Oh yes 😎—Tavern-Style Pizza is that thin, crisp, slightly chewy pizza that’s all about big flavor in a casual, foldable slice. Think Chicago bars, college towns, or neighborhood pubs—thin crust, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and generous toppings.
Here’s how to make it at home:
🍕 Tavern-Style Pizza
Ingredients
For the crust (thin & crisp):
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2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1 tsp sugar
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1¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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2 Tbsp olive oil
For the toppings:
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1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for tang)
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Your choice of toppings: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, etc.
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Optional: garlic powder, oregano, or crushed red pepper for seasoning
Instructions
1. Make the dough
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In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil.
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Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
2. Shape the pizza
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Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
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Punch down dough and roll or stretch into a thin rectangle or round (~¼-inch thick) on parchment or lightly floured surface.
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Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
3. Assemble
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Spread sauce evenly over the dough.
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Sprinkle cheeses, then layer toppings evenly.
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Optional: sprinkle with garlic powder or Italian herbs.
4. Bake
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Bake 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
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Slice into bars or triangles. Tavern-style pizzas are often cut into squares for easy pub-style serving.
Tips for Authentic Tavern-Style Pizza
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Thin dough: this is key—foldable but crisp.
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High oven heat: ensures the crust cooks quickly and doesn’t get soggy.
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Mix cheeses: mozzarella for stretch, a bit of cheddar for sharp flavor.
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Square cut: classic tavern-style pizza is often cut into squares for sharing.
This pizza is crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, loaded with cheese and flavorful toppings—perfect for game night or casual dinners.
If you want, I can also give a super quick “no-rise” tavern-style pizza that’s thin, chewy, and ready in under 30 minutes