Have you ever wondered what sets Brooklyn style pizza apart from the rest? Well, get ready to dive into the world of this iconic pizza style and discover what makes it so special. From its origins in the streets of Brooklyn to its mouthwatering thin and crispy crust, there’s a lot to uncover!
Brooklyn style pizza, also known as New York-style pizza, has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making traditions to the bustling neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York. Fast forward to today, and this pizza style continues to capture the hearts (and taste buds) of people worldwide.
So, what makes Brooklyn style pizza different? Get ready for some delicious details! We’ll explore its thin and crispy crust that’s perfect for folding, the simplicity of its toppings that let the flavors shine, and the special coal-fired ovens that give it that irresistible charred and smoky taste. Get ready to satisfy your pizza cravings and embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of Brooklyn style pizza!
The Origins of Brooklyn Pizza
Brooklyn style pizza, also known as New York-style pizza, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It originated in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York, where Italian immigrants brought their traditional pizza-making techniques from the Old World. These immigrants set up pizzerias in the bustling streets of Brooklyn, serving their delicious creations to locals and visitors alike.
The popularity of Brooklyn pizza quickly spread beyond the borough, gaining a reputation for its distinct characteristics. The secret to its success lies in the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients and a particular pizza-making method that has been passed down through generations. Today, Brooklyn-style pizza continues to be cherished not only by Brooklynites but also by pizza enthusiasts around the world.
What Makes Brooklyn Style Pizza Different
So, what sets Brooklyn style pizza apart from other pizza styles? There are a few key elements that make it truly special:
- Thin and Crispy Crust: One defining feature of Brooklyn style pizza is its thin and crispy crust. The dough is stretched out thinly, creating a light and airy base that crisps up nicely in the oven. This allows the toppings to shine while providing a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Large Slices: Another characteristic of Brooklyn style pizza is its large, foldable slices. The pizzas are typically cut into big triangles that are perfect for folding in half. This allows you to enjoy your pizza on the go without worrying about toppings falling off or making a mess.
- Simplicity in Toppings: Brooklyn style pizza keeps its toppings simple and classic. It usually features a generous amount of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkling of herbs like oregano and basil. This minimalist approach allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously, resulting in a pizza that is both satisfying and comforting.
- Coal-Fired Oven Baking: One of the secrets behind the unique taste and texture of Brooklyn style pizza is the use of coal-fired ovens. These ovens reach incredibly high temperatures, cooking the pizza quickly and giving it a distinctive charred and slightly smoky flavor. The intense heat also contributes to the crispy crust that Brooklyn pizza is known for.
The Dough
The dough used in Brooklyn style pizza is a crucial element in achieving its signature thin and crispy crust. The dough is typically made with high-gluten flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes a touch of olive oil. The high-gluten flour gives the dough elasticity and structure, allowing it to stretch thinly without tearing.
To create the perfect texture, the dough is often subjected to a slow fermentation process. This involves allowing the dough to rise and develop its flavors over a period of time, usually overnight. The extended fermentation not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the lightness and airiness of the crust.
Once the dough has undergone fermentation, it is hand-tossed and stretched out into a thin round shape. This technique helps to distribute the air bubbles evenly, resulting in a crust that is crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. The skilled pizzaiolos (pizza makers) in Brooklyn have mastered the art of handling the dough, creating a pizza base that is both delicate and sturdy.
The Toppings
While the dough is a crucial component, the toppings on a Brooklyn style pizza are equally important. Brooklynites believe in keeping things simple and letting the quality of the ingredients shine. Tomato sauce made from ripe San Marzano tomatoes is often used as the base, providing a vibrant and tangy flavor.
Mozzarella cheese, preferably the fresh variety, is a staple topping for Brooklyn style pizza. The cheese is typically shredded or sliced thinly and evenly distributed over the sauce. The heat from the oven melts the cheese, creating a gooey and slightly browned layer that adds richness to each bite.
In addition to the classic sauce and cheese combination, various toppings can be added to customize the pizza to individual preferences. Popular choices include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and fresh basil. These toppings complement the simplicity of the pizza while adding additional layers of flavor and texture.
The Baking Process
The baking process of Brooklyn style pizza is a crucial step in achieving its distinct characteristics. As mentioned earlier, coal-fired ovens play a significant role in creating the perfect pizza. These ovens reach incredibly high temperatures, typically around 800 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (427 to 482 degrees Celsius).
The intense heat of the coal-fired oven cooks the pizza quickly, resulting in a crust that is crispy on the outside while maintaining a chewy texture on the inside. The high temperature also creates charred spots on the dough, adding a delightful smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
The pizza is placed directly on the hot oven floor or on a preheated pizza stone, allowing for optimal heat transfer and achieving a consistent bake. The entire baking process usually takes just a few minutes, ensuring that the pizza retains its freshness and integrity.
How Is Brooklyn Pizza Made?
The process of making Brooklyn style pizza requires a combination of skill, technique, and quality ingredients. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how this iconic pizza is made:
- Preparing the dough: The dough is made by combining high-gluten flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes a small amount of olive oil. These ingredients are mixed together until a smooth and elastic dough is formed. The dough is then left to ferment slowly, allowing it to rise and develop its flavors overnight.
- Shaping the dough: Once the dough has gone through the fermentation process, it is time to shape it into the iconic thin and round crust. The pizzaiolo dusts the work surface with flour and begins to stretch and toss the dough in the air. This stretching process helps to create a thin and even crust while also incorporating air bubbles into the dough.
