Domino’s New York Style Pizza: A Culinary Adventure at Home
Domino’s has recently introduced its take on the iconic New York style pizza, and it’s creating quite a buzz. Known for its large, foldable slices and thin, crispy crust, the New York style pizza is a beloved classic. While nothing truly beats grabbing a slice from a New York pizzeria, Domino’s version offers a convenient and accessible alternative. But why settle for ordering when you can embark on a culinary adventure and recreate a delicious New York style pizza in your own kitchen? This guide will walk you through the process, providing detailed steps, tips, and variations to help you master the art of homemade New York style pizza.
Understanding the Essence of New York Style Pizza
Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand what makes a New York style pizza so special. Here are the key characteristics:
* **Thin and Crispy Crust:** The foundation of a great New York pizza is a thin crust that’s crispy on the bottom and slightly chewy. It should be sturdy enough to hold the toppings but foldable for easy eating.
* **Simple Sauce:** The sauce is typically a simple blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a touch of sugar. It’s not overly sweet or complicated, allowing the other flavors to shine.
* **High-Quality Cheese:** Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is the traditional cheese choice. It melts beautifully and doesn’t release too much water, which can make the crust soggy.
* **Generous Size:** New York style pizzas are typically large, ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter. This makes them perfect for sharing.
* **Foldable Slices:** The slices are large and easily foldable, making them convenient to eat on the go.
Recipe 1: The Classic New York Style Pizza
This recipe provides a foundation for creating a classic New York style pizza. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Dough:**
* 3 1/2 cups (420g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon (3g) instant dry yeast
* 1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt
* 1 1/2 cups (360ml) lukewarm water (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
**For the Sauce:**
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
**For the Topping:**
* 1 pound (450g) low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Optional toppings: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.
**Equipment:**
* Large mixing bowl
* Pizza stone or baking sheet
* Pizza peel (optional)
* Rolling pin
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Dough:**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant dry yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine.
* Add the lukewarm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. If you are using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for 6-8 minutes on medium speed.
* Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step, allowing the gluten to develop and the dough to become light and airy.
**2. Make the Sauce:**
* While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
* Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly.
**3. Prepare the Pizza:**
* Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. The hotter the oven, the crispier the crust will be.
* Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
* Divide the dough in half (if making two pizzas) or keep it whole (for one large pizza).
* Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a thin circle, about 16-18 inches in diameter. Try to keep the crust as thin as possible.
* Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour (if using a pizza stone). If using a baking sheet, you can assemble the pizza directly on the baking sheet.
**4. Assemble the Pizza:**
* Spread a thin layer of the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edge for the crust.
* Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
* Add your desired toppings. Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers are all popular choices.
**5. Bake the Pizza:**
* Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (if using) or place the baking sheet in the oven.
* Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent burning.
* Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe 2: A Spicy Variation – New York Style Pepperoni Pizza with Chili Flakes
Add a kick to your New York style pizza with a sprinkle of chili flakes. This recipe builds on the classic, adding a touch of heat that complements the savory flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the ingredients for the Classic New York Style Pizza recipe.
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 4 ounces pepperoni slices
**Instructions:**
* Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic New York Style Pizza recipe.
* After spreading the cheese, arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
* Sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the pizza.
* Bake according to step 5 of the Classic New York Style Pizza recipe.
Recipe 3: New York Style White Pizza (Pizza Bianca)
For a delightful twist, try a New York style white pizza, also known as pizza bianca. This pizza swaps the traditional tomato sauce for a creamy garlic-infused base.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Dough:**
* Follow the ingredients for the Classic New York Style Pizza recipe.
**For the White Sauce:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
**For the Topping:**
* 1 pound (450g) low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
* 1/4 cup ricotta cheese, dollops
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Dough:**
* Follow step 1 of the Classic New York Style Pizza recipe.
**2. Make the White Sauce:**
* While the dough is rising, prepare the white sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Do not boil.
* Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly.
**3. Prepare the Pizza:**
* Follow steps 3 of the Classic New York Style Pizza recipe.
**4. Assemble the Pizza:**
* Spread a thin layer of the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edge for the crust.
* Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
* Drop small dollops of ricotta cheese over the mozzarella.
**5. Bake the Pizza:**
* Follow step 5 of the Classic New York Style Pizza recipe.
* After baking, garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
Tips for Achieving Authentic New York Style Pizza
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste of your pizza. Use good quality bread flour, fresh mozzarella, and flavorful tomatoes.
* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust. Knead it just until it’s smooth and elastic.
* **Let the Dough Rise Properly:** Allowing the dough to rise properly is essential for developing flavor and texture. Be patient and let it double in size.
* **Use a Hot Oven:** A hot oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, ideally 500°F (260°C).
* **Use a Pizza Stone or Baking Steel:** A pizza stone or baking steel will help to distribute heat evenly and create a crispy crust. Preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking.
* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** Overloading the pizza with toppings can make the crust soggy. Use a moderate amount of toppings.
* **Use Cornmeal or Flour:** Dust your pizza peel with cornmeal or flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
* **Practice Your Dough Stretching Technique:** Stretching the dough evenly is key to a consistent crust. Practice your technique to avoid tearing or creating thin spots.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** While the classic New York style pizza is simple, feel free to experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the pizza and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations and Customizations
* **Whole Wheat Dough:** For a healthier option, substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
* **Garlic-Infused Oil:** Brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil before adding the sauce for extra flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce or as a topping.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gorgonzola.
* **Vegetarian Options:** Create a vegetarian pizza with toppings like mushrooms, onions, peppers, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
* **Meat Lovers Pizza:** Load up on meat with toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham.
* **Hawaiian Pizza:** Add pineapple and ham for a sweet and savory combination.
* **Buffalo Chicken Pizza:** Top with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing.
Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade New York Style Pizza
* **Slice and Serve Immediately:** The best time to enjoy your homemade pizza is right after it comes out of the oven.
* **Use a Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife:** A pizza cutter or sharp knife will make slicing the pizza easier.
* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad is a perfect accompaniment to pizza.
* **Enjoy with Your Favorite Beverage:** Pair your pizza with a cold beer, soda, or glass of wine.
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
Troubleshooting Common Pizza-Making Problems
* **Soggy Crust:**
* Make sure your oven is hot enough.
* Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese.
* Don’t overload the pizza with toppings.
* Par-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings.
* **Burnt Crust:**
* Lower the oven temperature slightly.
* Move the pizza to a lower rack in the oven.
* Cover the edges of the crust with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
* **Tough Crust:**
* Don’t overwork the dough.
* Make sure the dough has risen properly.
* Use good quality bread flour.
* **Unevenly Cooked Pizza:**
* Rotate the pizza halfway through baking.
* Make sure your oven is preheated evenly.
* Use a pizza stone or baking steel.
The Joy of Homemade Pizza
Making your own New York style pizza at home is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy a delicious and customizable meal, but you also get to learn a new skill and impress your friends and family. With a little practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to create pizzas that rival those from your favorite pizzeria. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, remember that the most important ingredient is your passion for good food. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, have fun!
Bon appétit!