Brooklyn style pizza, a culinary icon of New York City, boasts a rich history and a distinct character that sets it apart from other pizza styles. Born from the melting pot of Italian immigrant traditions and local culinary influences, this pizza has become a beloved staple in the borough of Brooklyn and beyond.
Its thin crust, large size, and unique folding technique make it a culinary experience unlike any other.
From its humble beginnings to its modern-day evolution, Brooklyn style pizza has captured the hearts and stomachs of countless individuals. It’s not just a meal; it’s a symbol of community, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of Brooklyn.
The History of Brooklyn Style Pizza
Brooklyn-style pizza, with its thin crust and generous toppings, is a beloved staple in the borough and beyond. Its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century, a time when waves of Italian immigrants arrived in New York City, bringing with them their culinary traditions.
These immigrants, particularly those from Naples, established pizzerias in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, serving pizzas that were different from the Neapolitan style they were accustomed to. The unique combination of ingredients and techniques used in Brooklyn-style pizza evolved over time, influenced by both Italian culinary traditions and local ingredients available in the area.
Origins and Influences
The early pizzerias in Brooklyn often served pizzas with a thicker crust than the Neapolitan style. This was likely due to the use of readily available ingredients and the need to create a pizza that could withstand the long trips from the pizzeria to the customer’s home.
The crust also tended to be more crispy and chewy, a characteristic that is still associated with Brooklyn-style pizza today. The toppings, too, were influenced by the local culinary traditions, with many pizzerias using ingredients like fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, and sausage, which were readily available in the area.
Comparing Brooklyn-Style Pizza with Other Styles
Brooklyn-style pizza is distinct from other popular pizza styles, such as Neapolitan, Chicago Deep Dish, and New York-style. While it shares some similarities with New York-style pizza, it has its own unique characteristics. Here is a table comparing the key features of these pizza styles:
| Pizza Style | Crust | Size | Sauce | Cheese | Folding Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn-Style | Thin, crispy, and chewy | Large, often 18 inches in diameter | Simple, tomato-based sauce | Mozzarella, often a blend of fresh and low-moisture | Folded in half, like a taco |
| Neapolitan | Thin, soft, and slightly charred | Small, typically 12 inches in diameter | Simple, tomato-based sauce | San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella | Eaten with a knife and fork |
| Chicago Deep Dish | Thick, buttery, and flaky | Deep, often 10-12 inches in diameter | Tomato-based sauce, often with herbs and spices | Mozzarella, often with other cheeses like provolone | Eaten with a knife and fork |
| New York-Style | Thin, crispy, and foldable | Large, often 18 inches in diameter | Simple, tomato-based sauce | Mozzarella, often a blend of fresh and low-moisture | Folded in half, like a taco |
Distinguishing Features of Brooklyn Style Pizza
Brooklyn-style pizza is known for its unique characteristics, which set it apart from other pizza styles. These features include its thin crust, large size, and distinctive folding technique.
The Thin and Crispy Crust
The hallmark of Brooklyn-style pizza is its thin, crispy, and chewy crust. This crust is achieved through a combination of factors, including the use of high-quality flour, a long fermentation process, and a hot oven. The dough is typically made with a high percentage of flour, which results in a crust that is both sturdy and flavorful.
The long fermentation process allows the yeast to develop complex flavors and creates a dough that is easy to stretch and shape. Finally, the pizza is baked in a hot oven, which helps to create a crispy crust that is still slightly chewy on the inside.
Large Size and Generous Toppings, Brooklyn style pizza
Brooklyn-style pizzas are typically large, often 18 inches in diameter. This allows for a generous amount of toppings to be placed on the pizza, making it a satisfying meal for several people. The large size also allows for the pizza to be folded in half, a popular technique for eating Brooklyn-style pizza.
The Folding Technique
One of the most distinctive features of Brooklyn-style pizza is its folding technique. The pizza is typically folded in half, like a taco, before being eaten. This allows for a more manageable bite and helps to prevent the toppings from falling off the pizza.
The folding technique also creates a unique flavor profile, as the different ingredients come into contact with each other in a different way.
Traditional Ingredients
The traditional ingredients used in Brooklyn-style pizza are simple but essential. The dough is typically made with flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. The sauce is a simple tomato-based sauce, often made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. The cheese is typically mozzarella, often a blend of fresh and low-moisture mozzarella.
Other toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, are also popular.
The Culture of Brooklyn Style Pizza
Brooklyn-style pizza has a rich cultural significance in the borough of Brooklyn and beyond. It is a beloved food that is often associated with family, friends, and community. Pizza parlors are often gathering places where people come together to enjoy a meal and socialize.
