New York Style Cheese Pizza Recipe: A Classic Homemade Delight
There’s nothing quite like a homemade New York style cheese pizza. With its perfectly chewy yet crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and generous layer of gooey mozzarella cheese, this pizza is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re crafting the dough from scratch or using a ready-made base, this recipe will bring authentic New York pizzeria flavors straight to your kitchen.
Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings, this homemade New York style pizza is both delicious and fun to make. The balance of flavors, combined with a golden-brown crust and irresistibly melty cheese, makes every bite reminiscent of an authentic slice from the streets of NYC.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect blend of tangy tomato sauce, slightly salty mozzarella, and a crispy yet chewy crust.
- Texture: The dough is hand-stretched to create a light, airy crust with a crunchy exterior and soft center.
- Aroma: A mouthwatering combination of freshly baked dough, bubbling cheese, and fragrant herbs.
- Visual Appeal: A golden crust topped with vibrant red sauce and an even layer of perfectly melted cheese.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate; requires basic dough-handling skills and oven management.
- Special Equipment: A pizza stone or baking sheet for even cooking.
Why You’ll Love This New York Style Cheese Pizza
This pizza is all about balance – the right amount of sauce, an expertly crafted crust, and the ideal cheese-to-dough ratio. The chewy, foldable slices make it easy to eat and enjoy whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day.
The convenience of making your own pizza means you can control the ingredients and create a healthier, more personalized version of your favorite pizzeria slice. You can also experiment with toppings, but the beauty of a classic cheese pizza is in its simplicity.
Made with fresh, real ingredients, this pizza doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives or chemicals. You get to enjoy a nutritious homemade meal with high-quality dairy, fresh tomatoes, and a wholesome dough base.
This is the ideal recipe for entertaining guests. You can prepare multiple dough bases in advance and let everyone customize their own toppings while still enjoying the classic New York style.
Buying pizza from a store or restaurant can add up quickly, but this homemade version lets you enjoy restaurant-quality pizza at a fraction of the price. Making dough from scratch is cost-effective, and homemade sauce ensures authentic Italian flavors without unnecessary additives.
Essential Techniques
- Perfect Dough Stretching: Avoid rolling your dough with a pin. Instead, use your hands to gently stretch it for an airy, evenly textured crust.
- Preheating Your Pizza Stone: Placing your dough on a hot pizza stone ensures a crispy crust with a slightly charred bottom.
- Proper Cheese Distribution: Evenly spreading your cheese prevents overloading in one spot and ensures a consistent melt.
- Using High-Temperature Baking: Baking your pizza at high temperatures delivers an authentic pizzeria-like crispness.
- Letting the Dough Rest: Allowing your dough to rise slowly in the fridge enhances flavor and texture.
The Recipe
New York Style Cheese Pizza
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone inside to heat.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Slide the parchment paper onto the hot pizza stone and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove pizza from the oven, sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and better flavor.
- If you prefer a slightly thinner crust, roll the dough out slightly larger before baking.