New York-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella Cheese

Introduction

The New York-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella Cheese is more than just a meal—it’s an icon of American comfort food. With its thin, foldable crust, slightly crisp edges, flavorful tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and the irresistible punch of spicy pepperoni, this pizza has earned its place as one of the most beloved foods in the world.

What sets New York-style pizza apart is its unique balance of textures and flavors. The dough is stretched thin but not cracker-like, giving each bite that signature chewy yet crisp bite. The sauce is tangy and seasoned to perfection, while the gooey mozzarella creates a luscious melt that ties everything together. Add in pepperoni, which crisps up beautifully in the oven, and you have a pizza that’s bold, satisfying, and timeless.

This pizza isn’t just food—it’s an experience. It’s designed to be eaten by the slice, folded in half, and enjoyed with your hands, just like in the bustling streets of New York City. Whether served fresh from the oven on a family pizza night, shared with friends during a game, or savored solo, it always delivers comfort and joy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings the authentic taste of a classic New York slice right into my kitchen. The thin yet chewy crust, perfectly golden around the edges, holds just the right amount of tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni—it’s everything I crave in a pizza.

What makes me love it even more is its simplicity and reliability. With just a handful of quality ingredients, I can create a pizza that rivals what I’d get from a pizzeria. It’s a recipe that feels approachable, yet delivers that iconic restaurant-style flavor every single time.

I also love how this pizza is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in, a fun weekend dinner with friends, or a casual game-day treat, it never fails to impress. The joy of pulling a hot pizza from the oven, watching the cheese bubble, and enjoying that first cheesy, pepperoni-loaded bite is unmatched.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

New York-Style Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella Cheese is a must-try dish because it captures the true essence of comfort food—crispy, foldable thin crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and the irresistible spice of pepperoni. It’s the kind of pizza that delivers a perfect bite every single time, with the right balance of crunch, chew, and flavor.

What makes it a must-try is its timeless appeal. This pizza style has become iconic worldwide because it combines simplicity with bold flavor. The classic pepperoni topping paired with creamy mozzarella creates a savory richness that’s universally loved, making it a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings.

Another reason this pizza is a must-try is its authentic New York character. The large, thin slices are designed to be enjoyed by hand—folded, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—which makes the eating experience just as enjoyable as the taste itself.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus dough rising 1–2 hours)

• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour active, ~2 hours total with rising
• Servings: 8 slices (1 large pizza)
• Calories per Slice: ~285 kcal (varies with topping amounts)

Cuisine

• Type: American (New York-style)
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 ⅓ cups (315ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant dry yeast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp salt

For the Sauce

• 1 cup tomato passata (or crushed canned tomatoes)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Toppings

• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture)
• 25–30 slices pepperoni
• 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 – Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2 – Prepare the Sauce

5. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
6. Add tomato passata, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3 – Preheat the Oven

7. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.

Step 4 – Assemble the Pizza

8. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 14-inch circle on parchment paper.
9. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
10. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
11. Arrange pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.

Step 5 – Bake

12. Transfer the pizza (with parchment) to the preheated stone/baking sheet.
13. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Step 6 – Serve

14. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces.

How to Serve

• Serve hot and fresh, with a side of chili flakes, oregano, or garlic dipping sauce.
• Pair with a simple Caesar salad or garlic breadsticks.
• New York-style tradition: Fold your slice in half and enjoy!

Additional Tips & Variations

• Extra crisp crust: Brush edges with olive oil before baking.
• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper to the sauce or use spicy pepperoni.
• Cheese blend: Mix mozzarella with provolone for a richer flavor.
• Two pizzas: Double the dough and sauce to make two large pies.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze (unbaked): Freeze shaped dough for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
• Freeze (baked): Wrap cooled slices in foil, freeze for up to 1 month, and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan

Conclusion

This New York-Style Pepperoni Pizza delivers that classic pizzeria flavor and texture at home. With a crisp-yet-chewy crust, tangy sauce, stretchy mozzarella, and savory pepperoni, it’s everything a pizza should be—simple, satisfying, and universally loved.