Title: Mastering the Art of NY-Style Pizza Dough
There’s something undeniably irresistible about the thin, crispy yet chewy crust of a New York-style pizza. It’s a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts of pizza enthusiasts around the world. The secret lies in the dough—the foundation that holds together all the savory toppings and brings the entire pizza experience to life. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of NY-style pizza dough and share a tried-and-true recipe to help you create your very own delectable pies.
Shaping pizza dough balls is an essential step in the pizza-making process. It determines the final size and thickness of the crust and ensures an even distribution of toppings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shape pizza dough balls:
Prepare your workspace: Make sure your work surface is clean and lightly dusted with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
Portion the dough: If you have divided the dough into multiple portions, work with one piece at a time, keeping the others covered to prevent drying out. Dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking.
Flatten the dough: Gently flatten the dough ball into a round disc shape using your hands. Start by pressing down the center and work your way towards the edges. Be careful not to tear the dough.
Create a tight ball: To shape the dough into a ball, use both hands and start from the edges, pulling them towards the center while rotating the dough. Continue this motion, gradually increasing the tension as you shape the ball. The goal is to create a smooth, tight surface on the bottom.
Seal the bottom: Once you’ve formed a ball, flip it over so that the smooth side is facing up. Cup your hands around the ball and rotate it in a circular motion, gently tucking any loose edges underneath. This helps seal the bottom and creates a uniform shape.
Repeat the process: If you have additional portions of dough, repeat steps 4-6 with each piece, ensuring that you shape them all into tight balls.
Rest the dough: Place the shaped dough balls on a lightly oiled tray or baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This short resting period allows the gluten to relax further and makes the dough easier to stretch. Here is a quick video on how I make the dough. Click Here. Bull offers the Gas Fired Italian Made Pizza Oven so you can enjoy making pizza right in your backyard!
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with dough hook
Ingredients
- 500 grams 000 flour (can use bread flour if needed)
- 325 grams 90-95 degree water
- 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
- 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- 1. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the water, yeast, and salt. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, allowing the yeast to rehydrate.2. Add the flour to the mixer and mix on low speed for approximately 1 minute and 45 seconds. Ensure that the ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive dough.3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rest for 20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to handle.4. Divide the dough in half if making two 14-inch pizzas or into three portions if making three 10-inch pizzas.5. Working with one portion of dough at a time, gently knead it and shape it into a tight ball. Repeat this process with the remaining portions of dough.6. Place the dough balls in a lightly oiled container, cover them, and refrigerate for 48 to 72 hours. This slow fermentation process enhances the flavor and texture of the dough.7. Four to five hours before you plan to make the pizzas, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature, which will make it easier to stretch and shape.
Mastering the art of NY-style pizza dough is a journey that requires patience and attention to detail. The recipe shared above provides a solid foundation for creating authentic, delicious pizzas that rival those found in the pizzerias of New York City. By following the steps carefully and allowing the dough to ferment slowly, you’ll unlock a world of flavors and textures that will elevate your homemade pizzas to new heights. So, gather your favorite toppings, fire up the oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of New York magic with your very own homemade pizzas!
[…] to round out your next pizza party. I often make extra dough for dessert pizzas when preparing our Bull Grills NY Style Pizza Dough recipe. This New Orleans classic is upgraded with hazelnut and a perfectly baked pizza crust. Dessert […]