Wood-Fired Grilled Pizza (New York Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is a distinct, rhythmic beauty to a proper New York slice: the way the crisp, blistered crust snaps slightly as you fold it, creating a perfect channel for that molten, golden cheese. While I have fond memories of grabbing a greasy slice on a busy Manhattan corner, recreating that magic in my own backyard on the Arteflame grill has become my new obsession. The open flame kisses the dough with a subtle smokiness that mimics the best wood-fired ovens, turning a casual dinner into an unforgettable culinary event.

The Magic of Open Fire

I adore this recipe because it bridges the gap between a standard home oven and professional pizza gear. The Arteflame’s unique cooktop provides the high, direct heat necessary to get that signature "leopard spotting" on the bottom of the crust without drying it out. It is approachable enough for a Tuesday night family dinner yet impressive enough to be the centerpiece of a summer cookout.

Kitchen Wisdom

• Let the dough relax: If the dough springs back when stretching, let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten so it keeps its shape.
• Manage your heat: Ensure the cooktop is searing hot before dropping the dough to guarantee a crispy bottom immediately; a tepid surface leads to sticking.
• Less is more: Go light on the sauce and cheese to ensure the crust stays crisp and creates that iconic foldable slice rather than becoming soggy.

Make It Yours

If you are short on time, a high-quality store-bought dough ball works wonders in a pinch, saving you hours of prep. For a dairy-free option, swap the mozzarella for a good melting vegan cheese or simply go "pizza marinara" style with extra garlic and oil.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet active dry yeast

For the Sauce

• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar

For the Toppings

• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Flour or cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and sugar.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool.

Step 3: Heat the Arteflame

1. Preheat your Arteflame to medium-high heat.
2. Dust a pizza peel with flour or cornmeal.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Stretch dough into a thin round.
2. Spread a thin layer of sauce.
3. Add mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 5: Grill the Pizza

1. Slide the pizza onto the hot cooktop.
2. Cook until crust is crisp and cheese is bubbly, rotating as needed.
3. Remove, add basil if desired, and slice.

Tips

Making perfect New York-style pizza on the Arteflame is all about mastering heat and timing. The hotter the cooking surface, the crispier the crust. Keep toppings light so the dough cooks evenly, and always rotate the pizza to avoid burning on one side. With a little practice, you’ll get that signature thin, foldable slice every time.

• Use bread flour for better chew.
• Let dough rest fully for easy stretching.
• Keep sauce light to prevent sogginess.

Variations

Once you master the base recipe, you can experiment with creative spins that still honor the essence of New York-style pizza. Try changing the cheese blend, adjusting the sauce, or adding toppings that complement the charred flavor from the Arteflame.

• Pepperoni with hot honey
• White pizza with ricotta and garlic
• Veggie supreme with bell peppers and onions
• Spicy sausage with crushed red pepper
• Mushroom and truffle oil

Best pairings

A great pizza becomes even better with the right pairing. Whether you prefer drinks or side dishes, matching flavors can elevate your entire meal. These simple pairings bring balance to the smoky crust and rich cheese of your grilled New York-style pizza.

• Garlic knots or Caesar salad
• Chilled lager or pale ale
• Classic cola or sparkling lemonade
• Red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan

Conclusion

Grilling New York-style pizza on the Arteflame gives you the perfect blend of tradition and fire-kissed flavor. The result is a crisp, thin crust with all the character of a classic slice, enhanced by the unique heat of live-fire cooking.

Once you try this method, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—whether for family pizza nights or crowd-pleasing backyard gatherings.