This New York-Style Pizza Recipe brings authentic, thin-yet-chewy, foldable pizza right to your kitchen—complete with a blushing red sauce, bubbling golden cheese, and a crisp, airy crust. If you dream of those jumbo, cheesy slices you’d find at any corner pizzeria in Manhattan, you’re about to make your kitchen smell (and taste!) just like a Brooklyn pie shop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- True New York Flavor: Every bite delivers the delicious blend of stretch, chew, and that crisp, crackling crust—just like your favorite NYC pizza joint.
- Easy Techniques, Big Results: No complicated dough gymnastics or expensive ovens—simple, smart steps (yes, a food processor!) create a pie that’s bakery-level at home.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough actually gets better with time, so you can prep ahead and bake absolutely fresh pizza on your schedule.
- Customizable, Crowd-Pleasing: Classic cheese is perfect, but this base is the ultimate canvas for all your favorite toppings and family pizza nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of New York-Style Pizza Recipe lies in just a handful of ingredients—each one is essential for creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and beautiful golden color. No fancy additives or secret tricks—just great basics, treated right.
- Bread Flour: This high-protein flour is key for that signature chewy-yet-tender crust—don’t swap for all-purpose, it really makes a difference!
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch helps brown the crust and boosts the yeast for optimal rise and flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances every element, from the dough’s flavor to the overall harmony of the pie.
- Instant Yeast: Reliable and fuss-free—gives your dough the airy, bubbly lift loves by New Yorkers everywhere.
- Lukewarm Water: Water temperature matters for proper yeast activity and for dough that’s supple and smooth.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A little oil enriches the dough and helps yield that irresistible, golden edge.
- New York Style Pizza Sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, a classic, bright red sauce is non-negotiable for authentic flavor.
- Full-Fat, Dry Mozzarella Cheese: Grated and chilled for ideal stretch, melt, and those toasty brown spots—no sad pool of grease, just pizza greatness.
Variations
One of the most joyful things about making your own pizza is the freedom to personalize it! This New York-Style Pizza Recipe is the perfect blank slate for your creative cravings, special diets, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Vegetarian Feast: Add roasted veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for a rainbow of flavors on your signature slice.
- Classic Pepperoni Pie: Pop on thin-sliced pepperoni before baking and let the edges curl and crisp just like at your favorite pizzeria.
- Dairy-Free Dream: Swap in your favorite plant-based mozzarella and check that your sauce is vegan for an easy non-dairy version.
- White Pizza (Pizza Bianca): Skip the sauce, brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil, and top with ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan for pure cheesy bliss.
How to Make New York-Style Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a food processor, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Pulse a few times just to blend. Add water and olive oil, then process until a smooth ball forms and rides around the blade—this gets you that perfect New York-style elastic dough. Another quick process ensures the dough’s ready for the dreamiest stretch later on.
Step 2: Knead and Rest
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it once or twice just to smooth things out (it’s delightfully easy to handle!). Divide into three pieces and tuck each into a covered deli container or zip-top bag. Here comes the flavor magic: let the dough rest in the fridge at least 1 day, and up to 5, for maximum depth and signature New York pizzeria taste.
Step 3: Bring to Room Temperature and Shape
At least two hours before baking, shape each portion into a smooth ball, flour them well, and place in medium bowls covered tightly with plastic wrap. Let them rise until doubled and beautifully pillowy. You’re halfway to pizza heaven!
Step 4: Preheat and Stretch
With all the anticipation building, slide your pizza stone onto the middle rack and crank the oven to 500°F. Dust your surface, gently press out a dough ball into an 8-inch round (leave that puffy edge for the iconic cornicione), and stretch by hand to a 12-14 inch circle. Work gently—this dough is lovely and forgiving!
Step 5: Top and Bake
Transfer your stretched dough to a pizza peel. Spread about 2/3 cup sauce evenly, top with one-third of the perfectly chilled mozzarella, and slide onto your blazing-hot stone. Bake 12–15 minutes, until the cheese bubbles with brown freckles and the crust is golden, crisp, and irresistible. Repeat for your other pies—or freeze the extra dough for future cravings.
Pro Tips for Making New York-Style Pizza Recipe
- Cold Fermentation is King: Don’t rush the fridge time—the longer the dough chills (up to 5 days), the more complex and “real pizza shop” the flavor becomes.
