Exploring the History and Specialty of Brooklyn-Style Pizza

Pizza become a beloved casual food for many generations, but only some styles have made an impression, like Brooklyn-style pizza. But what exactly is Brooklyn-style pizza, and what makes it stand out from other pizzas? Its thin, crispy crust and diverse toppings make it a fan favorite. However, its Italian roots and history in the borough of Brooklyn run deep, making it more than just another pizza style. This article will explore the history and specialty of Brooklyn-style pizza, delving into what makes it unique and where you can find the best slices in town. So, sit and get ready to learn everything about this iconic pie.

Introduction To Brooklyn-style Pizza

Brooklyn-style pizza is a classic New York-style pizza with a thin, crispy crust and various toppings. It all began in New York City in the late 19th century when Italian immigrants from Naples brought their traditional pizza recipes to Brooklyn. Since then, Brooklyn-style pizza has become one of the most popular types of pizza in the United States. Brooklyn-style pizza is not just food; it’s a legacy and history. It represents the vibrant culture and uniqueness synonymous with Brooklyn, one of the world’s most colorful and diverse neighborhoods.

What sets Brooklyn-style pizza apart from other pizzas is the dough. The basic procedure for making a Brooklyn-style pizza starts with making the dough with a closely guarded recipe. The dough is then rolled out on a preheated pizza stone and rested overnight. Once it has risen, the pizza will be topped with unique ingredients, such as pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms, cheese, olives, garlic, meatballs, and more.

One of the most distinct characteristics of Brooklyn-style pizza is its serving style. Traditional Brooklyn-style pizzas are meant to be folded and put into your mouth simultaneously instead of being eaten with a knife and fork. This folding technique helps to create a perfect balance of softness and strength, making the pizza easy to eat and more flavorful.

Brooklyn-style pizza is also famous for its crust, which is thin and wide, making it crispy, airy, and lighter than regular pizza. The pizza is usually served sliced into six large square portions, but most restaurants serve it in triangle cut to accommodate people’s familiarity with triangle pizzas.

If you’re looking to explore the history and specialty of Brooklyn-style pizza, there are many renowned pizzerias in Brooklyn, such as Di Fara’s, Grimaldi’s, and Franny’s.

A Brief History Of Brooklyn-style Pizza

Brooklyn-style pizza is a popular pizza style that has gained worldwide acclaim for its unique taste and texture. The origin of this pizza style can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants first started selling pizza in New York City. However, in the mid-20th century, Brooklyn-style pizza began to take on its own character.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, pizza parlors in Brooklyn experimented with different ingredients and cooking techniques, eventually settling on a pizza style characterized by a thin, crispy crust and simple yet flavorful toppings. Unlike traditional Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, Brooklyn-style pizza was typically cooked in a gas oven at high temperatures, resulting in a crisper crust and a more evenly cooked pizza.

Over the years, different variations of Brooklyn-style pizza have emerged, each with its own unique toppings and cooking techniques. Today, Brooklyn-style pizza is enjoyed by pizza lovers worldwide, and it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing tastes and preferences of pizza lovers everywhere.

In recent years, many pizzerias have incorporated new toppings and cooking techniques into their Brooklyn-style pizza to appeal to a wider range of customers. Some of the most popular toppings include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and peppers, while others prefer more exotic toppings such as pineapple, ham, or even anchovies.

If you’re a pizza lover looking to try something new, then Brooklyn-style pizza is definitely worth a try. With its crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and flavorful toppings, it’s no wonder this pizza style has become a staple of the New York pizza scene and even spread to other parts of the country and beyond. Grab a slice today and taste the difference for yourself!

Evolution Of New York-style Pizza Into Brooklyn-style

New York-style pizza is well known for its thin and crispy crust, light tomato sauce, and generous cheese toppings. However, the Brooklyn-style pizza, a variation of the New York style, has a unique taste and texture. One of the reasons behind this evolution is the cultural influences that shaped Brooklyn’s food scene. During the 1900s, the Italian immigrants who settled in Brooklyn brought their pizza-making skills and recipes with them. As they adapted to the American culture, they fused their original recipes with new ingredients, leading to the birth of Brooklyn-style pizza.

