Authentic New York Pizza Recipe

Crispy Big Apple Magic: NY Pizza Recipe From Scratch

Crisp, thin crusts and robust flavors dance together in this authentic new york pizza recipe that captures the heart of Manhattan’s culinary soul.

Street vendors and legendary pizzerias have perfected this classic slice over generations.

Generations of bakers have passed down secret techniques that make each bite sing with traditional taste.

Cheese melts perfectly across a hand-stretched dough, creating a canvas of deliciousness.

Each ingredient tells a story of precision and passion.

The magic happens when simple components merge into an extraordinary meal that transports you straight to a bustling New York pizzeria.

You’ll want to master this recipe and impress everyone at your next gathering.

Ingredients To Make A True New York Pizza

For Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure with perfect gluten development for authentic pizza texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast fermentation for balanced dough performance.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with beautiful golden-brown crust coloration.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Provides crucial rise and develops complex, tangy flavor profile.
  • Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps bind ingredients into smooth, elastic consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness, prevents dryness, and creates tender, soft dough texture.
For Proofing and Preparation:
  • Olive Oil (Additional): Used for coating bowls to prevent dough sticking and promote smooth surface.
For Optional Flavor Enhancement:
  • No additional ingredients specified in current instructions.

Tools You Need For New York Pizza At Home

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and kneading dough.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending flour, salt, sugar, and yeast evenly.
  • Dough hook or hands: Great for kneading dough until smooth and elastic.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Two small bowls: Needed for dividing and resting dough balls.
  • Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: Used to cover dough while resting.
  • Pizza stone or baking sheet: Helps create crispy pizza crust.

How To Prepare New York Pizza Dough & Toppings

  • Craft Dough Blend Whisk flour, salt, sugar, and yeast together in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a smooth foundation for your pizza adventure.
  • Activate Mixture Pour warm water and olive oil into the dry ingredients, stirring until a rough dough emerges. Knead passionately by hand or with a dough hook for 7-10 minutes until the texture becomes silky and stretchy.
  • Rest and Develop Divide the dough into two equal portions. Gently coat two separate bowls with oil and nestle each dough ball inside. Cover and let them hibernate in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, allowing deep flavor development.
  • Prepare for Baking Remove dough from the refrigerator and let it relax at room temperature for one hour, ensuring it's perfectly primed for pizza creation.

Tips For Authentic New York-Style Pizza

  • Cold Fermentation Magic: Refrigerate dough 12-24 hours to develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles and improve texture for an authentic New York-style pizza.
  • Perfect Dough Hydration: Ensure water temperature is between 105-115°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating the ideal soft and stretchy pizza dough consistency.
  • Stretching Technique: Use gentle hand-stretching instead of rolling pin to maintain air bubbles and create that signature thin, crispy New York pizza crust.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain dough structure and elasticity for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Whole Wheat Variation: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutritious twist, adding nutty flavor and extra fiber to your pizza base.

Ways To Serve New York Pizza Like A Local

  • Classic Pizzeria Pairing: Serve this authentic New York-style pizza with a crisp, cold beer or a refreshing Italian soda to complement the rich, cheesy flavors.
  • Slice and Share Platter: Cut the pizza into classic triangular slices and arrange on a large wooden board with fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, and grated parmesan on the side for guests to customize their experience.
  • Fresh Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the pizza's hearty texture and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the meal.
  • Dessert Finale: Follow up with a simple Italian-style dessert like cannoli or gelato to complete the authentic New York pizzeria dining experience with a sweet touch.

Prep & Storage Tips For New York Pizza Nights

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store pizza dough balls in sealed, lightly oiled containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, allowing deeper flavor development and easier handling.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.
  • Room Temperature Rest: Remove chilled dough 60-90 minutes before stretching to ensure optimal elasticity and easier shaping. Keeps dough relaxed and prevents tearing.
  • Leftover Management: Cooked pizza maintains best quality when wrapped in aluminum foil and refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat slices in skillet or oven for crispy restoration of original texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

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Authentic New York Pizza Recipe

Authentic New York Pizza Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Delicious New York pizza brings classic Italian-American flavors to your kitchen. Crispy thin crust and tangy sauce combine for an authentic slice that transports you to Manhattan’s bustling streets.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3.75 cups (470g) bread flour
  • 1.5 cups (315 ml/10.7 fl oz) warm water
  • 1 (15 oz/425g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 to 1.5 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pinch of sugar (optional)
  • Olive oil (for brushing crust)
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Mixing Foundation: Thoroughly combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients through vigorous whisking.
  2. Liquid Integration: Form a central cavity in the dry mixture, then introduce warm liquid and oil. Utilize a rotating motion to merge components, creating a shaggy, preliminary dough structure with minimal handling.
  3. Dough Development: Transfer mixture to a clean surface and execute a deliberate kneading technique. Apply consistent pressure and folding motions, transforming the mass into a smooth, elastic entity with robust gluten formation. Continue until the dough exhibits a supple, responsive texture that springs back when gently pressed.
  4. Portioning and Resting: Divide the dough into equal portions, gently shaping each into a rounded sphere. Lightly coat with olive oil and place in individual containers. Seal with tight-fitting lids or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
  5. Fermentation Process: Strategically position dough containers in the refrigerator, allowing for slow flavor development and structural enhancement over 12-24 hours. This extended cold rest intensifies taste complexity and improves overall texture.
  6. Final Preparation: Remove dough from refrigeration, allowing segments to gradually warm to room temperature. This gentle tempering process ensures optimal elasticity, volume, and readiness for subsequent culinary transformation.

Notes

  • Flour Quality Matters: Use high-protein bread flour for authentic New York pizza texture, creating a chewy and crisp crust that holds toppings perfectly.
  • Temperature Control: Ensure warm liquid is precisely 110-115°F to activate yeast without killing it, which guarantees proper dough rising and flavor development.
  • Kneading Technique: Work the dough consistently for 8-10 minutes, developing strong gluten networks that provide signature stretchy and elastic pizza base.
  • Fermentation Magic: Cold fermentation develops deeper, more complex flavor profiles, so resist rushing the 12-24 hour refrigeration process for authentic taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 80 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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