- Chill the Cheese: Freezing grated mozzarella for 15 minutes helps get those bubbling golden spots and prevents greasy puddles on your slice.
- Hot Stone, Big Results: Preheating your pizza stone for at least an hour guarantees that crisp, spotty-bottomed crust that stands up to sauce (and folds without flopping!).
- Gentle Stretching: Treat the dough with a soft touch—press and pull without tearing, always leaving that signature puffy edge for the ideal bite.
How to Serve New York-Style Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Bring out the city spirit by sprinkling your piping-hot pizza with dried oregano, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or scattered red pepper flakes. A touch of grated parmesan or fresh basil is always a hit—let everyone top their own slice just like at an NYC pizza counter!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a classic Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon. Add garlic knots or warm, crusty breadsticks for that complete pizzeria experience. For family pizza night, serve with sparkling sodas or homemade lemonade—everyone will cheer!
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner New Yorker: serve slices on parchment or small round paper plates, ready to fold in half and enjoy! Cut into squares for a party tray or bake individual pies—kids (and adults!) love a personal pizza night. Sprinkle a checkerboard tablecloth for a fun, city-inspired touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover New York-Style Pizza Recipe slices keep beautifully! Stack cooled slices between parchment sheets in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making for a next-day treat that’s honestly irresistible.
Freezing
If you want a true late-night pizza fix at your fingertips, freeze extra dough (after the cold-rise stage) wrapped well in plastic and zip bags. Baked slices also freeze! To reheat, bake straight from frozen until hot and bubbly for that just-made flavor.
Reheating
Skip the microwave! For the best re-crisped crust, reheat slices on a hot skillet, in a 425°F oven, or even on a pizza stone for a few minutes. The slice comes out as good as fresh, with a perfectly melty top and bottom that still crunches.
FAQs
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Do I absolutely need bread flour for this New York-Style Pizza Recipe?
Bread flour is what gives a New York-Style Pizza its iconic chew and strong, stretchy texture. While you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, the result will be softer and less authentic—if you want the real city slice, bread flour is your secret ingredient.
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Can I use a regular oven if I don’t have a pizza stone?
Absolutely! A steel or even an upside-down heavy baking sheet works in place of a stone—just preheat thoroughly so the crust cooks through and crisps. The hotter the initial contact, the better your pizza will mimic a pizzeria bake.
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How far in advance can I make the dough?
The dough for this New York-Style Pizza Recipe is happiest when made at least a day ahead, and can rest in your fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor really blossoms with a longer cold rise, so if you have the time, make it a couple of days before pizza night—your patience will be rewarded!
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Why freeze the mozzarella cheese before topping?
Chilling or lightly freezing the shredded mozzarella helps it melt more slowly, giving you beautifully gooey cheese dotted with golden brown spots—just like the authentic pies you’ll find in New York. No greasy pools, just the perfect cheesy layer.
Final Thoughts
This New York-Style Pizza Recipe delivers the unbeatable satisfaction of a city-sized slice, right from your own oven. Gather friends, pick your favorite toppings, and let the delicious aroma fill your house—don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for “just one more slice.” You’re about to start your own tradition of unforgettable pizza nights!
Print
New York-Style Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 26 hrs 55 mins
- Yield: 3 pies 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious New York-Style Pizza at home with this easy recipe. This pizza features a flavorful crust, topped with a classic tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 22 1/2 ounces bread flour, plus more for dusting (638 g; about 4 1/2 cups)
- 0.5 ounce granulated sugar (15 g; about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 0.35 ounce kosher salt (10 g; about 1 tablespoon)
- 0.35 ounce instant yeast (10 g; about 2 teaspoons)
- 15 ounces lukewarm water (415 g; about 1 3/4 cups) (see notes)
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Toppings:
- 1 batch New York style pizza sauce
- 1 pound grated full-fat dry mozzarella cheese (454 g; about 4 cups), placed in freezer for at least 15 minutes
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a food processor. Add water and olive oil. Process until a smooth ball forms. Knead briefly and divide into portions. Refrigerate for at least 1 day.
- Dough Rising: Remove dough from the refrigerator, shape into balls, and allow to rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone.
- Forming Pizza: Shape dough, add sauce, and cheese. Bake until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Using a food processor helps develop the dough without overworking it.
- For larger quantities, make dough in separate batches.
- Check yeast manufacturer’s recommendations for water temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 552
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 89g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
