New York Style Pizza - Homemade

Key Characteristics:

• Crust: Thin and crisp on the edges but soft and foldable toward the center.
• Sauce: Lightly seasoned tomato sauce, often with a hint of sweetness.
• Cheese: A generous layer of mozzarella cheese that melts into a gooey, stretchy topping.
• Toppings: Common toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and more, but the classic cheese slice remains a staple.
• Size: Pies are usually around 18 inches in diameter, and slices are large enough to be folded in half to eat.

Preparation:

New York-style pizza is typically baked in a deck oven, which helps achieve the characteristic crispy crust. The dough is often made with high-gluten flour, giving it that perfect balance of chewy and crispy.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour (high-gluten)
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, whole milk)
• Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well.
3. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Prepare the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach (usually around 500°F/260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts if making two pizzas. Shape each portion into a ball.
3. On a floured surface, stretch the dough into a 12-14 inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. If the dough is too elastic, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.
4. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal.

4. Assemble and Bake:

1. Spread a thin layer of the sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
3. Add your desired toppings.
4. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade New York-style pizza!