pizzawareWhen it comes to pizza, few things spark more debate than the topic of Brooklyn-style versus New York-style pizza. Both styles have their die-hard fans, with each claiming that their preferred pizza is the best. However, what sets these two styles apart?
New York-style pizza is a classic thin crust pizza that is often sold in large slices, making it a popular choice for a quick bite on the go. The crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a slightly raised edge. The sauce is made from tomatoes, garlic, and oregano, and the cheese is typically a blend of mozzarella and provolone. Toppings can range from classic pepperoni and sausage to more adventurous options like kale and goat cheese.
Brooklyn-style pizza, on the other hand, is often characterized by its crispy crust and generous toppings. The crust is slightly thicker than New York-style pizza, with a crispy, golden brown exterior and a chewy interior. The sauce is often sweeter than the sauce used on New York-style pizza, and the cheese is typically a blend of mozzarella and provolone. Toppings can range from classic cheese and pepperoni to more unique options like cornmeal and black olives.
Overall, both styles of pizza have their merits, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer the foldable slices of New York-style pizza or the crispy crust of Brooklyn-style pizza, there’s no denying that both styles are delicious in their own way.
History of Brooklyn and New York Style Pizza
When it comes to pizza, New York City is famous for its unique style. However, the history of pizza in the city is not as straightforward as one might think. In this section, we will explore the origins of Brooklyn and New York-style pizza.
Pizza, as we know it today, originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. It was a simple dish made with tomato sauce, cheese, and dough. The dish was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Brooklyn-style pizza is said to have originated in the city of New York in 1897 by an immigrant pizzaiolo from Naples. Others say it was started in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi in Manhattan, who sold whole pies for a nickel and was the first known pizzaiolo to offer pizza by the slice, making it an affordable meal option for the city’s working class. The original Pizzerias used coal-fired ovens with cheese in the bottom and sauce on top.
New York-style pizza, on the other hand, derives from the old, Neapolitan-American style that first came to New York with Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. It is characterized by a large, thin, and crispy crust that can be folded in half, a tangy tomato sauce, and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. The sauce typically contains more oregano and garlic, while Brooklyn-style pizza sauce often has a sweeter flavor due to the addition of sugar.
Both styles of pizza have their unique characteristics and loyal followings. While Brooklyn-style pizza is known for its crispy crust and sweet sauce, New York-style pizza is famous for its large slices and tangy sauce.
In conclusion, the history of Brooklyn and New York-style pizza is deeply intertwined with the history of Italian immigration to the United States. Today, both styles of pizza continue to be enjoyed throughout the city and beyond.
Differences in Crust
When it comes to pizza, the crust is a crucial element that can make or break the whole experience. Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas have some differences in their crust that set them apart.
Thickness and Texture
One of the most noticeable differences between Brooklyn and New York-style pizza crust is the thickness and texture. Brooklyn-style pizza usually has a thicker, doughier crust, while New York-style pizza has a thinner, crispier crust. Brooklyn-style pizza is often cooked in a gas oven, which results in a softer and chewier crust, whereas New York-style pizza is typically cooked in a coal-fired oven, which gives the crust a unique flavor and crispness.
Gluten Content
Another factor that affects the crust is the gluten content. Gluten is a protein found in wheat that gives bread its elasticity and chewiness. Brooklyn-style pizza crust is usually made with high-gluten bread flour, which gives it a chewy texture. On the other hand, New York-style pizza crust is made with a combination of high-gluten and all-purpose flour, which results in a thinner and crisper crust.
Toppings
The thickness and texture of the crust can also affect the toppings. Brooklyn-style pizza can handle more toppings and sauce due to its doughier crust. New York-style pizza, with its thinner crust, usually has fewer toppings and sauce to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Gluten-Free Options
For those with gluten sensitivities, both Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas offer gluten-free crust options. These crusts are typically made with a combination of rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. While they may not have the same texture and flavor as traditional pizza crust, they offer a viable option for those who cannot tolerate gluten.
In summary, the crust is a significant factor that sets Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas apart. Brooklyn-style pizza has a thicker, chewier crust made with high-gluten bread flour, while New York-style pizza has a thinner, crispier crust made with a combination of high-gluten and all-purpose flour. The crust can also affect the toppings and sauce, and both styles offer gluten-free options for those with sensitivities.
