New York Style Pizza – What Makes It Unique & How to Make It at Home

New York-style pizza is one of the most famous regional pizza styles in the United States. Known for its thin, foldable crust, rich tomato sauce, and perfect balance of cheese and toppings, it has become a staple in pizzerias across the country. While many enjoy it at restaurants, making authentic New York-style pizza at home is entirely possible with the right ingredients and techniques. This article explores what makes New York-style pizza unique, provides a step-by-step recipe, and shares tips for achieving the perfect crust and flavor.

What's New York-Style Pizza?

New York-style pizza originated in the early 1900s, heavily influenced by Neapolitan pizza from Italy. It was adapted to American ingredients and cooking techniques, leading to a distinct pizza style that remains popular today.

Key Characteristics of New York-Style Pizza

• Thin, crisp yet chewy crust – The crust is hand-tossed and made with high-protein flour for a chewy texture while remaining thin enough to fold.
• Large slices – Typically 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter, each slice is cut wide enough to fold in half.
• Moderate amount of sauce and cheese – Unlike Chicago deep-dish pizza, New York-style pizza has a thin layer of sauce and cheese to avoid overwhelming the crust.
• High-temperature baking – Traditionally baked at 900°F (480°C) in a coal-fired oven, but at home, a regular oven at its highest setting can work.

Ingredients for Authentic New York-Style Pizza

Dough (Crust)

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour (high-protein for elasticity)
• 325ml (1 ⅓ cups) cold water
• 2g (½ tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 5g (1 tsp) sugar
• 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil

Sauce

• 400g (1 can) San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Cheese & Toppings

• 200g low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Optional toppings:
  • Pepperoni
  • Sausage
  • Mushrooms
  • Green peppers

How to Make New York-Style Pizza at Home

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Dissolve yeast in cold water and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Gradually add water to the flour mixture, stirring until combined.
4. Add olive oil and knead the dough for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours for best flavor development.

Step 2: Making the Sauce

1. Blend canned tomatoes until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and garlic over low heat.
3. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, then let cool.

Step 3: Stretching the Dough

1. Remove dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
2. On a floured surface, shape the dough into a large 12–14 inch circle using your hands. Avoid using a rolling pin to preserve air bubbles.

Step 4: Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) or as hot as possible.
2. Transfer the stretched dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet.
3. Spread a thin layer of sauce, then evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Add toppings as desired.

Step 5: Baking the Pizza

1. Bake for 7–10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
2. Let the pizza cool for 2 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect New York-Style Pizza

• Use high-protein bread flour for the right chewiness.
• Ferment the dough for at least 24 hours to develop depth of flavor.
• Preheat the oven and baking stone for a crispy crust.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess water on the pizza.
• Bake at the highest possible temperature to mimic New York pizzerias.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Domino’s New York-Style Pizza?

Domino’s offers a New York-style pizza, but it differs from traditional pizzeria versions. The crust is thinner than their standard pan pizza, but it lacks the same crispiness and chew.

Can I make New York-style pizza without a pizza stone?

Yes, but using a pizza stone helps distribute heat evenly. If unavailable, use a preheated baking sheet.

What are the best toppings for New York-style pizza?

Traditional toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions, but New Yorkers typically prefer a simple cheese pizza.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of low-moisture mozzarella?

It is not recommended, as fresh mozzarella has too much moisture, making the pizza soggy.

Conclusion

New York-style pizza is known for its thin, foldable crust, simple tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. By using the right flour, fermentation process, and high-temperature baking, you can recreate this classic pizza at home.

Whether you prefer a plain cheese slice or a loaded pepperoni pizza, following these steps will help you achieve an authentic New York-style pizza experience.