Another factor contributing to the evolution of New York-style pizza into Brooklyn-style pizza is the innovation made by local pizza shops. In Brooklyn, pizza makers experimented with different types of cheese, including fresh Mozzarella and whole milk mozzarella blended with skim milk, which resulted in a creamier and richer cheese topping. They also switched to coal-fired ovens, making the crust crispy and charred. The crust was also made thinner and airier than the traditional New York-style pizza.

Overall, the evolution of New York-style pizza into Brooklyn-style pizza resulted from cultural influences, innovation from local pizza shops, and experimentation with new ingredients and cooking methods. Today, Brooklyn-style pizza is enjoyed by people worldwide and has become a staple in the pizza industry.

Characteristics Of Brooklyn-style Pizza

If you want to know what makes Brooklyn-style pizza so unique, here are some characteristics that set it apart from other types of pizza:

1. Thin, crispy crust: Brooklyn-style pizza is known for its ultra-thin crust that’s crispy on the edges and slightly chewy in the middle.

2. San Marzano tomato sauce: The sauce used on a Brooklyn-style pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their rich, tangy flavor.

3. Simple toppings: Unlike some pizza styles that pile on the toppings, Brooklyn-style pizza keeps things simple with traditional options like pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions.

4. Half Mozzarella, half provolone cheese blend: The cheese used on a Brooklyn-style pizza is typically a blend of half Mozzarella and half provolone, giving it a unique flavor and texture.

5. Toppings under the cheese: Another characteristic of Brooklyn-style pizza is that the toppings are placed under the cheese, allowing them to meld together with the sauce and crust.

6. Easily foldable: The thin crust of a Brooklyn-style pizza makes it easy to fold in half, making it the ideal pizza for on-the-go eating.

7. Charred crust: Brooklyn-style pizza is typically cooked until the crust is slightly charred, adding an extra depth of flavor to the overall pie.

8. Large size: Brooklyn-style pizza comes in a size range from about 18 to 45 inches, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Whether you’re a pizza lover or just curious, trying Brooklyn-style pizza is a must for anyone who loves a delicious, unique slice of pie.

What Makes Brooklyn-style Pizza Unique?

When it comes to pizza, New York is already a well-known name, but have you tried the unique Brooklyn-style pizza? What sets it apart from other popular pizza styles? Here are some things that make Brooklyn-style pizza stand:

• Thin Crust: A hallmark of Brooklyn-style pizza is its thin crust that is just crispy enough to hold the toppings while allowing the flavors to shine through.
• Simpler Toppings: Unlike some of the extravagantly topping-laden pizzas, Brooklyn-style pizza is more simplistic, with toppings that do not overwhelm the taste.
• Mozzarella and Provolone Blend: The cheese blend of Brooklyn-style pizza is a 50-50 mix of Mozzarella and Provolone, which creates a perfect balance of flavors without being too cheesy.
• Tap Water: According to some New York slice experts, the unique flavor of a New York-style pie might come from the city’s tap water, which is why Brooklyn-style pizza also boasts an unparalleled taste.
• Bigger Pies: Brooklyn-style pizzas are typically larger than other pizza styles, ranging from 18 to 45 inches, making it a perfect option for feeding a crowd.
• Less Grease: While other pizza styles can be drenched in grease, Brooklyn-style pizza manages to keep the grease under control, making it a healthier option for pizza lovers.

Besides, Brooklyn-style pizza has evolved from the classic New York-style pizza and has been fine-tuned to offer a unique taste that cannot be found anywhere else. The perfect combination of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings creates a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. With the many pizza shops offering Brooklyn-style pizza in Brooklyn, finding your favorite slice is easy. Give it a try, and you’ll taste the difference yourself!

The Art Of Making Brooklyn-style Pizza

Making Brooklyn-style pizza is truly an art form that requires attention to detail, skill, and time. The perfect pizza begins with dough made using high-gluten flour and requires extensive kneading and stretching. The dough is pressed into a thin and pliable crust that is cooked at a high temperature (around 500-550 degrees Fahrenheit) in a brick oven. This process results in a crispy crust with a slightly charred texture that is characteristic of Brooklyn-style pizza.

