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Style Pizza

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Style Pizza is all about the unique flavors, textures, and techniques that define different regional and international pizza styles. Whether you love a crispy New York slice, a deep-dish Chicago pizza, or a Neapolitan classic, there’s a style for everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Customizable – Choose your favorite pizza style and toppings.
  • Homemade Perfection – Fresh ingredients for a better-than-takeout experience.
  • Versatile Dough & Sauce – Use the same base for multiple pizza styles.
  • Fun to Make – Perfect for pizza nights and family gatherings.
  • Authentic & Delicious – Achieve restaurant-quality flavor at home!

Popular Pizza Styles

Here are some of the most well-known pizza styles, each with its own unique characteristics:

1. Neapolitan Pizza (Classic Italian)

  • Crust: Thin, soft, and airy with charred edges.
  • Dough: High hydration, fermented for 24+ hours.
  • Toppings: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil.
  • Baking: Cooked in a 900°F (480°C) wood-fired oven for 90 seconds.

2. New York-Style Pizza

  • Crust: Thin, foldable, yet crispy.
  • Dough: Hand-stretched with high-gluten flour for chewiness.
  • Toppings: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, oregano, and optional pepperoni.
  • Baking: Cooked in a 500-550°F (260-290°C) oven on a pizza stone.

3. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

  • Crust: Thick, buttery, and flaky.
  • Dough: Similar to pie crust, pressed into a deep pan.
  • Toppings: Mozzarella on the bottom, then toppings, and chunky tomato sauce on top.
  • Baking: Baked for 35-45 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

4. Detroit-Style Pizza

  • Crust: Thick, airy, and crispy edges (caramelized cheese).
  • Dough: Similar to focaccia, baked in a rectangular pan.
  • Toppings: Cheese spread to edges, then sauce drizzled on top.
  • Baking: Baked at 500°F (260°C) for 15 minutes.

5. Sicilian Pizza

  • Crust: Thick and spongy, similar to focaccia.
  • Dough: High hydration, proofed in a sheet pan.
  • Toppings: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and optional anchovies or onions.
  • Baking: Baked at 450°F (230°C) for 20-30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough (Universal Recipe for Most Styles)

  • All-purpose or bread flour
  • Water
  • Instant yeast
  • Salt
  • Olive oil (optional for softer crust)

For the Sauce (Classic Tomato Base)

  • Canned San Marzano tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Italian seasoning (optional)

For Toppings (Customize by Style)

  • Mozzarella (fresh or shredded)
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pepperoni, sausage, veggies, or fresh basil
  • Olive oil drizzle for finishing

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. Mix Ingredients – Combine flour, yeast, salt, and water in a bowl.
  2. Knead the Dough – Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
  3. Let It Rise – Cover and let rise for 2-24 hours (depending on style).

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Sauté Garlic – Heat olive oil, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings – Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Shape & Assemble the Pizza

  1. Stretch or Roll Dough – Depending on the style, form the crust accordingly.
  2. Add Sauce & Cheese – Spread sauce evenly, then top with cheese and desired toppings.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

  1. Preheat Oven – Use a pizza stone or steel for best results.
  2. Bake According to Style – Time and temperature vary by type.
  3. Slice & Enjoy – Serve hot with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2-4 (depending on pizza size)
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Dough Rising Time: 2-24 hours
  • Bake Time: 10-45 minutes (varies by style)

Variations

  • Gluten-Free Crust – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegan Pizza – Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based toppings.
  • White Pizza (Pizza Bianca) – Skip the tomato sauce and use ricotta or Alfredo sauce.
  • BBQ Chicken Pizza – Use BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, and red onions.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or use a skillet for a crispy crust.

FAQs

What’s the best flour for pizza dough?

Bread flour for chewy crust, all-purpose for softer crust, and 00 flour for Neapolitan pizza.

Can I make pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes! Store dough in the fridge for 24-48 hours for better flavor.

How do I get a crispy crust?

Use a pizza stone or steel and bake at high heat.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Let it come to room temperature before rolling.

How do I make my pizza sauce richer?

Simmer longer or add tomato paste for depth.

What’s the best cheese for pizza?

Fresh mozzarella for Neapolitan, shredded low-moisture mozzarella for New York-style.

Can I cook pizza in a cast-iron skillet?

Yes! Heat the skillet, add dough, and bake in the oven at 500°F.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Use less sauce and preheat your baking surface.

Can I grill pizza?

Yes! Grill over medium heat for a smoky, crispy crust.

What’s the best way to stretch pizza dough?

Let it rest at room temperature, then gently stretch using your hands.

Conclusion

Whether you love thin-crust, deep-dish, or crispy pan pizza, this Style Pizza guide helps you recreate your favorite type at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can master homemade pizza and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen. Try a new style today and make pizza night extra special!

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Style Pizza

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This homemade pizza is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with classic flavors. With a perfectly chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, it’s just like a pizzeria-style pizza—but made in your own kitchen!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 medium pizzas 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pizza Dough: (or use store-bought for convenience)

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier crust)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (balances acidity, optional)

For the Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc. (choose your favorites!)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for extra Italian flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough (Skip if using store-bought dough)

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until combined.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 3: Shape the Pizza

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to preheat.
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
  3. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or a baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
  2. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Add your favorite toppings.
  4. Sprinkle dried oregano for an extra Italian touch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  1. Slide the pizza onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 10-14 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve hot!
  • Drizzle with olive oil or chili flakes for extra flavor.

Notes

✔ Extra crispy crust? Bake directly on a preheated pizza stone.
✔ Want a thicker crust? Let the dough rest for 10 minutes after rolling before baking.
✔ Cheese lovers? Add burrata or provolone for an extra gooey texture.
✔ Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour blend for the dough.

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