What’s Brooklyn Style Pizza?
If you’re a pizza lover, you’ve probably heard of various pizza styles from around the world. From New York-style to Chicago deep dish, each style has its own unique characteristics and flavors. One style that has gained popularity in recent years is Brooklyn style pizza. But what exactly is Brooklyn style pizza? Let’s dive in and explore the features that define this delicious pizza style.
Brooklyn Style Pizza: A Slice of New York Flavor
Brooklyn style pizza is a thin-crust pizza with a slightly crispy yet chewy texture. It is known for its large, foldable slices and generous toppings. This style originated in Brooklyn, New York, which is known for its vibrant food scene and diverse culinary influences.
Traditional Brooklyn Style Pizza Characteristics
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Thin and Crispy Crust
One of the defining features of Brooklyn style pizza is its thin crust. Unlike the thicker crusts of other pizza styles like deep dish or Sicilian, Brooklyn style pizza has a thin and crispy base that provides the perfect balance between texture and flavor. The crust is usually hand-tossed, resulting in a slightly irregular shape and a more rustic appearance.
Generous Toppings
Another characteristic of Brooklyn style pizza is its generous toppings. Whether you prefer classic combinations like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, or more adventurous options like artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes, Brooklyn style pizza has got you covered. The toppings are typically well-distributed across the entire pizza, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Foldable Slices
One of the most iconic aspects of Brooklyn style pizza is its foldable slices. The thin crust allows the pizza to be easily folded in half, making it a convenient choice for on-the-go eating. This unique feature has become synonymous with New York-style pizza and adds to the overall experience of enjoying a slice of Brooklyn style pizza.
Classic Slices or Whole Pies
Brooklyn style pizza is available in two formats: pizza slices or whole pies. If you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go option, you can opt for a traditional pizza slice. These slices are typically larger than slices from other pizza styles, ensuring that you get your money’s worth. If you’re dining with a group or have a big appetite, ordering a whole pie allows you to customize your toppings and enjoy a shared experience.
Brooklyn Style Pizza: A Slice of History
New York City, and Brooklyn in particular, have a long-standing history with pizza. Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and these skills evolved into the iconic New York-style pizza we know today.
Brooklyn, with its rich immigrant history, became a hotspot for pizza culture. The first pizzeria in America, Lombardi’s, opened its doors in New York City in 1905. Brooklyn quickly followed suit, with numerous pizzerias popping up throughout the borough. These establishments offered their own variations on the traditional Neapolitan pizza, leading to the birth of Brooklyn style pizza.
The popularity of Brooklyn style pizza continued to grow throughout the 20th century. It became a staple food for New Yorkers and eventually gained recognition beyond the city limits. Today, you can find Brooklyn style pizzerias not only in Brooklyn but also in cities around the world, offering a taste of this iconic pizza style.
Brooklyn Style Pizza: Where to Find It
If you find yourself craving a slice of Brooklyn style pizza, you’re in luck. Many pizzerias around the world now offer this iconic style, ensuring that you can enjoy its unique flavors no matter where you are. Here are a few renowned establishments that serve authentic Brooklyn style pizza:
Di Fara Pizza
Located in Brooklyn, Di Fara Pizza is a legendary pizzeria that has been operating since the 1960s. It is renowned for its classic Brooklyn style pizza, which is made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a traditional deck oven. Be prepared for long lines, as this place is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Situated in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is another must-visit spot for Brooklyn style pizza. Known for its coal-fired brick oven, Grimaldi’s delivers a unique smoky flavor to its thin-crust pies. The rustic setting and picturesque views of the Brooklyn Bridge add to the charm of this iconic pizzeria.
Paulie Gee’s
For those seeking a more modern take on Brooklyn style pizza, Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint is the place to be. This pizzeria is famous for its wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings, catering to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, Paulie Gee’s offers a delightful dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brooklyn style pizza different from New York style pizza?
While Brooklyn style pizza falls under the broader category of New York-style pizza, there are slight variations between the two. Brooklyn style pizza usually has a thinner crust and larger slices compared to its counterparts in Manhattan. However, both styles share the same thin and crispy crust, generous toppings, and foldable slices that make New York pizza so recognizable.
What sets Brooklyn style pizza apart from other pizza styles?
Brooklyn style pizza is known for its thin and crispy crust, generous toppings, and foldable slices. These features, along with the use of high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, make Brooklyn style pizza stand out from other pizza styles. The unique combination of flavors and textures creates a truly unforgettable pizza experience.
Can I make Brooklyn style pizza at home?
Absolutely! While it may be challenging to replicate the exact taste and texture of a Brooklyn style pizza at home, you can still come close with the right techniques and ingredients. Start with a thin-crust pizza dough recipe, and make sure to stretch it out evenly to achieve a thin and crispy base. Don’t forget to add generous toppings and bake the pizza at a high temperature for a short amount of time to get that perfect crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Brooklyn style pizza is a delicious testament to the rich culinary heritage of New York City. Its thin and crispy crust, generous toppings, and foldable slices make it a favorite among
