Welcome to the ultimate guide to Boston Style pizza! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, one thing everyone can agree on is that Boston has a thriving pizza scene.
From thin crust to deep dish and everything in between, this city knows how to satisfy every type of pizza craving. In this blog post, we will dive into the history of Boston Style Pizza, highlight some of the most popular pizzerias in the city, and discuss what sets this style apart from others.
So get ready for your taste buds to be tantalized as we take you on a mouth-watering journey through Boston’s iconic pizza culture.
What Is Boston Style Pizza?
Before we dive into the specifics of Boston Style Pizza, let’s first clarify what we mean by this term.
Boston Style Pizza is a unique variation of traditional Italian pizza that has been adapted to the tastes and preferences of Bostonians. It typically features a thin, crispy crust with a slightly chewy texture, topped with tangy tomato sauce and a blend of high-quality cheeses.
The toppings can vary from classic pepperoni and sausage to more unique options like lobster or clams. One of the defining characteristics of Boston-style pizza is its rectangular shape, also known as a “Sicilian” or “Detroit” style.
This allows for more crispy edges and a thicker crust compared to traditional round pizzas.
History Of Boston-Style Pizza
The origins of Boston-style pizza can be traced back to the early 1900s when Italian immigrants first brought their pizza-making skills to the city. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that Boston-style pizza truly took off in popularity.
Pizzerias like Regina Pizzeria and Santarpio’s Pizza gained a cult following for their unique take on traditional Italian pizza. As the city grew and evolved, so did its pizza culture, with new pizzerias popping up all over the city and putting their spin on Boston-style pizza.
Today, it remains a beloved staple in the city’s food scene and continues to attract both locals and tourists alike.
What Is Unique About Boston Style Pizza?
There are a few key factors that set Boston Style Pizza apart from other styles of pizza:
1. The Crust: As mentioned before, the crust is a defining aspect of Boston Style Pizza. It is typically thin and crispy with a thicker edge, providing the perfect balance between chewy and crunchy textures.
2. The Shape: While most pizzas are round, Boston Style Pizza is square or rectangular. This allows for more surface area to be covered in toppings, making each bite more flavorful.
3. The Toppings: Boston-style pizza often features unique and unconventional toppings, such as seafood options like lobster or clams. This reflects the city’s coastal location and its love for fresh seafood.
4. The Sauce: The tomato sauce used in Boston-style pizza is typically tangier and less sweet compared to other styles of pizza. This adds a nice balance to the rich cheese and toppings.
5. The Cheese: While mozzarella is a staple on most pizzas, Boston-style pizza often features a blend of different cheeses, including provolone, cheddar, and romano. This creates a more complex and flavorful cheese base for the pizza.
These elements, combined with the passion and creativity of Boston’s pizzaiolos (pizza makers), make for a truly unique and delicious pizza experience.
Best Places To Try Boston-Style Pizza
Exploring Boston in search of the perfect slice of Boston-style pizza is an adventure in itself. Below, we will list some of the top pizzerias in the city that have mastered the art of this beloved local specialty.
1. Regina Pizzeria: Considered by many to be the “original” Boston-style pizza, Regina Pizzeria has been serving up its famous pies since 1926. They use a secret recipe for their dough and sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite.
2. Santarpio’s Pizza: Another iconic pizzeria, Santarpio’s has been a local favorite since 1903. Their thin-crust pizza is cooked in a traditional brick oven and topped with high-quality ingredients like homemade sausage and fresh garlic.
3. Galleria Umberto: This no-frills eatery serves up some of the best Sicilian-style pizza in the city. Their rectangular slices are a favorite among locals and boast a perfect balance of crispy crust, tangy sauce, and cheesy goodness.
4. Ernesto’s Pizza: If you’re looking for unconventional toppings, look no further than Ernesto’s Pizza. They offer creative options like buffalo chicken, and BBQ pulled pork on their Boston-style pizzas, alongside classics like pepperoni and mushroom.
Now you have the list of the best places to try Boston-style pizza, so what are you waiting for? Go out and experience it for yourself!
The Differences Between Boston-Style Pizza and Chicago-Style Pizza
Let’s get into the great pizza debate – Boston Style vs Chicago Style! While both styles have their own unique characteristics and loyal fan bases, there are a few key differences between the two, including:
1. The Crust: Chicago-style pizza is known for its deep-dish, thick crust, while Boston-style pizza typically has a thinner crust with a thicker edge.
