How to Make Authentic New York-Style Pizza at Home

If you’ve ever had a slice of New York-style pizza, you know it’s a thing of beauty—thin, foldable, and loaded with cheesy goodness. But guess what? You don’t have to travel to NYC to enjoy that classic pizza experience. With this easy recipe, you can make a delicious New York-style pizza right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends, family, or just yourself with a slice of homemade pizza.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:
- 800g canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

The dough is the backbone of a great pizza, and making it from scratch is easier than you might think. Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and frothy—that means your yeast is doing its job.

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

While your dough is rising, let’s make that flavorful tomato sauce. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce and paste, and mix in oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble Your Pizza

When your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as high as it will go. If you have a pizza stone, pop it in the oven while it heats up.

Punch down the dough and divide it into two balls. Roll out one ball on a floured surface into a 12-inch round. Transfer it to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a bit of space around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, and add any toppings you like.

Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and browned.

4. Ready to Serve

Let your pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.

And there you have it—a homemade New York-style pizza! Whether you're throwing a pizza party or just chilling at home, this recipe brings the classic New York slice straight to your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!