Social Food and Family Traditions
Brooklyn-style pizza is often seen as a social food, a dish that is meant to be shared with others. It is a popular choice for family gatherings, birthday parties, and other celebrations. In many Brooklyn neighborhoods, pizza parlors are a central part of the community, serving as a place for people to come together and connect.
Notable Brooklyn-Style Pizzerias
Brooklyn is home to a wide variety of pizzerias, each with its own unique style and history. Some of the most notable Brooklyn-style pizzerias include:
| Pizzeria | History | Signature Dishes | Community Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Di Fara Pizza | Founded in 1964 by Domenico DeMarco | Classic Brooklyn-style pizza with a thin crust and generous toppings | Known for its long lines and loyal customers |
| Lucali | Opened in 2006 by Mark Iacono | Simple but delicious Brooklyn-style pizza with a thin crust and fresh toppings | Known for its intimate atmosphere and limited seating |
| Emily | Opened in 2014 by Matthew Hyland and Matt Kliegman | Modern interpretation of Brooklyn-style pizza with creative toppings and a focus on fresh ingredients | Known for its trendy atmosphere and its commitment to sustainability |
Brooklyn Style Pizza in the Modern Era
Brooklyn-style pizza has continued to evolve in recent years, with chefs and pizzerias experimenting with new ingredients, techniques, and flavors. The rise of social media has also played a role in the popularity of Brooklyn-style pizza, with food bloggers and influencers sharing their experiences and recommendations with their followers.
Modern Interpretations and Innovation
Contemporary chefs and pizzerias have been putting their own spin on Brooklyn-style pizza, using innovative ingredients and techniques. Some pizzerias are experimenting with different types of flour, such as rye or spelt, to create unique flavor profiles. Others are incorporating unusual toppings, such as roasted vegetables, smoked meats, and exotic cheeses.
The use of wood-fired ovens is also becoming increasingly popular, as it helps to create a crispy crust with a smoky flavor.
The Impact of Social Media and Food Trends
Social media has had a significant impact on the popularity of Brooklyn-style pizza. Food bloggers and influencers have helped to spread the word about the best pizzerias in Brooklyn and beyond. They have also shared their tips and tricks for making the perfect Brooklyn-style pizza at home.
The rise of food trends, such as the “artisanal pizza” movement, has also contributed to the popularity of Brooklyn-style pizza.
Making Brooklyn Style Pizza at Home
Making Brooklyn-style pizza at home is a rewarding experience. With a little practice, you can achieve a thin, crispy crust with a delicious flavor. Here is a step-by-step guide for making Brooklyn-style pizza at home:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
The dough for Brooklyn-style pizza is typically made with high-quality flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. The dough should be kneaded until it is smooth and elastic. It is then allowed to rise in a warm place for several hours.
The longer the dough ferments, the more complex the flavor will be.
Step 2: Making the Sauce
The sauce for Brooklyn-style pizza is typically a simple tomato-based sauce. It is made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and salt. The sauce is simmered over low heat for several minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also add other herbs and spices to the sauce, such as basil, thyme, or rosemary.
Step 3: Assembling the Pizza
Once the dough has risen and the sauce has been made, it is time to assemble the pizza. The dough is stretched out on a lightly floured surface and topped with the sauce. The cheese is then added, followed by the other toppings.
You can use any toppings you like, but some popular choices include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Step 4: Baking the Pizza
The pizza is baked in a hot oven, typically at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The pizza should be baked for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Folding and Serving
Once the pizza is out of the oven, it is folded in half, like a taco, before being served. This helps to prevent the toppings from falling off the pizza and creates a more manageable bite. You can serve the pizza with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for achieving the perfect Brooklyn-style pizza at home:
- Use high-quality flour. The type of flour you use will have a significant impact on the taste and texture of the crust. Look for a flour with a high protein content, such as bread flour.
- Let the dough ferment for at least 4 hours. The longer the dough ferments, the more complex the flavor will be.
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the crust is crispy and cooked through.
- Use a pizza stone or a baking sheet. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the crust from sticking.
- Don’t overcook the pizza. The crust should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the pizza is overcooked, the crust will be dry and hard.
Final Summary
Whether you’re a seasoned pizza aficionado or a curious newcomer, Brooklyn style pizza offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience. Its rich history, distinct characteristics, and enduring cultural significance make it a true icon of New York City. So, next time you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to grab a slice and savor the taste of Brooklyn.