Brooklyn Pizza Style

Welcome to our mouthwatering exploration of the iconic Brooklyn pizza style! When it comes to culinary delights, few things can match the pure satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a hot, cheesy slice of Brooklyn pizza. Synonymous with New York City’s vibrant food culture, the Brooklyn pizza style has become legendary worldwide, attracting pizza aficionados from all corners of the globe.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, distinct characteristics, and undeniable charm that make Brooklyn pizza style a gastronomic sensation. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza enthusiast or simply curious about this beloved slice of Brooklyn’s culinary heritage, get ready to embark on a delectable journey through the streets of flavor and tradition. Prepare yourself for a tantalizing exploration of the irresistible Brooklyn pizza style, where every bite tells a story and every slice is an invitation to indulge.

What is a Brooklyn-Style Pizza?

Brooklyn-Style Pizza features a thin, crisp crust that is slightly charred on the edges. The crust is crisped in oil and baked in a very hot oven.

While the crust is thin, it still maintains some chewiness and is not overly crispy. The toppings are usually minimal with just tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Some pizzerias may add sliced meatballs, slicedsausage, or roasted peppers.

The pizza gets its signature char from the blazing hot brick oven it is baked in for only a matter of minutes, giving the crust its dark brown to black color.

Origins and Influences

Brooklyn-Style Pizza derives from the Roman tradition of Pizza Margherita which became popular in the late 19th century as Italian immigrants settled in New York City.

Immigrants from Naples and Sicily established pizzerias in lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, adapting pizza to the ingredients available in America and changing techniques to suit their new environment.

The thin, crispy crust is influenced by Roman pizza but baked in coal or wood-fired brick ovens which produce the distinctive charred edges.

After World War 2, Brooklyn pizza became immensely popular as the borough’s many pizzerias could not keep up with high demand. The style soon spread throughout New York City and beyond as Americans developed a newfound love of this simple but flavorful pizza.

The Specialty Of Brooklyn Style Pizza

The specialty of Brooklyn-style pizza lies in its unique characteristics that set it apart from other pizza styles. Here are some key features that make Brooklyn-style pizza special:

1. Thin, Yet Foldable Crust: Brooklyn-style pizza is known for its thin crust, which is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. It strikes a balance between being substantial enough to hold the toppings and being thin enough to fold easily. This foldability is a defining feature of Brooklyn-style pizza and adds to its distinct eating experience.
2. Large Size: Brooklyn-style pizza is typically larger in size compared to other pizza styles. It often comes in larger diameters, ranging from 16 to 18 inches. The larger size makes it great for sharing among a group of people or for those who have a hearty appetite.
3. Minimalist Toppings: While Brooklyn-style pizza can accommodate a variety of toppings, it is often characterized by its simplicity and minimalist approach. The focus is on high-quality ingredients rather than an overwhelming number of toppings. The classic combination of a basic tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes a sprinkling of herbs or spices allows the flavors to shine through.
4. Crispy Bottom and Chewy Center: The thin crust of Brooklyn-style pizza is baked at high temperatures, resulting in a crisp and slightly charred bottom that adds a satisfying crunch. Despite the crispness, the center of the crust remains chewy and flavorful, creating a textural contrast that is highly enjoyable.
5. New York City Heritage: Brooklyn-style pizza has a strong association with the pizza culture of New York City, particularly the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan. It is part of the rich pizza heritage and reflects the diverse culinary influences and preferences of the city’s residents. The pizza-making techniques and flavors developed in this context contribute to the uniqueness of Brooklyn-style pizza.

Brooklyn-style pizza embodies the spirit of New York City’s pizza culture while paying homage to its Italian roots. Its combination of a thin, foldable crust, large size, minimalist toppings, and distinctive texture make it a beloved and sought-after pizza style for pizza enthusiasts.