2. The Toppings: Chicago Style Pizza tends to have a heavier focus on toppings, with a deep layer of cheese and toppings piled high. Boston-style pizza often has a more balanced ratio of crust to toppings.
3. The Sauce: Boston Style Pizza typically has a tangier tomato sauce, while Chicago Style Pizza uses a sweeter sauce.
4. The Shape: As previously mentioned, Boston Style Pizza is square or rectangular, while Chicago Style Pizza is round and deep-dish.
5. The Eating Experience: Due to its thicker crust and heavy toppings, Chicago Style Pizza is typically eaten with a fork and knife. Boston-style pizza can be easily picked up and eaten by hand, making it a more casual dining experience.
In conclusion, Boston Style Pizza may not be as well-known as its counterparts like New York or Chicago Style, but it has a rich history and unique characteristics that have solidified it as a beloved staple in the city’s food scene. Whether you prefer classic toppings or more adventurous flavors, there is no shortage of delicious Boston-style pizza options to satisfy any craving.
So, next time you’re in the city, be sure to grab a slice (or a whole pie) and experience this delicious variation of traditional Italian pizza!
Ingredients On Boston Style Pizza
When it comes to Boston-style pizza, the ingredients are just as important as the process of making it. Here are some key ingredients you can expect to find on a typical Boston Style Pizza:
1. Pizza Dough: The foundation of any good pizza, boston-style dough is typically made with flour, water, yeast, and olive oil.
2. Tomato Sauce: As mentioned before, the tomato sauce used in Boston-style pizza is typically tangier and less sweet compared to other styles of pizza.
3. Cheeses: A blend of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and romano, adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the pizza.
4. Toppings: While traditional toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms are always an option, Boston Style Pizza often features unique toppings like seafood, BBQ pulled pork or buffalo chicken.
5. Spices: Garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes are often used to add a punch of flavor to the pizza.
So, next time you’re craving a delicious slice of Boston-style pizza, make sure these key ingredients are included for the ultimate experience. And don’t be afraid to try something new – you never know, lobster or clams on your pizza might just become your new favorite topping!
How Do You Make Boston-Style Pizza?
Now that you know about the key ingredients and characteristics of Boston-style pizza, let’s talk about how it’s made. Here is a general overview of the process:
Step 1: Heat The Oven
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Step 2: Prepare The Dough
Next, make the pizza dough using flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. Knead until smooth and let it rise for at least an hour.
Step 3: Roll Out The Dough
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangular shape and place it on a greased baking sheet or pizza pan.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spread a layer of tangy tomato sauce over the dough, leaving some space around the edges for the crust. Then sprinkle a blend of different cheeses over the top.
Step 5: Add Toppings
This is where you can get creative! Add your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, seafood, or any other unique combination.
Step 6: Bake In a Hot Oven
After preheating your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, bake the pizza for about 7 to 10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Let It Cool
Once it’s done, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips For Making Boston Style Pizza
Making Boston-style pizza at home can be a fun and delicious experience. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect pie:
1. Set The Oven To Preheat Before Beginning Any Other Task: This ensures that your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet are hot enough to create a crispy crust.
2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The key to a great Boston-style pizza is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh herbs, good-quality cheese, and locally sourced meats.
3. Don’t Overload On Toppings: While it can be tempting to pile on the toppings, remember that Boston-style pizza is all about balance. Too many toppings can weigh down the crust and lead to a soggy pizza.
4. Be Creative With Toppings: Don’t be afraid to try new combinations of toppings – the sky’s the limit! From seafood to BBQ pulled pork, get creative and make your unique Boston-style pizza.
5. Use A Pizza Stone Or Baking Steel: For the best crust, preheat a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven before placing your pizza on it to bake.
6. Let The Pizza Cool Before Slicing: It can be tempting to dive right into freshly baked pizza, but letting it cool for a few minutes will make it easier to slice and prevent any toppings from sliding off.
With those tips above, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious Boston-style pizza in the comfort of your own home!
Conclusion
In summary, now you know about Boston Style Pizza. Boston Style Pizza may not be as well-known as other styles of pizza, but it has a rich history and unique characteristics that make it stand out.
From its square shape to its tangy sauce and creative toppings, Boston Style Pizza offers a delicious and satisfying dining experience. And with the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily recreate this tasty pizza at home.
So next time you’re in Boston or looking to try something new, be sure to give Boston Style Pizza a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Happy eating!