Sauce and Toppings
When it comes to pizza, the sauce and toppings are two of the most important aspects that can make or break a pizza. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Brooklyn and New York-style pizza in terms of their sauce and toppings.
Sauce
One of the main differences between Brooklyn and New York-style pizza is the sauce. Brooklyn-style pizza sauce is usually uncooked, providing a fresher taste. On the other hand, New York-style pizza sauce is typically cooked and contains more oregano and garlic, giving it a stronger flavor.
Brooklyn-style pizza sauce often has a sweeter flavor due to the addition of sugar. Classic pizza sauce consists of canned tomatoes and tomato paste with olive oil added for a silky consistency. Garlic and herbs like basil and oregano are added for the signature Italian flavor. Small amounts of salt and sugar are also mixed in to provide the perfect balance.
Toppings
Both Brooklyn and New York-style pizza offer a wide range of toppings, but there are some differences between the two. New York-style pizza usually features tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese as the base, and can handle a wide range of additional toppings, from pepperoni and sausage to mushroom and anchovies.
Brooklyn-style pizza, on the other hand, is known for its larger toppings and slightly larger pies. While you can still find classic toppings like pepperoni and sausage, Brooklyn-style pizzas often feature toppings like olives, pineapple, and meatballs.
Cornmeal is sometimes used on the bottom of Brooklyn-style pizza to give it a crunchier texture, while New York-style pizza crust is typically thinner and crispier. Basil leaves and oregano are common toppings for both styles of pizza, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
In summary, while both Brooklyn and New York-style pizza offer delicious options, they differ in their sauce and toppings. Brooklyn-style pizza sauce is usually uncooked, providing a fresher taste, and often has larger toppings. New York-style pizza sauce is typically cooked and contains more oregano and garlic, and can handle a wider range of toppings.
Cheese
When it comes to pizza, cheese is one of the most important ingredients. In both Brooklyn and New York-style pizza, the cheese is typically full-fat mozzarella, which is known for its stretchiness. However, some pizza places may use provolone cheese or fresh mozzarella instead.
In Brooklyn-style pizza, the cheese is often grated more finely than in New York-style pizza, which gives it a more even distribution and a slightly different texture. Some Brooklyn-style pizza places may also use a blend of cheeses, including provolone and fresh mozzarella, to create a unique flavor.
In New York-style pizza, the cheese is typically placed on top of the sauce and toppings, which allows it to melt and brown slightly in the oven. This creates a slightly crispy texture on the top of the pizza. Some New York-style pizza places may also use goat cheese or other types of cheese as a topping.
Overall, the type of cheese used in pizza can greatly affect its flavor and texture. Whether you prefer the even distribution of cheese in Brooklyn-style pizza or the crispy top layer of cheese in New York-style pizza, there is no denying that cheese is an essential part of any great pizza.
Oven and Cooking Method
Oven
When it comes to making Brooklyn and New York style pizza, the oven plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect crust and overall taste. Traditionally, New York style pizza was cooked in a coal-fired oven, while Brooklyn style pizza can be cooked in a gas oven. While some restaurants still cook New York-style pizza in a coal-fired oven as is the custom, most now utilize a standard gas oven.
Coal-fired ovens can reach temperatures as high as 800 degrees Fahrenheit, which results in a crispy and slightly charred crust. On the other hand, gas ovens typically reach temperatures of 500-550 degrees Fahrenheit, which results in a slightly doughier crust.
Another popular type of oven used for making pizza is a brick oven. Brick ovens are made of brick or stone and are heated by wood or gas. They can reach temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and are known for producing the perfect crust and flavor. However, brick ovens can be expensive and require a lot of space, making them less practical for home use.
Cooking Method
In addition to the type of oven used, the cooking method also plays a crucial role in the final product. New York style pizza is typically cooked directly on the oven floor, which allows the crust to cook evenly and develop a crispy texture. Brooklyn style pizza, on the other hand, can be cooked on a pizza stone or a perforated pizza pan, which allows for a slightly doughier crust.
