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New York-style pizza

New York-style pizza is a pizza style associated with New York City, known for its large, thin, hand-tossed crust and wide, foldable slices.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

New York-style pizza is a pizza style associated with New York City, known for its large, thin, hand-tossed crust and wide, foldable slices. It is typically topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, and is often sold by the slice. The style developed from early 20th-century pizza made by Italian immigrants in New York City.

Characteristics

New York-style pizza is usually round, large, and thin-crusted, with a crust that is crisp at the edge but pliable enough to fold. It is commonly served in large slices and often eaten on the go.

Origins

The style developed in New York City in the early 20th century, influenced by pizza-making traditions brought by Italian immigrants from Naples. It adapted those traditions to local ingredients and ovens.

Ingredients and preparation

Traditional New York-style pizza is made with hand-tossed dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese, with other toppings added as desired. It is commonly baked in large ovens and sold in oversized pies.

Cultural significance

New York-style pizza became one of the best-known American pizza styles and is closely associated with New York City food culture. It is widely imitated in the United States and elsewhere.

Key facts

  • The style is defined by a large diameter and a thin, flexible crust.
  • Slices are typically wide and can be folded for eating.
  • Traditional toppings are usually limited to tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  • The style developed in New York City from pizza brought by Italian immigrants.
  • New York-style pizza is commonly sold as whole pies or by the slice.
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Canadian context

New York-style pizza is common in Canadian cities, especially in pizzerias influenced by U.S. and Italian-American food traditions, and it is a familiar style for Canadian diners.

Frequently asked questions

What defines New York-style pizza?
Its large size, thin hand-tossed crust, and foldable slices are the main defining features, along with tomato sauce and mozzarella as the classic topping combination.
Where did New York-style pizza come from?
It developed in New York City in the early 20th century, influenced by pizza traditions brought by Italian immigrants from Naples.
How big is a typical New York-style pizza?
It is commonly about 18 to 24 inches in diameter, though exact size varies by pizzeria.
Why is New York-style pizza folded?
The crust is thin and flexible enough that slices can be folded, making them easier to eat by hand.
What toppings are traditional?
The classic version uses tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, with additional toppings added if desired.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York%E2%80%93style_pizza
    Supports: Defines the style as large, hand-tossed, thin-crust pizza sold in wide slices; gives typical size, folding texture, and traditional toppings.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_in_New_York_City
    Supports: Describes the style as developing in New York City from Italian immigrant and Neapolitan traditions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  3. Streets of New Yorkhttps://www.streetsofnewyork.com/posts/what-is-new-york-pizza
    Supports: Summarizes core traits: large hand-tossed thin crust, foldable slices, and classic sauce-and-cheese topping.
  4. Allrecipeshttps://www.allrecipes.com/what-is-new-york-style-pizza-8638572
    Supports: Describes New York-style pizza as a New York City style with circular shape, large wedges, thin foldable crust, and mozzarella cheese.