Classic New York Style Cheese Pizza
This Classic New York Style Cheese Pizza brings back the authentic flavors of NYC right to your kitchen. After moving to Kansas City six years ago, I found myself missing the vibrant pizza culture of New York. That's when I decided to create my own foolproof pizza recipe, a delicious blend of crispy yet chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe is straightforward, allowing you to whip up a delightful pizza effortlessly. While this version is a classic cheese pizza, feel free to customize it with toppings like turkey Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, zucchini, or prosciutto for a healthy twist. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness with family and friends, just as if you were in the heart of New York City!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry yeast
1/4 ounce (Activated with warm water and sugar)
lukewarm water
1 cup (Ensure temperature is below 100°F)
sugar
1 teaspoon (For activating the yeast)
bread flour
3 cups (Use as needed for kneading and crust formation)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Adds flavor to the dough)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For greasing the bowl and enhancing dough flavor)
tomato puree
1/2 cup (Base for the pizza sauce)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (Concentrated flavoring for the sauce)
garlic clove
1, minced (Add flavor to the sauce)
fresh basil
1 tablespoon, chopped (For seasoning the sauce and adding aroma)
fresh mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (Sliced for topping the pizza)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the dry yeast, lukewarm water, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and allow it to bloom for about 15 minutes until foamy.
2
Next, add 1 cup of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir in the salt, and gradually mix in an additional cup of flour until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
3
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead in the remaining cup of flour, adding more as necessary, until the dough is soft, elastic, and not sticky, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Coat a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes or until doubled in size.
5
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
6
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead briefly on the surface for about 2 minutes. The dough is then ready to be shaped.
7
Spray a pizza pan lightly with olive oil or use vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking. Spread the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring the edges are slightly raised to hold toppings.
8
Prepare the sauce by mixing the tomato puree, tomato paste, minced garlic, and chopped basil in a bowl. Spread this sauce evenly over the prepared pizza dough.
9
Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese and arrange it on top of the sauce, adding more cheese if desired.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
11
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, slice, and serve hot!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this New York Style pizza authentic?
The recipe creates a classic blend of a crispy yet chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese using simple ingredients.
How long does it take for the yeast to bloom?
The dry yeast should bloom in lukewarm water and sugar for about 15 minutes until it becomes foamy.
What is the ideal water temperature for the yeast?
The water should be lukewarm and ideally below 100°F (38°C) to ensure the yeast activates without dying.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
Bread flour is used in this recipe to achieve the traditional chewy texture characteristic of New York pizza.
How much flour is required in total?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of bread flour, added gradually during the mixing and kneading process.
How long should I knead the pizza dough?
You should knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is soft, elastic, and no longer sticky.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough needs to rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 500°F (260°C) for the best results.
How do I prepare the pizza pan?
Lightly spray the pizza pan with olive oil or vegetable oil spray to prevent the dough from sticking.
What ingredients are in the homemade pizza sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of tomato puree, tomato paste, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced and arranged on top, is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the pizza need to bake?
Bake the pizza for 11 to 13 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Can I add other toppings to this cheese pizza?
Yes, you can customize it with toppings like turkey Italian sausage, mushrooms, zucchini, or prosciutto.
How do I know when the dough is done rising?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in volume, which usually takes around 40 minutes.
What should I do after the dough rises?
Punch the dough down and knead it briefly for about 2 minutes before shaping it into the pan.
How do I shape the dough in the pan?
Spread the dough evenly into the pan, making sure the edges are slightly raised to hold the sauce and cheese.
Why is sugar added to the yeast mixture?
Sugar acts as food for the yeast, helping it to activate and bloom effectively.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste in the sauce?
Tomato paste provides a concentrated flavoring that thickens and enriches the pizza sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one minced garlic clove to flavor the tomato sauce.
Is fresh or dried basil used for the sauce?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of chopped fresh basil for better aroma and seasoning.
Should I let the pizza cool before serving?
Yes, let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving.
How much dry yeast is needed?
One 1/4 ounce packet of dry yeast is required for this dough recipe.
Can I make this recipe if I am a beginner?
Absolutely, this recipe is designed to be foolproof and straightforward for cooks of all levels.
How much tomato puree is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of tomato puree as the base for the sauce.
What should the texture of the dough be after kneading?
After kneading, the dough should feel soft, elastic, and should not be sticky to the touch.
How much olive oil is added to the dough?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to grease the bowl and enhance the dough's flavor.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe suggests using 4 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, though you can add more if desired.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is combining the yeast, lukewarm water, and sugar in a medium bowl to let the yeast bloom.
Why do you punch down the dough?
Punching down the dough releases excess air bubbles and helps redistribute the yeast for the final shaping.
Is this pizza suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a perfect meal to enjoy with family and friends, bringing a taste of New York to your home.