Wood-Fired NY Style Pizza with Garlic Knot Bites

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-09 · Updated 2026-05-09

A classic New York-style pizza with a thin, chewy crust topped with rich tomato sauce and mozzarella, paired with soft garlic knots bursting with buttery garlic flavor. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 50 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) instant yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (110°F) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 12 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup (melted) butter
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar. Add 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F) and 2 tbsp olive oil; mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Step 2: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Simmer gently for 15 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
4. Step 4: Preheat wood-fired oven or conventional oven to 500°F with a pizza stone inside. Punch down the dough and stretch it into a 14-inch circle on a floured pizza peel.
5. Step 5: Spread half the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Distribute 12 oz sliced fresh mozzarella and bake on the stone for 8-10 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.
6. Step 6: While pizza bakes, prepare garlic knots: Divide remaining dough into 8 pieces and roll each into a 6-inch rope. Tie each into a knot and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with 1/4 cup melted butter mixed with 1 minced garlic clove and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
7. Step 7: Bake garlic knots in the oven alongside the pizza for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove pizza and knots from oven; garnish pizza with 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves. Serve together warm.