New York style pizza is one of the most iconic and beloved types of pizza in the world. Its crispy yet chewy crust, large slices, and simple toppings have earned it a loyal following. Whether enjoyed by locals or visitors, New York style pizza holds a special place in the hearts of pizza lovers everywhere. But what exactly makes New York style pizza different from other types of pizza? In this article, we will explore the key elements that set it apart, from its unique dough and crust to its classic toppings and the tradition behind its creation.
The History Behind New York Style Pizza
New York style pizza has its roots in Italy, like most types of pizza. However, it developed its own distinctive characteristics once it was brought to the United States. In the early 1900s, Italian immigrants, many of them from Naples, began settling in New York City. They brought with them the traditional methods of pizza making but adapted them to local tastes and available ingredients.
In 1905, the first pizzeria in New York City, Lombardi’s, opened its doors. It was in this pizzeria that the New York style pizza was born. The city’s large population, quick pace of life, and demand for affordable, tasty food helped shape the pizza into the sliceable, foldable form we know today. Over time, New York pizza evolved, and its popularity spread far beyond the city, becoming a symbol of New York itself.
The Unique Crust of New York Style Pizza
One of the defining characteristics of New York style pizza is its crust. The dough is made with high-gluten flour, which gives the pizza its signature texture. The dough is also thin, but it’s not so thin that it becomes crispy all over. Instead, it has a chewy, slightly doughy interior with a crisp outer layer. The result is a pizza that can hold up to toppings while still being flexible enough to fold in half.
The dough is stretched by hand, rather than rolled out, which helps maintain its airy, soft texture. After the dough is prepared, it is topped with a thin layer of sauce and cheese, and then baked in a very hot coal or gas oven. The high heat helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the center soft and chewy.
The Signature Sauce of New York Style Pizza
Another key feature of New York style pizza is its sauce. The sauce is typically made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and a variety of herbs such as oregano and basil. The sauce is simple, but it’s packed with flavor, and it’s spread sparingly across the pizza. This allows the other ingredients, especially the cheese, to shine through.
Unlike some other types of pizza, where the sauce might be cooked beforehand or heavily spiced, New York style pizza’s sauce is fresh and straightforward. The simplicity of the sauce complements the crust and cheese without overpowering them, creating a well-balanced pizza.
The Cheese and Toppings of New York Style Pizza
The cheese used on New York style pizza is typically mozzarella, often whole-milk mozzarella. This type of cheese melts well, creating that perfect, gooey, stretchy texture that pizza lovers crave. The mozzarella is usually applied in a relatively thin layer, as the focus of the pizza is on the crust and sauce, not an overly cheesy pie.
As for toppings, New York style pizza is known for its minimalism. While you can find a variety of toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers, the traditional New York style pizza is often served plain with just cheese and sauce. The idea is to let the quality of the dough, sauce, and cheese speak for themselves. New Yorkers are known for folding their slices in half, making it easy to enjoy a simple slice on the go, a tradition that has become part of the pizza’s charm.
Size and Slice – The New York Style Pizza Experience
New York style pizza is famous for its large slices, which are typically wide and thin. A typical pie is 18 to 24 inches in diameter, allowing for bigger, more generous slices. These slices are big enough to be folded in half, making them portable and perfect for eating on the go, which is a hallmark of New York City culture.
The large size of the pizza also makes it easy to share with friends or family, but it’s not unusual for people to order a slice at a time. Pizza joints in New York City often serve their pizza by the slice, allowing customers to grab a quick bite whenever they need it. The crust remains crisp, and the toppings stay intact, which makes the pizza easy to eat on the move.
The Oven: Coal vs. Gas
The type of oven used to cook New York style pizza is also important. Many pizzerias still use coal ovens, which reach extremely high temperatures and cook the pizza quickly, resulting in the perfect crispy crust. The intense heat from the coal allows the pizza to develop a distinctive flavor, with a slight char on the crust.
However, many pizzerias today use gas ovens, which are more commonly used in commercial kitchens. While gas ovens may not produce the exact same flavor as coal ovens, they still achieve the high heat necessary for cooking New York style pizza. The key is that the pizza is cooked quickly, typically in about 8 to 10 minutes, at a temperature of 800 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This rapid cooking ensures that the crust remains crisp and the cheese melts perfectly.
The Culture of New York Style Pizza
New York style pizza isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. In New York City, pizza is often seen as a quick, casual meal that people enjoy on the go. Whether it’s a late-night snack after a night out or a lunchtime favorite, pizza plays a major role in the daily lives of many New Yorkers.
The pizza parlors in New York City are typically small, no-frills places with a focus on quality and efficiency. It’s common to see long lines of people waiting for a slice, and there’s an unspoken camaraderie that comes with sharing a pie with friends or strangers. The pizza itself is often folded in half to make it easier to eat while walking through the busy streets.
For many people, eating a slice of New York style pizza is more than just satisfying hunger—it’s about connecting with the city and its culture. The pizza itself reflects the fast-paced, no-nonsense attitude of New Yorkers, with its simple, straightforward ingredients and its perfect balance of flavors.
New York Style Pizza vs. Other Types of Pizza
There are many different styles of pizza, each with its own unique characteristics. So, how does New York style pizza compare to other types of pizza, such as Neapolitan, Chicago deep-dish, or Sicilian?
Neapolitan Pizza: Originating from Naples, Italy, Neapolitan pizza features a soft, thin crust with minimal toppings—typically just mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s cooked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature, which creates a slightly charred crust. While New York style pizza shares the use of mozzarella and a simple sauce, it has a thinner and crispier crust that’s more pliable for folding.
Chicago Deep-Dish: Chicago deep-dish pizza is the polar opposite of New York style pizza. It has a thick, buttery crust and is baked in a deep pan, resulting in a pizza that’s more like a pie than a traditional flat pizza. The layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings are piled high, making it a hearty meal. In contrast, New York style pizza is thin and designed for quick, easy eating.
Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian pizza is another square or rectangular pizza with a thick, doughy crust. It’s often topped with a generous amount of cheese and sauce, and it’s typically served in larger, thicker slices than New York style pizza. While both styles share a focus on a crisp crust, New York style pizza is thinner and more portable.
Conclusion
New York style pizza is more than just a type of pizza—it’s a part of the city’s identity. Its crispy, chewy crust, fresh sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and large, foldable slices make it a standout among other pizza styles. Whether enjoyed by locals or visitors, New York style pizza captures the essence of New York City: fast, simple, and full of flavor. Its long history, unique ingredients, and cultural significance make it a true culinary icon.
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Cheese is Good for Pizza?