In addition to the dough, the sauce is another essential part of making Brooklyn-style pizza. The sauce is typically made using San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their bright, tangy flavor. The sauce is spread thinly and evenly across the crust, leaving just the right amount of space for the toppings.

When it comes to toppings, simplicity is key for Brooklyn-style pizza. Classic toppings include mozzarella cheese, basil, and a touch of olive oil. However, some popular variations include pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms.

One of the keys to making excellent Brooklyn-style pizza is having the right tools and equipment. A brick oven that reaches high temperatures, as is a pizza peel, is essential to transfer the pizza in and out of the oven. A well-seasoned pizza stone or a cast-iron skillet can also help create the perfect crispy crust.

Making a high-quality Brooklyn-style pizza requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. Anyone can create an authentic and delicious Brooklyn-style pizza at home using high-quality ingredients and the right equipment.

Where To Find The Best Brooklyn-style Pizza In Brooklyn

Brooklyn is home to some of the best pizza places in the world. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring the borough’s pizza scene is worth exploring. Here are some of the best places to try Brooklyn-style pizza in Brooklyn:

1. Di Fara Pizza – This iconic pizza spot has been around since 1965 and is known for its thin-crusted pizza and fresh ingredients. Dom DeMarco’s owner still makes each pie by hand and uses high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. The only downside is the long wait time, but it’s worth it for the delicious pizza.

2. L&B Spumoni Gardens – This family-owned pizzeria has been serving up delicious Sicilian-style pies since 1939. Their pizza has a thick, chewy crust and a generous layer of sauce on top. They also offer a unique dessert called spumoni, which is a type of Italian ice cream.

3. Lucali – This small, unassuming pizzeria in Carroll Gardens is famous for its simple yet delicious pizza. The owner, Mark Iacono, makes each pie by hand and uses fresh ingredients like basil and garlic. It’s a bit pricey, but the quality of the pizza is worth the extra cost.

4. Paulie Gee’s – This Greenpoint pizzeria specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza and has a unique selection of toppings like prosciutto, arugula, and goat cheese. The restaurant has a cozy, vintage vibe and is a great spot for a casual date night.

5. Roberta’s – This hipster pizzeria in Bushwick has a cult following for its wood-fired pizza and unique toppings like pickled chili peppers and honey. The restaurant also offers a fantastic selection of craft beers and cocktails.

These are just a few of the many amazing pizza places in Brooklyn. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find a delicious slice of pizza that will leave you wanting more.

Comparison With Other Popular Pizza Styles

There are many different styles to choose from when it comes to pizza. Each has the unique qualities that make it stand out from the rest. With its thin and crispy crust, Brooklyn-style pizza is a popular choice. Let’s take a look at how it compares to other popular pizza styles:

1. New York-style pizza: Brooklyn-style pizza is a variation of New York-style pizza, known for its large, foldable slices and chewy crust. While both are thin-crusted, Brooklyn-style pizza is even thinner and crisper.

2. Chicago-style pizza: Chicago-style pizza is the complete opposite of Brooklyn-style pizza. It’s deep-dish, with a thick crust that’s more like a pie than a pizza. It’s packed with toppings and sauce, making it a filling meal in itself.

3. Neapolitan-style pizza: This pizza originated in Naples, Italy, and is known for its simplicity. It has a soft and pliable crust with minimal toppings, typically just tomato sauce, fresh Mozzarella, and basil. It’s cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a smoky flavor.

4. Sicilian-style pizza: Sicilian-style pizza has a thick and fluffy crust, typically rectangular in shape. It’s usually topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings. It’s often served in slices cut from a large sheet, making it a great option for feeding a crowd.

Brooklyn-style pizza stands out for its thin and crispy crust, unique toppings, and fold-and-eat serving style. While it’s not for everyone, it’s definitely worth trying if you’re a fan of pizza in general.

Popularity And Spread Of Brooklyn Style Pizza

Brooklyn-style pizza has become an iconic dish in New York City and worldwide. Its popularity has grown over the years, and today, it is not just limited to the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Here are some factors that have contributed to the popularity and spread of Brooklyn-style pizza:

1. Social media: With the rise of social media, food bloggers and influencers have been instrumental in promoting Brooklyn-style pizza to a wider audience. From Instagram posts to food reviews, social media has made it easier for people to discover and try this beloved pizza style.

