What Is Brooklyn Style Pizza?
If you’re a pizza enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of the famous Brooklyn style pizza. This iconic New York creation has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers across America and beyond. But what is Brooklyn style pizza, exactly? Let’s dive into the crispy, cheesy world of this beloved pizza style and explore its unique characteristics, rich history, and mouthwatering appeal.
Understanding Brooklyn Style Pizza
Brooklyn style pizza originated from the ingenuity of Italian immigrants in America around 1905. Initially, this pizza featured an innovative twist: tomato sauce on top with cheese underneath. Over time, it evolved into the distinct style we know today, with pizzerias around the globe adapting their own versions.
So, what is Brooklyn style pizza that sets it apart from other varieties? Here are its key features:
- A thin and crispy crust that’s still tender on the inside
- A well-balanced ratio of sauce, crust, and toppings
- Typically about 18 inches in diameter
- Large, foldable slices for easy portability
The combination of these elements creates a pizza that’s not just delicious but also practical for on-the-go eating – a true New York staple.
The Specialty of Brooklyn Style Pizza
When pondering what is Brooklyn style pizza special, several factors come into play:
- Crisper and airier crust: Compared to thicker, stickier crusts, Brooklyn style pizza offers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Perfect balance: The proportions of crust, sauce, and toppings are carefully distributed for an ideal flavor profile.
- Larger, foldable slices: This feature enhances convenience and portability, making it a favorite street food.
- Unique texture: The crust is thin yet manages to be tender and soft inside, creating a delightful contrast.
- Flexibility: Its ability to be folded makes it an easy eat-and-go option for busy New Yorkers and tourists alike.
These characteristics combine to create a pizza that’s not just a meal, but an experience – one that captures the essence of Brooklyn’s culinary spirit.
The Birth of Brooklyn Style Pizza
To truly understand what is Brooklyn style pizza, we need to look at its origins. New York’s first pizza chain created the classic New York style pizza, which quickly became a local favorite. However, Brooklyn pizzaiolos took a different approach:
- They crafted a lighter, crisper crust compared to the hand-tossed, soft New York style.
- Brooklyn style pizzas were introduced with an impressive 18-45 inch diameter.
- The crust had a distinctive texture and flavor profile.
- Differences in mozzarella cheese quantity and preparation method set it apart.
This adaptation of the recipe led to the unique Brooklyn style crust and cheese blend we know today. It’s a testament to the innovation and creativity that defines Brooklyn’s food scene.
Traditional Brooklyn Pizza
When exploring what is Brooklyn style pizza, we can’t ignore its flavor profile and traditional toppings. Here’s what makes a classic Brooklyn pizza a true flavor fiesta:
- High-fat content: Thanks to abundant cheese, Brooklyn style pizza is rich and indulgent.
- Health considerations: While offering some nutritional benefits, it’s high in sodium and should be enjoyed in moderation.
- Unique dough texture: The crust is notably crispy yet tender, creating an unparalleled eating experience.
- Traditional toppings: Common choices include pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, meatballs, sausages, and olives.
- Authenticity: Non-traditional toppings like pineapple are less common in authentic Brooklyn style pizzas.
- Customization: While there are classic combinations, many pizzerias offer customization options for a personal touch.
This blend of flavors and textures is what makes Brooklyn style pizza a beloved choice for pizza lovers everywhere.
How Is Brooklyn Pizza Made?
Understanding the making of Brooklyn style pizza is crucial to appreciating what is Brooklyn style pizza all about. Let’s break down the process:
The Base
- Uses less dough compared to NYC style, stretched larger for crispiness.
- A smaller dough ball is used to achieve the pizza’s distinctive thin, crispy texture.
- Extra oil is added to enhance crispiness.
The Condiments
- Features a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese, with provolone being more prevalent.
- The cheese blend provides a creamy taste, focusing more on creaminess than cheesiness.
- Common toppings include traditional choices like pepperoni and mushrooms, with customization options available.
- Authentic Brooklyn pizzas typically avoid certain toppings like pineapple to maintain tradition.
This careful preparation process ensures that each Brooklyn style pizza delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures that pizza lovers crave.
How is Brooklyn Style Pizza Served?
The serving style of Brooklyn pizza is as unique as its taste. Here’s what you can expect:
- Often cut into square shapes to maintain structural integrity due to its thinness.
- Square cuts prevent the pizza from falling apart, though triangular cuts are also common.
- The serving style allows for easy handling and eating, especially when folded.
This approach to serving enhances the Brooklyn style pizza experience, making it both delicious and convenient.
Ordering The Perfect Brooklyn Pizza Slice
When it comes to satisfying your craving for Brooklyn style pizza, you have options:
- Traditional pizzerias: For the most authentic taste, seek out local Brooklyn-style pizzerias.
- Fast-food chains: These offer more customization options but may lack the authentic touch.
Here are some tips for ordering:
- Traditional places offer a more authentic Brooklyn pizza experience with time-honored recipes and techniques.
- Fast-food options allow for various toppings and customization, catering to diverse preferences.
- While commercial pizza might lack the authentic cultural touch, it offers flexibility in toppings and delivery options.
- Dining in at pizzerias provides a social experience that enhances the enjoyment of your meal.
Remember, eating Brooklyn style pizza is traditionally done folded, though using a fork and knife is also acceptable. The choice is yours!
Conclusion
So, what is Brooklyn style pizza? It’s more than just a meal – it’s a celebrated American favorite with global appeal. Its thin, crispy crust, perfect balance of toppings, and convenient foldability make it a unique and beloved pizza style.
Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a cheese-laden slice or a meat lover craving a pepperoni-topped piece, Brooklyn style pizza offers something for everyone. Its versatility and rich history have cemented its place in the pantheon of great American foods.
As we’ve explored, Brooklyn style pizza is a testament to the culinary creativity of New York. It represents the perfect blend of Italian tradition and American innovation, resulting in a pizza style that continues to captivate taste buds around the world.
Next time you’re in New York – or anywhere that offers Brooklyn style pizza – don’t hesitate to grab a slice. Fold it, savor it, and experience a true piece of Brooklyn’s culinary heritage. After all, understanding what is Brooklyn style pizza is one thing, but tasting it is an experience all its own.
