Brooklyn pizza is one of the most beloved styles of pizza in the United States. Known for its thin crust, large size, and delicious toppings, it has a distinct flavor and texture that many people crave. Brooklyn pizza has its roots in New York City, specifically in Brooklyn, where it started gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike. This article will take you through the history, characteristics, and why Brooklyn pizza has earned its spot as a fan favorite.
The Origin of Brooklyn Pizza
Brooklyn pizza has a long history that dates back to the early 1900s. It originated in Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, when Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making traditions to the United States. These immigrants settled in the area, and pizza quickly became a staple of the local cuisine. Over time, the pizza evolved to reflect the tastes and preferences of Brooklyn’s residents, and thus, Brooklyn pizza was born.
It is important to note that Brooklyn pizza is influenced by the traditional Neapolitan pizza from Italy. However, over the years, it developed a unique style, and today, it is one of the most iconic pizza types in the world.
What Makes Brooklyn Pizza Different?
Brooklyn pizza is known for several distinctive features that make it stand out from other types of pizza. Below, we’ll explore these characteristics in detail.
Thin, Foldable Crust
One of the most defining features of Brooklyn pizza is its thin, crispy crust. Unlike thick, doughy pizza styles, Brooklyn pizza has a crust that is thin enough to fold easily. This is a key characteristic that sets it apart from other types of pizza, such as New York-style pizza, which has a more rigid crust.
The crust is made from high-quality dough, and it is hand-stretched to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness. The thinness of the crust allows the toppings to shine and ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
Large Size
Brooklyn pizza is typically large in size, with slices that are big enough to fold in half. This large size makes it ideal for sharing with friends and family. The pizza is often cut into big slices, which allows people to enjoy a hearty meal without feeling too full.
The size also makes Brooklyn pizza a convenient option for takeout or delivery. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, parties, or a laid-back dinner.
The Toppings
The toppings on Brooklyn pizza are what truly make it unique. While many other pizzas may focus on just one or two key ingredients, Brooklyn pizza tends to feature a variety of toppings. Some classic choices include:
Cheese: The most common cheese used on Brooklyn pizza is mozzarella. However, some pizzerias also use a combination of cheeses for added flavor.
Tomato Sauce: The sauce is typically made with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of herbs like basil and oregano. It’s flavorful but not overpowering.
Meats: Popular meat toppings include pepperoni, sausage, and bacon. These meats are often sliced thinly and placed generously on top of the pizza.
Vegetables: Many people enjoy adding vegetables to their Brooklyn pizza, such as onions, peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
Fresh Herbs: Basil is commonly used as a garnish to add a burst of fresh flavor to each bite.
The combination of these fresh ingredients creates a balanced flavor profile that is both savory and satisfying.
The Cooking Process
Another factor that makes Brooklyn pizza special is the way it is cooked. Typically, Brooklyn pizza is baked in a brick oven at high temperatures. The intense heat helps the crust cook quickly, making it crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
The pizza is usually cooked for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the toppings to caramelize. The result is a pizza that has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
How to Make Brooklyn Pizza at Home
While you can easily find Brooklyn-style pizza at many pizzerias, it’s also possible to make this delicious pizza at home. Here’s a simple recipe to create your own Brooklyn pizza from scratch.
Ingredients for the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredients for the Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Your choice of toppings (meats, vegetables, fresh herbs)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture and then gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead it for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for about 1 hour.
Prepare the Sauce: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the tomato sauce. In a saucepan, heat some olive oil and sauté minced garlic. Add the tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes and then set it aside.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
Assemble the Pizza: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface until it is thin and round. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough and top with mozzarella cheese. Add any additional toppings you prefer.
Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or bake it on the baking sheet). Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into large pieces, fold each slice in half, and enjoy!
The Popularity of Brooklyn Pizza
Brooklyn pizza has become a symbol of New York City’s vibrant food scene. Over the years, many pizzerias across the city have put their own spin on the classic recipe, but the core elements of Brooklyn pizza remain the same. Its thin, foldable crust, large size, and variety of toppings make it a pizza that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Brooklyn pizza is often seen as the perfect comfort food. Its casual nature and hearty portions make it an ideal choice for social gatherings, whether it’s a family dinner or a late-night snack with friends. The pizza’s popularity has also spread beyond New York, with Brooklyn-style pizzerias opening in other parts of the country and even internationally.
Brooklyn Pizza vs. New York-Style Pizza
While both Brooklyn pizza and New York-style pizza share some similarities, there are key differences between the two. New York-style pizza is also known for its thin crust, but it is typically larger and more rigid, making it less easy to fold. Brooklyn pizza, on the other hand, has a thinner, crispier crust that allows for a more foldable and chewy texture.
Additionally, Brooklyn pizza is often made with a higher proportion of cheese and a slightly thicker layer of tomato sauce compared to New York-style pizza. This gives Brooklyn pizza a more robust flavor profile.
Conclusion
Brooklyn pizza is a true classic that has stood the test of time. With its thin, foldable crust, large size, and delicious variety of toppings, it has earned a special place in the hearts of pizza lovers around the world. Whether you’re enjoying it in Brooklyn itself or making it at home, Brooklyn pizza offers a tasty and satisfying experience that is hard to beat.
Now that you know what Brooklyn pizza is and how to make it, why not try it for yourself? Whether you visit a pizzeria or create your own, there’s no better way to enjoy a slice of New York’s finest.
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Cheese is Good for Pizza?