Brooklyn Pizza Variations

While Brooklyn-style pizza is a distinct pizza style, it has also influenced and given rise to several variations that are popular in the Brooklyn and New York City pizza scene. Here are some notable variations of pizza that can be found in Brooklyn:

Neapolitan-style pizza:

Neapolitan-style pizza is the traditional pizza style that originated in Naples, Italy. It is characterized by a thin, soft, and slightly chewy crust that is blistered and charred from a high-temperature wood-fired oven. While Neapolitan-style pizza is not exclusive to Brooklyn, the influence of the Italian immigrants and the Brooklyn pizza culture has led to the presence of many excellent Neapolitan-style pizzerias in the borough.

Sicilian-style pizza:

Sicilian-style pizza, also known as “Sicilian square” or “Sicilian pie,” has a thick, rectangular crust that is light and airy on the inside, yet crispy on the bottom. It is typically topped with a rich tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. Sicilian-style pizza is often served in large square slices and is a popular choice among Brooklynites.

Grandma-style pizza:

Grandma-style pizza is a square or rectangular pizza with a thin, crispy yet airy crust. It is typically cooked in a square pan and topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and grated cheese. Grandma-style pizza has gained popularity in Brooklyn and is known for its lighter texture and distinct flavor.

New York-style pizza:

New York-style pizza is another variation that can be found in Brooklyn. It typically has a thin, foldable crust with a slightly crispy exterior and a chewy interior. It is often larger in size and features a wide range of toppings. New York-style pizza is renowned for its large, triangular slices that can be enjoyed on the go.

These variations showcase the diverse pizza culture in Brooklyn and highlight the influences and creativity within the local pizza scene. Each style has its own unique characteristics, allowing pizza lovers to experience different flavors, textures, and presentations of pizza while honoring the heritage of Brooklyn-style pizza.

Brooklyn Pizza vs. Other Styles

Brooklyn-style pizza has some key differences from other popular pizza styles, such as Chicago and California-style. While all of these styles have their own distinct characteristics, Brooklyn-style pizza stands apart for its thin, foldable crust with a crunchy bottom and chewy center. It is also larger in size than most other regional pizzas and features simple yet flavorful toppings.

Comparisons with Chicago deep-dish, Neapolitan, and other popular styles:

1. Chicago Deep-Dish: Brooklyn-style pizza differs significantly from Chicago deep-dish pizza. Brooklyn-style pizza has a thin crust, while deep-dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust with the toppings piled high and a chunky tomato sauce on top. The texture, size, and overall eating experience are quite different between the two styles.
2. Neapolitan Pizza: Neapolitan pizza is known for its thin, soft, and chewy crust, while Brooklyn-style pizza has a thinner and crisper crust. Neapolitan pizza is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures, resulting in a slightly charred crust. Brooklyn-style pizza, on the other hand, can be cooked in a standard oven but still achieves a crispy texture.

Differentiating factors and preferences:

1. Crust Thickness: Brooklyn-style pizza is thinner compared to deep-dish or Neapolitan pizza. The thin crust of Brooklyn-style pizza allows for easy folding and a focus on the toppings, while deep-dish pizza has a thick and doughy crust that holds a large amount of toppings.
2. Toppings: Brooklyn-style pizza often features minimalist toppings, allowing the flavors of the crust and basic ingredients to shine. Deep-dish and Neapolitan pizzas can have more abundant and varied toppings.
3. Texture and Eating Experience: Brooklyn-style pizza offers a balance of crispy and chewy textures in each bite, with a focus on the crunch of the crust. Deep-dish pizza is known for its hearty and filling nature, with a soft and doughy interior. Neapolitan pizza has a soft and elastic texture due to its thin and slightly undercooked center.

Personal opinions and experiences:

Opinions on pizza styles, including Brooklyn-style pizza, can vary greatly depending on personal preferences and regional loyalties. Some may prefer the crispy and foldable nature of Brooklyn-style pizza, while others may enjoy the deep-dish indulgence of Chicago-style pizza. Neapolitan pizza enthusiasts appreciate the traditional, authentic flavors and techniques.

