When you think of New York City, a few things come to mind: the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and, of course, pizza. But not just any pizza—New York–style pizza, a culinary icon that’s as much a part of the city as its bustling streets and yellow cabs. This thin-crust marvel has captured hearts (and stomachs) far beyond the five boroughs. Here’s everything you need to know about this beloved slice of heaven.

What Sets New York–Style Pizza Apart?

New York–style pizza is known for its large, foldable slices and a crust that strikes a perfect balance between crispy and chewy. The crust is thin enough to fold, yet sturdy enough to hold its toppings without falling apart. It’s typically hand-tossed and baked in a gas-powered oven, giving it a distinct texture and flavor.

A key ingredient in the dough is high-gluten flour, which contributes to the crust’s unique chewiness. Some say the secret lies in New York City’s tap water, which has a specific mineral composition that enhances the dough’s quality.

The Components of a Perfect Slice

1. The Crust: Thin, but not cracker-thin, with a slight char on the underside.
2. The Sauce: A simple, slightly sweet tomato sauce that’s seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil.
3. The Cheese: A generous layer of low-moisture mozzarella, melted to golden perfection.
4. Toppings: While plain cheese is a classic, popular toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers. However, New Yorkers often argue that a true slice doesn’t need anything beyond cheese and sauce.

The History of New York–Style Pizza

The origins of New York–style pizza date back to the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants began settling in the city. Gennaro Lombardi, credited with opening the first pizzeria in America in 1905, adapted the Neapolitan pizza to suit American tastes and ingredients. Over time, this adaptation evolved into the iconic New York–style pizza we know today.

Where to Get the Best New York–Style Pizza

While opinions on the best pizzeria in NYC vary widely, a few names consistently rise to the top:

• Joe’s Pizza: A Greenwich Village institution known for its classic slices.
• Di Fara Pizza: A Brooklyn favorite, celebrated for its fresh ingredients and artisanal approach.
• John’s of Bleecker Street: Famous for its coal-fired, thin-crust pies.

Making New York–Style Pizza at Home

Craving a slice but can’t make it to the city? Here’s how to recreate it at home:

1. Dough: Use high-gluten flour and let the dough ferment overnight for better flavor.
2. Sauce: Opt for canned San Marzano tomatoes, seasoned simply with salt, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Cheese: Stick to low-moisture mozzarella for that authentic melt.
4. Baking: Use a pizza stone or steel to mimic the high heat of a pizzeria oven. Preheat your oven to its maximum temperature for the best results.

Beyond the Slice

New York–style pizza is more than just food; it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re grabbing a slice from a corner joint or indulging in a whole pie with friends, each bite carries the essence of the city—its diversity, vibrancy, and unyielding energy. So next time you’re in New York, don’t just visit the landmarks; eat them. After all, nothing says “I’ve been to NYC” quite like folding a greasy, cheesy slice and savoring it on the go.

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The Iconic New York–Style Pizza: A Slice Above the Rest

Author: M Sennoun Cooking Method: Baking, Grilling Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Quick Meals Vegan

Difficulty: Advanced Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Temp: 260  C Servings: 2 Estimated Cost: $ 20

Best Season: Summer

Dietary:

F Family-Friendly H Holiday Special. L Low-Calorie

Description

Recreate the magic of New York–style pizza at home with this simple and authentic recipe. This classic pizza features a thin, chewy crust topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and your choice of traditional toppings. Perfect for pizza night, this recipe delivers a slice of NYC right to your table.

To make authentic New York–style pizza

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Dough:

• 1 500g high-gluten bread flour
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cups (300ml) (warm water)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can 28 oz (San Marzano tomatoes, crushed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups 200g (low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded)
• Optional: pepperoni, sausage, (mushrooms, green peppers, or other)

Other Essentials:

• Semolina flour or cornmeal for dusting
• Olive oil for brushing the crust

Step by Step to Cook New York–Style Pizza

Steps

1. Prepare the Dough:

   In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the olive oil, salt, and high-gluten flour gradually. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. For best results, refrigerate overnight.
   Mark as complete

2. Make the Sauce:

   Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
   Mark as complete

3. Shape the Dough:

   Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (typically 500°F or 260°C). Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven to heat. Roll out the dough into a large circle (about 12-14 inches in diameter) on a floured surface. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with semolina flour or cornmeal.
   Mark as complete

4. Assemble the Pizza:

   Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add any desired toppings, such as pepperoni or vegetables.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake the Pizza:

   • Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or steel.

   • Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and slightly charred, and the cheese is bubbling and browned in spots.

   Mark as complete

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.

   • Brush the crust with a little olive oil for added flavor and shine.

   • Slice into large triangles and serve immediately.

   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Servings 2

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 224kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g13%

Sodium 620mg26%

Total Carbohydrate 29g10%

Protein 10g20%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

New York–style pizza can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s particularly delightful during the summer when fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil are at their peak. Whether hosting a backyard pizza party or grabbing a slice on a warm evening, summer elevates the pizza experience to another level.

Nutrition Facts

For 1 large pizza slice of new york style pepperoni (94g)

Keywords: baking, New York Style Pizza, pizza, pizza crusts, homemade pizza recipe with tomato, mozzarella,

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