pizzawarePizza made in the Connecticut city of New Haven is known as “Connecticut-style.” This type of pizza is distinguished by its thin crust, which is crispy on the exterior and chewy on the inside, and its coal-fired oven.
Which gives it a charred crust and a subtle flavor. It is also known as apizza, which is a Neapolitan dialect word for “pizza.”
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, which opened in New Haven in 1925, is one of the most well-known restaurants serving pizza made in Connecticut.
The restaurant is well-known for its white clam pizza, which is topped with grated Pecorino Romano cheese, fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and oregano.
Pizza made in Connecticut is also frequently topped with pepperoni, bacon, mushrooms, and stewed tomatoes.
Connecticut-style pizza is often compared to New York-style pizza, but it has its own unique characteristics that set it apart.
It is also different from other regional pizza styles, such as Chicago deep-dish pizza, Detroit-style pizza, and St. Louis-style pizza.
Whether you prefer a crispy crust or a chewy one, Connecticut-style pizza is definitely worth trying if you are a pizza lover.
History of Connecticut-Style Pizza
Connecticut-style pizza, also known as New Haven-style pizza, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century.
It is a thin-crust pizza that is cooked in a coal-fired oven, giving it a crispy, slightly charred crust that is unique to this style of pizza.
The origins of Connecticut-style pizza can be traced back to Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, which was founded in 1925 by Frank Pepe, an Italian immigrant.
Pepe’s pizzeria quickly gained popularity in the New Haven area, and it wasn’t long before other pizzerias started popping up, each with their own unique take on the style.
One of the defining characteristics of Connecticut-style pizza is the use of a coal-fired oven. These ovens can reach temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows the pizza to cook quickly and gives it a distinctive charred flavor. The high heat also creates a crispy crust that is both chewy and slightly crunchy.
Another important aspect of Connecticut-style pizza is the use of high-quality ingredients. Many of the pizzerias in the New Haven area use fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and a variety of other fresh toppings to create their pizzas.
Today, Connecticut-style pizza is enjoyed by pizza lovers all over the world. Some of the most famous pizzerias in the New Haven area include Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza, and Modern Apizza.
Each of these pizzerias has its own unique take on the style, but they all share a commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods to create the perfect pizza.
Connecticut-style pizza has a long and storied history that is deeply rooted in the New Haven area.
Its distinctive thin crust, charred flavor, and use of high-quality ingredients have made it a favorite among pizza lovers everywhere.
What is Connecticut-Style Pizza?
We are here to tell you all about Connecticut-style pizza, also known as New Haven-style pizza.
This style of pizza has been around since 1925, when it was first created at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, Connecticut.
It is now served in many other pizza restaurants in the area, most notably Sally’s Apizza and Modern Apizza.
One of the defining characteristics of Connecticut-style pizza is its thin, crispy, slightly charred crust.
This is achieved by cooking the pizza in a very hot coal-fired oven, which gives it a unique flavor.
The dough is fermented for longer than other pizzas, proofed overnight in a refrigerator, and then allowed to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This gives the pizza a chewy crust and a more nuanced flavor.
Connecticut-style pizza is typically made with mozzarella cheese, which is melted on top of the crust and then covered with various toppings. Some of the most popular toppings include clams, bacon, and garlic.
The pizza is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is crispy and slightly charred.
Connecticut-style pizza is a delicious and unique style of pizza that is beloved by many. Its thin, crispy crust and use of a coal-fired oven give it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other styles of pizza.
If you ever find yourself in Connecticut, we highly recommend trying a slice of this delicious pizza for yourself!
How to Make Connecticut-Style Pizza
When it comes to making Connecticut-style pizza, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own delicious Connecticut-style pizza at home.
Pizza Dough
The foundation of any good pizza is the dough. For Connecticut-style pizza, a thin and crispy crust is key.
We recommend using high-gluten flour for a chewy texture and letting the dough rise for at least 24 hours to develop flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for making your own pizza dough:
- 3 cups high-gluten flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then cover and let it rise in a warm place for at least 24 hours.
Pizza Sauce
Connecticut-style pizza is typically topped with a simple tomato sauce made from stewed tomatoes.
We recommend using San Marzano tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for making your own pizza sauce:
- 1 can stewed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Blend the stewed tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, and blend again until well combined.
Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for Connecticut-style pizza. We recommend using fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture and mild flavor. Pecorino Romano cheese is also a common topping for added flavor.
Toppings
Connecticut-style pizza is typically topped with a few simple ingredients, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
However, feel free to get creative with your toppings and experiment with different combinations.
Assembly
Preheat your oven to 500°F. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Add your desired toppings, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
That’s it! With a little bit of practice, you’ll be making delicious Connecticut-style pizza in no time.
Variations of Connecticut-Style Pizza
Connecticut-style pizza is known for its thin and crispy crust, chewy texture, and unique toppings.
While the classic white clam pizza is the most famous variation of Connecticut-style pizza, there are many other delicious options to try. Here are some of our favorites:
- Pepperoni: A classic topping that pairs perfectly with the crispy crust of Connecticut-style pizza. The spicy, savory flavor of pepperoni is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
- Bacon: For those who love their pizza with a little extra smoky flavor, bacon is the perfect choice. The crispy, salty bacon bits add a delicious crunch to every bite.
- Mushrooms: Vegetarians and meat lovers alike can enjoy the earthy, umami flavor of mushrooms on their Connecticut-style pizza. Whether you prefer button mushrooms, shiitake, or portobello, they all taste great on this style of pizza.
- Greek pizza: This variation of Connecticut-style pizza features a thicker crust and is topped with feta cheese, olives, and other Greek-inspired ingredients. It’s a great option for those who prefer a heartier pizza.