- Adding the toppings: With the dough ready, it’s time to add the toppings. A generous amount of tomato sauce, made from ripe San Marzano tomatoes, is spread onto the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Fresh mozzarella cheese is then distributed evenly over the sauce, followed by any desired additional toppings.
- Baking the pizza: The pizza is baked in a preheated coal-fired oven at extremely high temperatures. The intense heat cooks the pizza quickly, resulting in a crispy crust and melted cheese. The pizza is carefully monitored during the baking process to ensure it is cooked to perfection.
The Best Way To Serve Brooklyn Style Pizzas
Brooklyn style pizzas are best enjoyed when served fresh and hot. Here are some tips on how to serve this delicious pizza style:
- Slice it big: When it comes to serving Brooklyn style pizza, bigger is better. Cut the pizza into large, triangular slices that are easy to fold in half. This allows you to hold the slice comfortably and enjoy it on the go. Plus, folding the slice helps to prevent the toppings from sliding off.
- Serve it hot: Brooklyn style pizza is at its tastiest when it’s piping hot. Serve the pizza immediately after it comes out of the oven to ensure that the crust remains crispy and the cheese is gooey. If you’re ordering takeout or delivery, try to consume it as soon as it arrives or reheat it briefly in the oven to restore its freshness.
- Pair it with beverages: A refreshing beverage can complement the flavors of Brooklyn style pizza. Traditional choices include soda, beer, or even a glass of wine. The carbonation of soda and beer can cut through the richness of the cheese and toppings, while a glass of wine can add a touch of elegance to your pizza experience.
- Enjoy the simplicity: One of the charms of Brooklyn style pizza is its simplicity. Embrace the classic combination of flavors and savor each bite. Let the quality ingredients and the expertise of the pizzaiolo shine through. Avoid overpowering the pizza with too many additional condiments or seasonings. Sometimes, less is more!
In conclusion, Brooklyn style pizza is made through a meticulous process that involves preparing the dough, shaping it into a thin crust, adding the toppings, and baking it in a hot oven. To serve this pizza style at its best, slice it big, serve it hot, pair it with your favorite beverage, and appreciate the simplicity of the flavors. By following these guidelines, you can truly enjoy the unique and special experience that Brooklyn style pizza has to offer.
Brooklyn Style Pizza vs Normal Pizza
Brooklyn style pizza and “normal” pizza, such as the thick and doughy varieties, have distinct differences that set them apart. Here’s a comparison between the two:
- Crust: The most noticeable difference between Brooklyn style pizza and normal pizza is the crust. Brooklyn style pizza has a thin and crispy crust, while normal pizza often has a thicker and doughier crust. The thin crust of Brooklyn style pizza allows the toppings to be the star, while the thicker crust of normal pizza provides a chewier and more substantial base.
- Size: Another difference lies in the size of the pizzas. Brooklyn style pizza is typically larger and cut into large triangular slices, perfect for folding and eating on the go. Normal pizza, on the other hand, is often smaller and cut into smaller slices. The larger size of Brooklyn style pizza makes it ideal for sharing or satisfying a big appetite.
- Toppings: When it comes to toppings, Brooklyn style pizza often keeps it simple with classic combinations like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basic toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms. Normal pizza, on the other hand, offers a wider range of topping options, including more elaborate combinations and specialty ingredients. While both styles can be delicious, the simplicity of Brooklyn style pizza allows the flavors of the individual ingredients to shine.
Is Brooklyn Pizza Better?
The question of whether Brooklyn style pizza is better than normal pizza ultimately comes down to personal preference. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Texture: If you prefer a thin and crispy crust with a lighter texture, then Brooklyn style pizza may be your preferred choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a chewier and doughier crust, normal pizza may be more to your liking. The texture of the crust can greatly influence your overall enjoyment of the pizza.
- Toppings: If you appreciate the simplicity and balance of classic toppings, Brooklyn style pizza might be the winner for you. However, if you enjoy a wider variety of toppings and more adventurous flavor combinations, normal pizza may offer a greater range of options to suit your taste.
- Cultural significance: Brooklyn style pizza holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and pizza enthusiasts who value its rich history and traditional preparation. If you appreciate the cultural significance and heritage associated with this style of pizza, you may find a greater appreciation for Brooklyn style pizza.
Ultimately, the best pizza is the one that satisfies your taste buds and brings you joy. Whether you prefer the thin and crispy delights of Brooklyn style pizza or the thicker and doughier variations of normal pizza, both styles have their unique appeal and a dedicated following of fans. The only way to truly determine which is better for you is to indulge in a slice and savor the flavors firsthand.
Final Thoughts
In the world of pizza, Brooklyn style pizza holds a special place with its thin and crispy crust, classic toppings, and rich history. Its unique characteristics have garnered a loyal following and made it a beloved pizza style around the globe. However, determining whether Brooklyn style pizza is better than “normal” pizza is subjective and depends on personal preferences.
What makes Brooklyn style pizza special is its simplicity and focus on quality ingredients. The thin and crispy crust allows the toppings to shine while providing a delightful crunch. The classic combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and minimal toppings creates a harmonious flavor profile that many find irresistible. And let’s not forget the charm of the coal-fired ovens that give the pizza its distinctive charred and smoky taste.
At the end of the day, whether you prefer Brooklyn style pizza or another pizza style is a matter of personal taste. Pizza is meant to be enjoyed, and each style offers its own unique experience. So, whether you’re savoring a foldable slice of Brooklyn style pizza or indulging in a thick and doughy slice elsewhere, embrace the diversity of pizza styles and let your taste buds guide you to your own personal pizza paradise.