Attention all pizza lovers and foodies, get ready to sink your teeth into a savory and mouth-watering topic. New York Style Pizza, also known as the iconic “slice” or “pie,” is not just any ordinary pie that can be found in your local pizzeria.
With its crispy thin crust, delicious tomato sauce, and gooey cheese topped with an array of toppings, New York Style Pizza has become a staple in the Big Apple’s culinary culture.
In this blog post, with the question of what is New York-style pizza, we will find out all about this fabulous dish. So grab a slice and join us on this flavorful journey to discover the magic of New York Style Pizza!
What Is New York-Style Pizza?
New York Style Pizza is a type of pizza that originated in New York City. It is characterized by its large, thin, and foldable slices with a crispy outer crust and soft interior.
The pizza is typically made with a hand-tossed dough and topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. One of the key characteristics of New York Style Pizza is the use of high-gluten bread flour in the dough, giving it a chewy texture.
This type of pizza is also known for its big, wide slices that are often eaten by folding them in half, making it easy to eat on the go. New York Style Pizza has become popular not just in New York City but across the United States and even globally. Its unique taste and texture have made it a favorite among pizza lovers.
One of the reasons for its popularity is the availability of a variety of toppings that can be added to this type of pizza. From traditional toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms to more unconventional ones like pineapple and barbecue chicken, there is something for everyone when it comes to New York Style Pizza.
Another factor contributing to its fame is the use of coal-fired brick ovens. These ovens are known for their high heat and ability to create a crispy outer crust while keeping the toppings moist and flavorful.
In addition to its delicious taste, New York Style Pizza has also become a cultural icon. It is often depicted in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media as a symbol of New York City. This adds to the pizza’s appeal and has helped spread its popularity even further.
What Kind Of Toppings Are Used On New York Style Pizza?
Although most pizza purists feel that a pizzeria’s simple cheese slice is the ultimate measure of its excellence, good New York pizza doesn’t need many toppings.
However, if you want to gild the lily, the most common toppings on New York pizza are as follows:
1. Pepperoni: Thinly sliced spicy pepperoni is the most common topping for New York pizza.
2. Sausage: Crumbled sausage made of pork and sometimes fennel is another popular topping.
3. Mushrooms: Freshly sliced white button mushrooms are often used as a topping for New York pizza.
4. Onions: Thinly sliced onions are a common topping used on New York Style Pizzas.
5. Peppers: Green bell peppers, red bell peppers, or banana peppers can be found on many New York Style Pizzas.
6. Black Olives: Sliced black olives are a classic topping on New York Style Pizza.
7. Pineapple: While some may consider this an unconventional topping, pineapple is frequently used as a topping on New York Style Pizza.
8. Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken is a popular protein option for those looking to add some extra flavor to their New York Style Pizza.
9. Meatballs: Meatballs are another common topping on New York Style Pizza, adding a hearty and savory element to the already flavorful pie.
10. Anchovies: For those who enjoy a salty and pungent flavor, anchovies are often added as a topping on New York Style Pizza.
What Makes New York Style Pizza Different From Regular Pizza?
Let’s find out what’s special about New York Style Pizza. Several key factors make New York Style Pizza different from regular pizza, including:
1. Crust: The crust of a New York Style Pizza is thinner and crispier compared to regular pizzas, which tend to have a thicker and softer crust.
2. Size: New York Style Pizzas are typically larger, with a diameter ranging from 18-20 inches, while regular pizzas are usually between 12-14 inches.
3. Foldability: The thin crust of a New York Style Pizza allows it to be easily folded in half for convenient on-the-go eating, whereas regular pizzas may not hold up as well when folded.
4. Toppings: As mentioned earlier, New York Style Pizza offers a wider variety of toppings compared to regular pizzas, which often stick to more traditional ingredients.
5. Cooking method: New York Style Pizza is usually cooked in a coal-fired brick oven, giving it a distinct smoky flavor and crispy crust, while regular pizzas are commonly cooked in gas or electric ovens.
What Are The Most Popular New York Style Pizzerias?
Of course, New York Style Pizza has more pizzerias than one could count (or maybe visit in a lifetime), but several stand out as unquestionable must-visits for both visitors and locals throughout the city’s five boroughs. These pizza places are not just excellent, but they also provide countrywide shipping!
1. Staten Island: Joe’s and Pat’s Pizzeria
The Pappalardo family, who established Joe and Pat’s Pizzeria in 1960, continues to be its proprietors. The restaurant is known as “The King of Staten Island Pizza.”
The pizza dough is made from fresh ingredients and cheese, with the sauce being made in-house every day. Every New Yorker knows that the only way to have a perfect pizza is by using fresh ingredients.
2. Manhattan: John’s Of Bleecker Street
John’s of Bleecker Street is recognized for its delicious pizza, served whole or by the slice. The eatery, which opened in 1929 at its current spot in Greenwich Village, continues to attract crowds with its brick oven cooking and old-world charm.
Though the spot is now under different ownership, its quality has not faltered.
3. Brooklyn: Di Fara Pizza
Dom DeMarco has been making pizzas at Di Fara since 1965, and the pizzeria is still family-owned. The Brooklyn establishment’s popularity continues to be undiminished by time or competition.
On any given evening, you’re likely to find a long line of people patiently waiting for their slice of pizza cooked in an oven imported from Italy.
So whenever you get the chance to travel, remember to visit these wonderful pizzerias!
What Is The Recipe For New York Style Pizza?
While each pizzeria may have its own secret recipe for New York Style Pizza, here is a general recipe that captures the essence of this iconic pizza:
1. Ingredients
– 500g strong bread flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp sugar
– 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
– 320ml lukewarm water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 400g canned chopped tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)
2. How To Make New York-Style Pizza At Home?
– Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar and yeast.
– Step 2: Gradually add in the lukewarm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
– Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
– Step 4: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for at least an hour or until doubled in size.
– Step 5: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
– Step 6: Punch down the dough and lightly flour the surface. Roll out the dough into a circle about 18-20 inches in diameter.
– Step 7: Transfer the dough onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
– Step 8: In a separate bowl, mix the canned chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the pizza sauce.
– Step 9: Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
– Step 10: Add your desired toppings on top of the sauce
– Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
– Step 12: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade New York Style Pizza!
So, next time you’re craving a slice of delicious pizza, try making your own New York Style Pizza at home with this recipe. It may not be exactly like the ones from famous pizzerias, but it will surely satisfy your craving for this iconic pizza.
And who knows, maybe you’ll even develop your own secret recipe that will rival the best pizzerias in New York City! So go ahead and experiment with different toppings and techniques to create your perfect New York Style Pizza.
Tips For a Perfect New York-Style Pizza
Although the instructions are quite detailed, it’s still not easy to make a New York Style Pizza. However, if you follow these following tips, you might get the chance to enjoy such a delicious pizza!
1. Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, for the best flavor.
2. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for a chewy yet crispy crust.
3. If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven before baking the pizza to ensure a crispier crust.
4. Experiment with different toppings and combinations to find your favorite New York Style Pizza.
5. For a true New York experience, fold the slice in half before taking a bite!
With those tips above, you will get your mouth-watering New York Style Pizza for sure!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have resolved the question of what is New York-style pizza. It’s a beloved staple in the city’s food scene, known for its large thin crust, foldability, variety of toppings, and distinct cooking method. From famous pizzerias to homemade recipes, there are endless options to satisfy your craving for this iconic pizza.
We hope you enjoyed reading and learning more about this iconic dish. Now go out and indulge in a slice of New York Style Pizza or try making one at home.
Bon appétit!