- Italian bomb: A meat-lover dream, the Italian bomb pizza is loaded with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and other Italian meats. It’s a filling and flavorful option that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
- Mashed potato pie: This unique variation of Connecticut-style pizza features mashed potatoes, bacon, scallions, and sour cream. It may sound unusual, but the combination of flavors and textures is surprisingly delicious.
- Garden Special: For those who prefer their pizza on the lighter side, a garden special is a great option. It’s topped with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
- Sicilian: This variation of Connecticut-style pizza features a thicker, doughier crust and is often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various meats and vegetables. It’s a hearty and satisfying option that’s perfect for a cold winter day.
No matter which variation of Connecticut-style pizza you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious combination of crispy crust, chewy texture, and unique toppings. So why not try them all and find your new favorite?
Connecticut-Style Pizza vs. Other Pizza Styles
When it comes to pizza, there are many different styles to choose from. Each style has the unique characteristics that set it apart from the others.
Connecticut-style pizza is no exception. In this section, we will compare Connecticut-style pizza to other popular pizza styles.
New York-style pizza
New York-style pizza is probably the most well-known pizza style in the United States. It is characterized by its large, thin slices and crispy crust.
While Connecticut-style pizza also has a thin crust, it is much chewier than New York-style pizza.
Additionally, Connecticut-style pizza is typically cooked in a coal-fired oven, giving it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from New York-style pizza.
Neapolitan pizza
Neapolitan pizza is a traditional Italian pizza that is cooked in a wood-fired oven. It has a thin, crispy crust and is typically topped with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and basil.
While Connecticut-style pizza shares some similarities with Neapolitan pizza, such as the thin crust and fresh ingredients, Connecticut-style pizza is typically cooked in a coal-fired oven, which gives it a unique flavor.
Chicago deep-dish pizza
Chicago deep-dish pizza is a thick, hearty pizza that is baked in a deep dish. It is known for its thick, buttery crust and generous amounts of cheese and toppings. Connecticut-style pizza, on the other hand, has a thin crust and is typically topped with just a few high-quality ingredients.
Detroit-style pizza
Detroit-style pizza is a relatively new style of pizza that originated in Detroit, Michigan. It is characterized by its rectangular shape and crispy, caramelized edges. While Connecticut-style pizza also has a crispy crust, it is much chewier than Detroit-style pizza.
Ohio Valley pizza
Ohio Valley pizza is a regional pizza style that is popular in the Ohio River Valley region of the United States. It is characterized by its thick, doughy crust and sweet tomato sauce. Connecticut-style pizza, on the other hand, has a thin, chewy crust and a savory tomato sauce.
St. Louis pizza
St. Louis pizza is a thin-crust pizza that is cut into small squares instead of traditional slices.
It is known for its use of Provel cheese, a processed cheese that is a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. Connecticut-style pizza, on the other hand, typically uses fresh mozzarella cheese.
Connecticut-style pizza has a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other popular pizza styles.
While it shares some similarities with other styles, such as the thin crust and fresh ingredients, it is the use of a coal-fired oven that gives it its distinct flavor.
Where to Find Connecticut-Style Pizza
If you’re looking for the best Connecticut-style pizza, you’re in luck! Connecticut is known for its delicious pizza, and there are several places where you can find it. Here are some of our favorite spots:
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is a must-visit for anyone looking for the best Connecticut-style pizza.
This family-owned pizzeria has been operating since 1925, and it’s no surprise that it’s been voted the number one best pizza place in the country by The Daily Meal. Some of our favorite pies at Frank Pepe’s include the white clam pizza and the tomato pie.
Sally’s Apizza
Sally’s Apizza is another legendary pizza spot in New Haven. This family-owned pizzeria has been serving up delicious pies since 1938.
Sally’s is known for its crispy, thin crust, and fresh toppings. Some of our favorite pies at Sally’s include the plain cheese and the signature tomato pie.
Modern Apizza
Modern Apizza is a classic New Haven pizza spot that’s been around since 1934. The pizzeria is known for its huge, delicious pies and its unique toppings.
Some of our favorite pies at Modern Apizza include the Italian Bomb (a pie with bacon, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion, pepper, and garlic) and the white clam pizza.
Zuppardi’s Apizza
Zuppardi’s Apizza is a family-owned pizzeria that’s been around since 1934. The pizzeria is known for its crispy, thin crust and its fresh toppings.
Some of our favorite pies at Zuppardi’s include the plain cheese and the signature tomato pie.
Mootz
Mootz is a newer addition to the Connecticut pizza scene, but it’s quickly become a favorite among locals.
The pizzeria specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza, which is cooked in a wood-fired oven. Some of our favorite pies at Mootz include the Margherita and the Calabrese.
No matter which pizzeria you choose, you’re sure to find delicious Connecticut-style pizza. So why not try them all and find your new favorite?
Conclusion
After researching and learning about Connecticut-style pizza, we can confidently say that it is a unique and delicious pizza style that is worth trying.
Its thin, crispy, slightly charred crust and chewy texture make it stand out from other pizza styles.
Connecticut-style pizza is made with high-quality ingredients and is cooked in a very hot brick oven, giving it a distinct flavor.
The dough is fermented for longer than other pizzas, which gives it a more nuanced flavor. It is proofed overnight in a refrigerator and then allowed to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
One of the most notable aspects of Connecticut-style pizza is its oblong shape, which is different from the traditional round shape of a pizza.
It is also known for its use of white sauce, which is a blend of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Connecticut-style pizza is a regional pizza style that has gained popularity and recognition outside of its home state. It’s unique characteristics and delicious taste make it a must-try for pizza lovers.
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