New York-style pizza and Brooklyn-style pizza are two of the most famous pizza styles in the world, with each having its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from the other. Here is a breakdown of the differences between these two iconic pizza styles.
New York-style pizza:
New York-style pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust that is slightly chewy and foldable, making it easy to eat on the go. The crust is typically made from high-gluten flour, giving it a strong and chewy texture that can hold up to the weight of the toppings. The dough is rolled thin and then stretched by hand to create a large, round pizza that is cooked in a hot brick oven.
One of the defining features of New York-style pizza is the tomato sauce, which is made from San Marzano tomatoes and is lightly applied to the dough. The cheese used is typically mozzarella, which is added in large amounts and creates a gooey, melted layer on top of the sauce. The toppings are usually simple and straightforward, with popular options including pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and sausage.
Brooklyn-style pizza:
Brooklyn-style pizza is similar to New York-style pizza in many ways, but there are a few key differences that set it apart. The crust of Brooklyn-style pizza is also thin and crispy, but it is often slightly thicker and has a more bread-like texture. This is because it is made with a combination of high-gluten flour and bread flour, which creates a chewier crust that can hold up to the weight of the toppings.
The tomato sauce on Brooklyn-style pizza is usually a bit sweeter than the sauce on New York-style pizza, and it is often applied more heavily to the dough. The cheese used on Brooklyn-style pizza is typically a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, which creates a unique flavor and texture profile that is different from the pure mozzarella cheese used on New York-style pizza. The toppings on Brooklyn-style pizza are also typically more varied and complex, with popular options including artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and ricotta cheese.
So, what are the key differences between New York-style pizza and Brooklyn-style pizza?
- Crust: The crust of New York-style pizza is thin, crispy, and slightly chewy, while the crust of Brooklyn-style pizza is slightly thicker and has a more bread-like texture.
- Tomato sauce: The tomato sauce on New York-style pizza is lightly applied and made from San Marzano tomatoes, while the sauce on Brooklyn-style pizza is usually sweeter and more heavily applied to the dough.
- Cheese: New York-style pizza uses pure mozzarella cheese, while Brooklyn-style pizza uses a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Toppings: New York-style pizza typically has simple and straightforward toppings, while Brooklyn-style pizza often has more varied and complex toppings.
In summary, both New York-style pizza and Brooklyn-style pizza are delicious, but they have distinct differences in their crust, tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings. Whether you prefer the simplicity of New York-style pizza or the complexity of Brooklyn-style pizza, there is no denying that these two iconic pizza styles are a delicious part of American cuisine.