Style Pizza Recipe

The Perfect Homemade New York-Style Pizza Recipe

Crafting a homemade style pizza becomes an adventure that sparks culinary creativity in your kitchen.

Crisp dough stretches beneath your fingertips, waiting to be adorned with vibrant ingredients.

Cheese melts into golden pools of deliciousness, promising a sensory experience that transcends ordinary meals.

Each ingredient tells a story of flavor and texture, inviting you to play with combinations.

Layers of robust marinara, fresh herbs, and perfectly seasoned toppings dance across the canvas of your carefully prepared base.

Fragrant aromas will fill your space, drawing everyone near with anticipation.

This recipe promises more than just a meal—it’s a delicious journey you’ll want to savor bite by delectable bite.

Why Style Pizza Brings Bold Flavor To The Table

  • Craft Homemade Deliciousness: Creating this style pizza from scratch lets you control every ingredient, ensuring a fresher and more personalized meal that beats any takeout option.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: The entire process takes around 90 minutes, with active cooking time under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious dinner without extensive preparation.
  • Customize Your Culinary Canvas: This recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to swap toppings, experiment with cheeses, and design your perfect pizza based on personal preferences or dietary needs.
  • Build Cooking Confidence: The straightforward steps and simple ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly, helping home cooks develop essential skills while producing a restaurant-quality result that impresses everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Style Pizza

Pizza Base Ingredients:
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps develop dough texture.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast for proper rising.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough fermentation and rise.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the pizza's foundational structure.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dough.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps dough develop smoothly.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Base for authentic pizza sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Classic Italian herb blend for traditional taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Seasoning to balance sauce flavor.
  • Sugar: Cuts tomato acidity and balances sauce.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides classic stretchy, melty texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to pizza.
  • Dried Oregano: Optional herb for extra Italian flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Optional finishing touch for added richness.

How To Make Style Pizza From Scratch

Step 1: Craft Incredible Dough

If using homemade dough:
  • Warm water
  • Sugar
  • Active dry yeast
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Olive oil

Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar. Watch it bubble and come alive. Mix in flour, salt, and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a clean surface until smooth and bouncy. Let the dough rest in a cozy, covered bowl until it doubles in size, about an hour.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Sauce

  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Garlic
  • Fresh herbs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Pinch of sugar

Heat olive oil in a pan. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance. Pour in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Shape Your Culinary Canvas

Crank the oven to 475F. Warm up a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Roll out the dough into a beautiful round disk. Transfer to a parchment-lined surface, stretching gently.

Step 4: Layer with Love

  • Homemade sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Optional toppings

Spread sauce in a thin, even layer. Sprinkle cheese generously. Add your favorite toppings with enthusiasm. Dust with dried herbs for an authentic touch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Glory

Slide the pizza onto the scorching hot surface. Watch it transform in the oven. Bake until the crust turns golden brown and cheese bubbles with excitement, about 10-14 minutes.

Step 6: Slice and Celebrate

Pull from the oven. Let it rest briefly. Slice into wedges. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil or sprinkle chili flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Helpful Advice For Making Style Pizza

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a light, airy pizza dough.
  • Control Dough Moisture: Add flour gradually while kneading to prevent a sticky or dry texture, achieving the ideal elastic consistency for a crispy crust.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Preheat your baking stone or sheet thoroughly to create an instant crisp base that locks in flavor and prevents moisture buildup.
  • Customize Topping Layers: Layer cheese first, then sauce to prevent a watery pizza and create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp and delicious.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Sprinkle dried herbs like oregano or fresh basil after baking to preserve their vibrant taste and aromatic qualities.