Ultimately, pizza preference is a matter of personal taste, and everyone has their own favorite style based on their experiences and preferences. The best way to decide which style is your favorite is to try them for yourself and see which one satisfies your cravings and preferences the most.

How Is Brooklyn Pizza Made?

Brooklyn-style pizza is typically made using a specific process and set of ingredients. Here is a general overview of how Brooklyn-style pizza is made:

1. Dough Preparation: The dough for Brooklyn-style pizza is typically made from a combination of high-gluten flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes a small amount of sugar or olive oil. The ingredients are mixed together to form a smooth, elastic dough. The dough is then allowed to rise, often overnight, to develop flavor and texture.
2. Shaping and Stretching the Dough: Once the dough has risen, it is portioned into individual balls. The dough balls are then lightly floured and stretched by hand or rolled out to achieve the desired thickness and shape. Brooklyn-style pizza is known for its thin crust, so the dough is typically stretched to a thin, round shape.
3. Topping the Pizza: Traditional Brooklyn-style pizza keeps the toppings simple and focuses on the quality of the crust. A basic tomato sauce, made from crushed or pureed tomatoes, is spread evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Fresh mozzarella cheese is often used, either grated or sliced, and is distributed evenly over the sauce. Additional toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, or basil can be added according to personal preference.
4. Baking: Brooklyn-style pizza is typically baked in a very hot oven, often at temperatures of around 500 to 550°F (260 to 290°C). The high heat helps create a crispy and slightly charred crust while ensuring the toppings cook through. The pizza is placed directly on the oven stone or a preheated pizza stone to promote even cooking and heat transfer.
5. Finishing Touches: Once the pizza is baked to perfection, it is removed from the oven and allowed to cool slightly. Some pizzerias may drizzle olive oil over the pizza or sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs for added flavor.

It’s important to note that different pizzerias may have their own variations and techniques when it comes to making Brooklyn-style pizza. The process described above provides a general outline of how it is typically made, but specific details may vary depending on the pizzeria’s preferences and traditions.

Tips for Making Brooklyn Pizza at Home

Making Brooklyn-style pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you’re an experienced pizza maker or a beginner, here are some tips to help you make the perfect Brooklyn-style pie.

Choosing the right ingredients:

1. Flour: Opt for high-gluten flour or bread flour to achieve a chewy and sturdy crust.
2. Yeast: Use active dry yeast or instant yeast for proper dough fermentation.
3. Sauce: Use good-quality crushed or pureed tomatoes for the sauce, seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
4. Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is a classic choice for Brooklyn-style pizza, but you can also use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for convenience.

Techniques for achieving a crispy crust:

1. Preheat your oven: Ensure that your oven is properly preheated to a high temperature, ideally around 500 to 550°F (260 to 290°C). A hot oven helps create a crispy crust.
2. Use a pizza stone or baking steel: Place your pizza stone or baking steel in the oven while preheating. This helps to transfer heat directly to the dough, promoting a crispier crust.
3. Par-bake the crust: Before adding toppings, consider baking the stretched dough for a few minutes to partially cook the crust. This helps to prevent a soggy center and promotes crispness.

Baking methods and equipment recommendations:

• Pizza stone or baking steel: These items help mimic the heat retention and distribution of commercial pizza ovens, resulting in a better crust. Place the stone or steel in the oven while preheating and transfer the pizza onto it for baking.
• Pizza peel: A pizza peel is useful for transferring the pizza onto the preheated stone or steel in the oven. Dust the peel with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
• Parchment paper or semolina flour: If you’re concerned about transferring the pizza onto the hot stone or steel, you can assemble the pizza on parchment paper or sprinkle semolina flour on the peel before placing the dough on top.
• Consider using a pizza screen: A pizza screen is a mesh-like pan that allows hot air to circulate around the pizza, promoting even baking and a crisp crust.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to homemade pizza. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and toppings to find your preferred Brooklyn-style pizza recipe. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!

