil – Adds flavor and crust texture.
- Active dry yeast – Helps your dough rise just right.
- Salt – For flavor balance in both dough and sauce.
- Sugar – Feeds the yeast and balances the sauce.
Optional Toppings to Try
- Pepperoni
- Mushrooms
- Fresh basil
- Onions
- Italian sausage
- Bell peppers
- Olives
- Artichokes
How to Make the Perfect New York-Style Pizza Dough
Great pizza starts with great dough! Here’s how to make a dough that’s crisp on the outside and chewy inside:
- Use Bread Flour – High protein means better chew.
- Hydration – Use 60–65% water-to-flour ratio.
- Knead for 10 Minutes – Develop gluten for structure.
- Cold Ferment Overnight – For deeper flavor and better texture.
- Rest Before Shaping – Let gluten relax for easier stretching.
Pro Tip: Let your dough warm up at room temperature before stretching. Cold dough tears more easily!
How to Make New York-Style Pizza Sauce
The sauce should be bold yet balanced. Follow these simple steps:
Pizza Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| San Marzano tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) | Sweet, bold tomato base |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves | Classic aromatic flavor |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Depth of flavor |
| Fresh basil | 1 tbsp, chopped | Adds fresh herbal notes |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Balance and seasoning |
Steps
- Blend tomatoes until smooth.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until thick (20–30 minutes).
- Let cool before spreading on dough.
How to Build and Bake the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking steel inside to heat up.
- Roll out your dough on a floured surface to your desired thinness.
- Spread sauce thinly but evenly with a spoon.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously.
- Add toppings of your choice.
- Transfer pizza to stone/steel and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles.
Tips for Stretching Pizza Dough
Stretching dough the right way ensures your base is thin but strong:
| Technique | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Gentle hand pressure | Prevents tearing |
| Stretch from center to edges | Keeps even thickness |
| Rotate dough while stretching | Helps shape and uniformity |
| Let dough rest between stretches | Reduces resistance and tearing |
Choosing the Right Cheese
- Whole Milk Mozzarella – Creamy, stretchy, and classic.
- Blends – Add provolone, parmesan, or gouda for extra richness and bite.
- Try Fresh Mozzarella – For a lighter, more artisanal flavor.
Baking Methods Compared
| Method | Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Stone | Crispy crust, even bake | Preheat for at least 30 minutes |
| Baking Steel | High heat transfer, fast cooking | Best for high-temp ovens |
| Oven Broiler Finish | Extra browning on crust & cheese | Watch closely to prevent burning |
Creative Pizza Topping Ideas
| Classic Topping | Creative Twist |
|---|---|
| Pepperoni | Goat cheese & fig |
| Mushrooms | Spicy honey drizzle + jalapeños |
| Sausage | Buffalo cauliflower + blue cheese |
| Basil | Prosciutto, arugula & parmesan |
Cooking Time & Temperature Tips
- Temperature: 475°F–500°F
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Look for: Golden crust, bubbly cheese, slight charring
Pizza Pairings to Try
Sides
- Garlic knots
- Caesar salad
- Caprese skewers
- Buffalo wings
Final Thoughts
Making New York-style pizza at home is a delicious adventure. With the right dough, sauce, and toppings, you’ll wow your family and friends.
Experiment with creative combos and trust your taste! The more you practice, the more perfect your pizza will be.
New York-Style Pizza Recipe Card for Pinterest
Save this recipe for your next pizza night!
New York-Style Pizza Recipe Card
Prep Time: 1 hour (plus overnight dough rise)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Yield: 1 large pizza (12–14 inch)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ¾ cups bread flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 2 cups whole milk mozzarella
- Pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, basil (optional)
Instructions
- Make Dough: Mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add water and olive oil. Knead 10 minutes. Refrigerate overnight.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic. Add tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thick.
- Stretch Dough: Let rest 30 min. Stretch from center out, rotating.
- Assemble Pizza: Add sauce, cheese, toppings.
- Bake: Preheat oven with stone at 500°F. Bake 12–15 minutes until crust is golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
