If you’ve ever wandered into an old-school bar or neighborhood tavern on the Eastside of LA, you might’ve encountered a crispy, cheesy marvel that’s part pizza, part cult classic: the bar pie. This LA-Style Crispy Bar Pizza is a tribute to that local tavern experience—a no-fuss, crackly thin crust topped edge-to-edge with golden cheese, zesty sauce, and your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for folding in one hand, holding a cold beer in the other.
Inspired by the bar pizzas of the East Coast, LA has adopted its own spin—lighter, a touch more artisanal, and often baked in cast iron or perforated pans to get that unforgettable bottom crunch. Whether you’re watching the game or hosting friends, this pizza is quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and satisfies with every crisp bite.
Equipment
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce:
- ¾ cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove finely grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Pepperoni slices or any favorite topping optional
- Pinch of chili flakes optional
- Fresh basil or chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation:
Make the Dough:
Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix crushed tomatoes, grated garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Preheat Oven:
- Heat oven to 500°F (or highest setting). If using a cast iron pan, preheat it as well.
Assembly:
Stretch the Dough:
- Roll or stretch dough into a thin 10–12” circle. Place it into your pan, pushing to the edges for that tavern-style shape.
Sauce It:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough—go light; this isn’t deep dish.
Cheese It:
- Add mozzarella edge-to-edge, followed by Parmesan. Top with optional pepperoni or favorite bar-style toppings.
Bake It:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and crust is golden and crisp.
Finish It:
- Let cool slightly. Garnish with chili flakes and herbs if desired. Slice and serve hot!
Notes
- For an ultra-thin crust, roll the dough out even more and par-bake for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Swap toppings for mushroom, sausage, jalapeños, or banana peppers to make it your own.
- Store leftover dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for next weekend’s game night.