FAQs

What is Brooklyn-style pizza?

Brooklyn-style pizza is a type of pizza that originated in Brooklyn, New York. It is characterized by its thin and crispy crust, foldable slices, and generous toppings.

How is Brooklyn-style pizza different from other pizza styles?

Brooklyn-style pizza differs from other styles in terms of its thin and crispy crust, which is typically cooked in a high-temperature oven. It also has a larger size and is often topped with a variety of ingredients.

What are the typical toppings on a Brooklyn-style pizza?

Typical toppings on a Brooklyn-style pizza include traditional options like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. However, it can also feature a wide range of other toppings based on personal preferences.

Can I find Brooklyn-style pizza outside of Brooklyn?

Yes, Brooklyn-style pizza has gained popularity and can be found in pizzerias across the United States and even internationally. It has become a recognized style that many pizzerias strive to replicate.

Is Brooklyn-style pizza always thin-crust?

Yes, Brooklyn-style pizza is known for its thin crust. The crust is crispy on the outside, but still chewy and light on the inside.

How is Brooklyn-style pizza different from New York-style pizza?

Brooklyn-style pizza is a subset of New York-style pizza, with some variations in crust thickness and texture. Brooklyn-style pizza tends to have a thinner and crispier crust compared to the slightly thicker and foldable crust of New York-style pizza.

What is the origin of Brooklyn-style pizza?

Brooklyn-style pizza traces its roots back to Italian immigrants who settled in Brooklyn, New York, and brought their pizza-making traditions from Naples, Italy.

Can I get a gluten-free or vegan version of Brooklyn-style pizza?

Some pizzerias offer gluten-free or vegan options for their Brooklyn-style pizza. However, availability may vary depending on the specific pizzeria and its menu offerings.

Is Brooklyn-style pizza available by the slice?

Yes, Brooklyn-style pizza is commonly sold by the slice, allowing customers to enjoy a single or multiple slices based on their appetite.

Can I customize the toppings on a Brooklyn-style pizza?

Yes, Brooklyn-style pizza can be customized with various toppings according to individual preferences, just like any other pizza style.

Are there any regional variations in Brooklyn-style pizza?

While Brooklyn-style pizza has its roots in Brooklyn, different pizzerias may have their own variations or interpretations of the style. Regional preferences and local ingredients can influence the toppings and flavors.

Can I order half-and-half toppings on a Brooklyn-style pizza?

Yes, many pizzerias that offer Brooklyn-style pizza allow customers to request half-and-half toppings on their pizzas.

Is Brooklyn-style pizza considered a healthier option compared to other styles?

The healthiness of a pizza depends on various factors, including portion size and topping choices. While Brooklyn-style pizza tends to have a thinner crust, it can still be high in calories and fat if it’s loaded with greasy toppings.

Can I reheat leftover Brooklyn-style pizza?

Yes, leftover Brooklyn-style pizza can be reheated in a preheated oven or a microwave. To maintain the crust’s crispness, reheating in an oven is generally recommended.

Is Brooklyn-style pizza considered a classic or traditional pizza style?

Yes, Brooklyn-style pizza is considered a classic and traditional pizza style, particularly in the New York City area. Its history and popularity have made it an iconic representation of American pizza culture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brooklyn style pizza has become a beloved style of pizza not just in New York City but across the world. Its unique combination of thin, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and smoky flavor make it stand out from other types of pizza. The use of high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, as well as the traditional coal-fired oven baking method, result in a delicious and authentic pizza experience. Whether you’re a fan of classic toppings like pepperoni and sausage or more adventurous options like artichokes and roasted peppers, Brooklyn style pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you’re in the mood for a slice of pizza, consider giving Brooklyn style pizza a try – you won’t be disappointed!