If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that iconic New York slice at home—the thin-yet-chewy crust, the perfectly seasoned sauce, and the bubbling layer of mozzarella—this New York Style Pizza Recipe is for you. Inspired by classic corner pizzerias, this homemade version delivers foldable slices with just the right amount of crispness and char. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or a curious beginner, this recipe walks you through every step so you can enjoy authentic, pizzeria-quality pizza without leaving your kitchen.
Duration / Prep Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 24–72 hours cold fermenting time)
- Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
- Total Time: 32–36 minutes + fermentation
- Servings: 8 slices
- Yield: Two 14-inch pizzas
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 4 cups bread flour (500 g)
- 1 ⅓ cups cold water (315 ml)
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
Pizza Sauce
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 2 to 3 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano (optional but authentic)
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together in a shaggy ball. Add olive oil and knead for 6 to 10 minutes, or until smooth and slightly tacky.
Tip: New York–style dough benefits from high-protein flour—stick to bread flour for best results.
Step 2: Cold Fermentation (Key to Authentic Flavor)
Divide dough in half. Lightly oil two airtight containers and add each dough ball. Refrigerate for 24 to 72 hours. A longer cold rise adds classic New York chew and deep flavor.
Warning: Don’t skip this step—fast-risen dough won’t have the same texture or flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together crushed tomatoes, garlic, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Do not cook the sauce.
Tip: Uncooked sauce keeps that bright, fresh pizzeria flavor once baked.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Place a pizza stone or baking steel on the center rack and preheat to 500–550°F for at least 45 minutes.
Best Practice: A hotter surface gives you better browning and that signature NY-style crisp bottom.
Step 5: Stretch the Dough
Remove dough from the fridge and let rest at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. Gently stretch each dough ball into a 14-inch round on a lightly floured surface. Avoid using a rolling pin, which can push out the air and remove the desirable airy pockets.
Step 6: Assemble
Spread a thin layer of sauce over the stretched dough. Add shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Step 7: Bake
Carefully slide pizza onto the hot stone or steel. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden, the bottom is crisp, and the cheese is bubbling.
Optional: Broil for the last 60–90 seconds for classic deck-oven style caramelization.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Transfer pizza to a cutting board. Add fresh basil if desired. Slice into wide “NYC-style” triangles and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 315
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Total Sugars: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
Pro-Tip:
If you want to take your New York Style Pizza to the next level, consider using a countertop pizza oven. These compact ovens can reach higher, more consistent temperatures than most home ovens, giving you that beautifully blistered crust and perfect cheese melt you’d expect from a real pizzeria. Whether you’re upgrading an older model or buying your first one, a quality countertop pizza oven makes a noticeable difference in texture, flavor, and overall results. If you’d like to explore top-rated options, click the button below to check out a curated list of Countertop Pizza Ovens on Amazon.
Conclusion
This New York Style Pizza Recipe gives you everything you need to bring authentic NYC pizzeria flavor right to your kitchen. With a long-fermented dough, a bright uncooked sauce, and a super-hot bake, you’ll achieve that perfect balance of crisp, chewy, and cheesy in every slice. Whether you're serving family pizza night or recreating your favorite takeout classic, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that delivers real-deal New York taste every time. Enjoy—and don’t forget to fold your slice like a true New Yorker!