2. Pop culture: Brooklyn-style pizza has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, further fueling its popularity. From Spiderman to The Office, Brooklyn-style pizza has become a staple in pop culture, cementing its status as an iconic dish.

3. Convenience: The to-go nature of Brooklyn-style pizza makes it an easy and convenient option for people to enjoy on the go. Its foldability and accessibility have made it a popular choice for those who want a quick and tasty meal.

4. Expansion: Brooklyn-style pizza has not just remained confined to New York City but has spread to other parts of the United States and even overseas. Pizzerias worldwide have started offering their own take on Brooklyn-style pizza, contributing to its widespread popularity.

5. Unique taste: The unique taste and texture of Brooklyn-style pizza have helped it stand out from other pizza styles and gain a loyal following. Its thin and crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and high-quality ingredients make it a standout dish in the world of pizza.

Overall, the popularity and spread of Brooklyn-style pizza show no signs of slowing down, and it will remain a beloved dish for pizza enthusiasts worldwide. 

FAQ

Q: What is a Brooklyn-style pizza?

A: A Brooklyn-style pizza is a thin, crispy crust pizza typically cooked until slightly red. It is characterized by its minimal toppings, which usually include San Marzano tomatoes and low-moisture mozzarella cheese.

Q: Where does Brooklyn-style pizza come from?

A: Brooklyn-style pizza originated in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1940s when Italian immigrants brought their recipes from Italy to the United States. Over time, pizza makers began experimenting with different types of flour, baking temperatures, and topping combinations, resulting in the unique flavor of Brooklyn-style pizza known today.

Q: What makes Brooklyn-style pizza different from other pizza styles?

A: Brooklyn-style pizza has a unique flavor profile, characterized by its thin and crispy crust, minimal toppings, and slightly charred edges. Its sauce is typically made from San Marzano tomatoes, and its cheese is low-moisture Mozzarella, giving it a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other pizza styles.

Q: Where can I find the best Brooklyn-style pizza in Brooklyn?

A: Brooklyn is known for having the best pizza joints in the world. Some of the top-rated restaurants for Brooklyn-style pizza include Di Fara Pizza, Roberta’s Pizza, and Lucali. However, there are several other great pizza places to explore in Brooklyn.

Q: Can I make Brooklyn-style pizza at home?

A: Yes, you can make Brooklyn-style pizza at home. To achieve the signature taste, you should combine the bread flour and Italian-style flour for the crust, bake it at high temperatures, and keep the toppings minimal.

Q: How many calories does Brooklyn-style pizza have?

A: The number of calories in a slice of Brooklyn-style pizza varies depending on the toppings, but on average, a slice can contain anywhere from 200-400 calories.

Q: Is Brooklyn-style pizza gluten-free?

A: No, Brooklyn-style pizza is not gluten-free, as it is made with a combination of bread flour and Italian-style flour.

Final Thoughts

Brooklyn-style pizza has rightfully earned its place as one of the most beloved pizza styles in the world. Its unique thin and crispy crust, liberal use of cornmeal, and half Mozzarella blend with half Provolone cheese make it stand out from other pizza styles. However, it’s important to note that the high-fat content of the dough and toppings can make it a less healthy option for some individuals. That said, it’s always best to enjoy pizza in moderation.

When it comes to finding the best Brooklyn-style pizza in Brooklyn, there are plenty of options to choose from. Pizzerias such as Totonno’s, Di Fara’s, Grimaldi’s, and Franny’s are just a few of the many places to try. And for those who may need access to these specific pizzerias, numerous other pizza places offer their take on the Brooklyn-style pizza. 

The popularity and spread of Brooklyn-style pizza are a testament to its deliciousness and unique characteristics. While it may have evolved from New York-style pizza, Brooklyn-style pizza has certainly made a name for itself in the pizza world. It’s a must-try for any pizza lover and a fundamental part of the pizza culture in Brooklyn and beyond.