Easy Homemade Crispy Bar-Style Pizza Recipe

Discover the secret to making the perfect bar-style pizza at home! This recipe yields a uniquely crisp, crunchy, and slightly chewy crust that will rival your favorite pizzeria. Learn the two-stage cooking process that creates a deeply burnished, lightly charred, golden-brown crust reminiscent of both New England Greek-style pan pizza and New York-style gas-oven thin crust.

Our bar-style pizza features a crustless edge where cheese and sauce are applied to the very rim, creating a delightful frico-like crunch. This recipe is ideal for pizza lovers of all skill levels, from total amateurs to seasoned pros. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing pie!

Ingredients

• 18 ounces (about 3 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 0.25 ounce (about 2 teaspoons) salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil
• 1 recipe New York-style pizza sauce, puréed with a hand blender or standing blender until smooth
• 2 ounces finely grated parmesan
• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• Toppings as desired

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Pulse 3 to 4 times until incorporated. Add olive oil and water, then run the food processor until the mixture forms a ball that rides around the bowl above the blade, about 15 seconds. Continue processing for 15 seconds longer. Alternatively, use a stand mixer and mix on low speed for 10 minutes.
2. Transfer the dough ball to a lightly floured surface and knead once or twice by hand until a smooth ball is formed. Place the dough in a gallon-sized zipper lock bag, seal, and refrigerate. Allow the dough to ferment for at least 1 day, and up to 5 days for maximum flavor development.
3. At least 2 hours before baking, remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 4 even balls. Shape each ball by gathering the dough towards the bottom and pinching shut. Flour well and place each ball in a separate bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise at warm room temperature until roughly doubled in volume.
4. Preheat your oven to 550°F (290°C, or as hot as your oven will allow) for at least 1 hour. Adjust the oven rack with the pizza stone to the top position and place a second rack one position below it.
5. Roll out a single dough ball on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, using a rolling pin and stretching by hand if necessary. Grease an aluminum baking sheet with 1 tablespoon canola oil and transfer the dough to it. Spread about 1/2 cup of sauce evenly over the entire surface, sprinkle with 1/4 of the parmesan, and add 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese. Add your desired toppings.
6. Place the pizza in the oven on the rack immediately under the baking stone. Bake until the edges begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully separate the pizza’s edges from the pan using a thin flexible metal spatula. Slide the pizza off the pan and onto the baking stone. Continue baking until the bottom is deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Transfer the pizza to a cutting board, slice into 8 pieces, and serve. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.

The Secret to Perfect Bar-Style Pizza

The magic of this pizza lies in its unique two-stage cooking process. First, the dough is partially cooked on an oiled pan, allowing the bottom to start frying and creating that characteristic crispy texture. Then, it’s transferred directly onto a hot pizza stone, where it finishes cooking and develops those irresistible charred edges.

This method results in a crust that’s crispy yet tender, with a slight chew and a golden-brown color that’s sure to make your mouth water. The cheese and sauce applied right to the edge create a delicious, crunchy rim that sets this pizza apart from traditional styles.

Customizing Your Bar-Style Pizza

One of the best things about bar-style pizza is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations. Try using cheddar cheese for a twist, or experiment with fresh tomatoes instead of cooked sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Remember, the key to a great bar-style pizza is achieving that perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures. Don’t be afraid to adjust cooking times slightly based on your oven’s characteristics and your personal preferences.

Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Bar-Style Pizza

This pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the crust is at its crispiest. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or anytime you’re craving a delicious, homemade pizza with a unique twist.

Pair your bar-style pizza with a cold beer or your favorite soda for the ultimate at-home bar experience. And don’t forget to experiment with different topping combinations – from classic pepperoni to gourmet vegetables, the sky’s the limit!