Storage Tips For Keeping Style Pizza Tasty

  • Refrigerate leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cover the pizza loosely with aluminum foil to prevent moisture buildup and soggy crust.
  • Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy texture.
  • Alternatively, use a skillet on medium heat with a lid for about 3-4 minutes to warm pizza evenly and maintain its original crispness.
  • Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust rubbery and soft.
  • Freeze whole or individual pizza slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

Perfect Pairings For Style Pizza Night

  • Enhance Pizza Flavor: Pair this classic style pizza with a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
  • Refresh with Beverage: Crack open a cold Italian-style lager such as Peroni or Moretti. These light beers provide a refreshing contrast to the pizza's bold flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Complement with Side Salad: Serve a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes balance the pizza's richness and add a fresh, light element to the meal.
  • Add Appetizer Flair: Start with bruschetta topped with fresh basil, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This traditional Italian starter sets the stage for the pizza and enhances the overall dining experience.

Different Twists On Style Pizza

  • Herb Garden Pizza: Elevate your pizza with a vibrant mix of fresh basil, thyme, rosemary, and parsley scattered across the surface for an aromatic herbaceous experience.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and pepper jack cheese for a fiery flavor profile that ignites taste buds.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Pizza: Top with roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired sensation.
  • Breakfast Pizza Remix: Crack a few eggs directly onto the pizza before baking, sprinkle crispy bacon bits, and add a handful of shredded cheddar for a morning-inspired culinary delight.

FAQs For Style Pizza Lovers

  • Why is letting the yeast sit important?

Allowing the yeast to sit in warm water with sugar activates it, helping the dough rise properly and creating a soft, airy pizza crust. This process ensures your dough will be light and fluffy instead of dense and heavy.

  • Can I make the pizza sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to develop and become more rich and complex.

  • What if my dough isn't rising?

Ensure your water is warm (not hot) and your yeast is fresh. Room temperature around 70-80°F is ideal for dough rising. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the covered dough in a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven.

  • How thin should I roll the pizza dough?

Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. A thin crust allows for crispy edges and ensures the pizza cooks evenly, giving you that perfect balance of crunch and softness.

Print
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Style Pizza Recipe

Style Pizza Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Gourmet style pizza blends Italian culinary traditions with modern kitchen creativity. Crispy crust, premium ingredients, and balanced flavors promise a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with every delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier crust)
  • 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1.25 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove)
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity, optional)

Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Pepperoni
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Olives
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for extra Italian flavor)

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast by combining it with warm water and sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and develop for approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Create a soft, elastic dough by incorporating flour, salt, and olive oil, then thoroughly kneading on a lightly dusted surface until the texture becomes smooth and cohesive.
  3. Allow the dough to rise in a greased container, covered, until it doubles in volume – typically requiring 1-1.5 hours in a warm environment.
  4. Craft a robust pizza sauce by gently simmering crushed tomatoes with aromatic herbs, garlic, and seasonings until the mixture thickens and develops deep, rich flavors.
  5. Prepare the pizza workspace by heating the oven and a pizza stone to intense temperatures around 475F, ensuring a crisp cooking surface.
  6. Roll the risen dough into a thin, circular shape with gentle, even pressure, maintaining a consistent thickness across the surface.
  7. Transfer the dough carefully onto a parchment-lined surface, spreading a delicate layer of prepared sauce from the center outwards.
  8. Generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the sauce, creating an even, inviting layer of dairy richness.
  9. Arrange selected toppings strategically, ensuring balanced coverage and potential flavor combinations.
  10. Sprinkle dried oregano and a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance the pizza’s aromatic profile.
  11. Bake the pizza until the crust transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece and the cheese melts into bubbling, slightly caramelized perfection.
  12. Allow the pizza to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, then slice and serve while maintaining optimal temperature and crispness.

Notes

  • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure perfect rising and soft, airy crust texture.
  • Use instant or active dry yeast interchangeably, adjusting water temperature accordingly for best activation.
  • Experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
  • Prep pizza sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 5 days, intensifying flavor and saving cooking time.
  • Prevent soggy crust by patting down wet toppings and using a thin layer of sauce to maintain crispy bottom.
  • Customize pizza for vegetarian diets by replacing cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by mixing different cheese types like provolone, fontina, or goat cheese with traditional mozzarella.
  • Achieve restaurant-style crispy crust by using a pizza stone or preheating a heavy baking sheet for maximum heat transfer.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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