The Mama’s Too: House Pie

Some places make pizza. But then, there are places like The Mama’s Too that craft pizza.

Let’s get one thing straight: pizza is everywhere in New York. You can’t walk more than a block without stumbling upon a slice. But what makes this slice, from this small shop on the Upper West Side, a destination? It’s simple. They decided to care. Care about the dough, the sauce, the cheese—and, most importantly, the people who come through the door.

The Experience

The Mama’s Too doesn’t scream for attention. No flashy lights. No over-the-top marketing gimmicks. Instead, it whispers. It whispers with the smell of fresh, aged mozzarella and bubbling tomato sauce. It whispers with the crunch of a perfect crust, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s the kind of place you could walk by a hundred times and not realize, until one day you don’t—and that’s when the magic happens.

You order the House Pie. It’s simple, right? But not really. This pizza isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about balance. Aged mozzarella. Fresh tomato sauce. Extra virgin olive oil. Parmigiano reggiano. Basil. It’s like they took everything you thought you knew about pizza and dialed it up a notch, without making it complicated. And that’s the key.

Then there’s the 18th Avenue—fennel sausage, roasted peppers, mozzarella. It’s a deeper, richer flavor, but again, never overwhelming. Each ingredient has its role, its place, and nothing’s trying too hard. It’s just right.

The History

Frank Tuttolomondo didn’t open The Mama’s Too to follow trends. He opened it to respect the past while experimenting with the future. His mother—the heart behind the name—fueled his passion for pizza-making, and now he’s turned that passion into one of New York’s best-kept secrets.

The tradition here is simple: make pizza worth remembering. It’s not about trying to be the biggest or most famous, it’s about being the best. It’s about honoring the craft, the time-tested techniques, and putting everything into every slice.

Why You Must Try It

In a city where pizza is everywhere, why should you go out of your way to try The Mama’s Too? Because it’s pizza done right. Because it’s a place where every detail matters, from the chewy, crispy dough to the thoughtful balance of flavors.

It’s not about fancy names or exotic ingredients. It’s about care. About doing something simple, really, really well.

And that’s why you’ll come back. Because once you’ve had a slice from The Mama’s Too, you’ll realize it’s not just pizza. It’s proof that excellence is in the details. It’s proof that in a world of shortcuts, some people still believe in doing the work.

Try the House Pie. Try the 18th Avenue. Or try something else—it doesn’t matter. Because at The Mama’s Too, you’re not just eating pizza. You’re eating passion, tradition, and a little bit of magic.

It’s more than pizza. It’s art on a plate.

And once you’ve tasted that, there’s no going back.

Recreate The Mama’s Too House Pie at Home

After indulging in the House Pie at The Mama’s Too, I knew I had to try recreating this masterpiece at home. While there’s nothing quite like the original, this homemade recipe comes pretty close to capturing that perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Basil Tomato Delight Pizza

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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Basil Tomato Delight Pizza! This homemade pizza is a symphony of flavors, featuring gooey mozzarella, savory parmesan, and aromatic fresh basil. The juicy tomatoes and zesty garlic elevate this dish to new heights. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun family night, this pizza is sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is your ticket to pizza perfection. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian

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Servings

4

slices

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Resting Time

5

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Pizza Base & Sauce

• 1 prepared pizza dough

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• Toppings

• 15-20 fresh basil leaves

• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• Additional

• 1 tablespoon cornmeal

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: Gluten-free dough for gluten intolerance.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Vegan cheese for dairy-free option.

• Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.

Directions

• Preparing the Oven – Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Preparing the Dough – Dust a large piece of parchment paper with cornmeal. Stretch the pizza dough into a circle about 12-14 inches in diameter.
• Assembling the Pizza – Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the sauce.
• Adding Toppings – Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil leaves evenly over the cheese layer.
• Baking the Pizza – Carefully transfer the pizza with parchment paper onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for approximately 10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
• Finishing Touches – Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing. Optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.

Equipment

• baking sheet
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• measuring cups and spoons

Notes

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it. Serve this delightful pizza with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Feel free to add other toppings like olives or mushrooms for extra flavor!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 200mg
• Iron: 2mg