The cooking time for both styles of pizza can vary depending on the oven and cooking method used. New York style pizza typically takes around 8-10 minutes to cook, while Brooklyn style pizza can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the pizza while it’s cooking to ensure that it doesn’t overcook or burn.
Overall, the type of oven and cooking method used can have a significant impact on the final product when it comes to making Brooklyn and New York style pizza. While coal-fired ovens and brick ovens may produce the best results, gas ovens can still produce a delicious pizza when cooked correctly. It’s important to experiment with different ovens and cooking methods to find the perfect combination for your personal taste.
Famous Pizzerias
When it comes to pizza, Brooklyn and New York each have their fair share of famous pizzerias. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most well-known spots in each borough.
Brooklyn Pizzerias
Brooklyn is home to some of the most iconic pizzerias in the world. From old-school joints to newer spots, there’s no shortage of delicious pizza to be found.
One of the most famous pizzerias in Brooklyn is Di Fara’s. This family-owned establishment has been serving up some of the best pizza in the city since 1965. With a perfect crust, fresh ingredients, and a secret sauce recipe, it’s no wonder people come from all over the world to try Di Fara’s pizza.
Another iconic Brooklyn pizzeria is Totonno’s. This Coney Island institution has been around since 1924 and is known for its classic Neapolitan-style pizza. The pizza is cooked in a coal-fired oven, giving it a crispy, charred crust that’s hard to resist.
Other notable Brooklyn pizzerias include Lucali, which is known for its thin-crust pizza and simple, fresh ingredients, and Roberta’s, which is famous for its creative toppings and wood-fired oven.
New York Pizzerias
Of course, Manhattan is home to some of the most famous pizzerias in the world as well. One of the most well-known is Lombardi’s, which is often credited with being the first pizzeria in America. Lombardi’s has been around since 1905 and is known for its classic New York-style pizza, which is cooked in a coal-fired oven.
Another iconic New York pizzeria is Grimaldi’s, which is located under the Brooklyn Bridge. Grimaldi’s is known for its thin-crust pizza and fresh mozzarella, which is made in-house daily.
Other notable New York pizzerias include Patsy’s, which has been around since 1933 and is known for its classic New York-style pizza, and Joe’s Pizza, which has been a Greenwich Village staple since 1975.
Whether you prefer Brooklyn-style or New York-style pizza, there’s no denying that both boroughs have some of the best pizzerias in the world. From old-school joints to newer spots, there’s no shortage of delicious pizza to be found in these two iconic cities.
Popular Toppings and Varieties
When it comes to pizza, the toppings can make all the difference. Both Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas offer a wide variety of toppings to choose from. Here are some of the most popular toppings and varieties you can find:
- Pepperoni: This classic topping is a favorite among pizza lovers everywhere. It’s a staple on both Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas.
- Sausage: Another popular topping, sausage adds a savory flavor to your pizza. It’s often paired with other toppings like onions and green peppers.
- Garlic: Garlic is a common ingredient in New York-style pizza sauce, giving it a distinct flavor. It’s also a popular topping on its own or paired with other toppings like mushrooms.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a versatile topping that can add a meaty texture to your pizza. They’re often paired with other toppings like onions and green peppers.
- Onion: Onions are a popular topping on both Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas. They add a sweet and savory flavor to your pizza.
- Green peppers: Green peppers add a fresh and crunchy texture to your pizza. They’re often paired with other toppings like sausage and onions.
- Black olives: Black olives are a common topping on both Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas. They add a salty and briny flavor to your pizza.
- Cheese pizza: If you’re a purist, you can’t go wrong with a classic cheese pizza. Both Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas offer delicious variations of this classic.
In addition to toppings, there are also different varieties of Brooklyn and New York-style pizzas to choose from. Here are a few popular ones:
- White pizza: This pizza is made without tomato sauce and instead uses olive oil and garlic as a base. It’s often topped with mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese.
- Sicilian pizza: This pizza is a thicker, square-shaped pizza with a crispy crust. It’s often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings.
- Margherita pizza: This pizza is a classic Neapolitan-style pizza that’s topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil.
No matter what your tastes are, there’s a Brooklyn or New York-style pizza out there for you.
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