What Is Brooklyn Style Pizza? What To Know Before Ordering

Are you a pizza lover who wants to know more about one of the most popular regional styles? Look no further than Brooklyn style pizza. This unique take on traditional Neapolitan pies offers a chewy crust, robust tomato flavor and distinct ingredients that make it stand out from the rest. With its long history and delicious taste, Brooklyn-style pizza has quickly become an American favorite. What is Brooklyn style pizza? Let’s dive deeper into this iconic food to explore all it has to offer.

What is Brooklyn style pizza?

Before getting to know about Brooklyn deeper, let’s find out what is Brooklyn style pizza first. Brooklyn-style pizza refers to a pizza variety that originated and was perfected in the borough of Brooklyn. It is characterized by its thin and crispy crust, generous size ranging from 18 to 45 inches, and minimal toppings, if any.

The history of Brooklyn style pizza

The first Brooklyn-style pizza can be traced back to the turn of the 20th century, when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to New York. Pizzerias began to emerge in the early 1900s, and it is believed that Brooklyn’s coal-fired brick oven produced what we know today as Brooklyn-style pizza.

The unique combination of high-quality ingredients and baking techniques gave rise to a popular style that quickly spread throughout America. Today, many pizzerias in New York City still carry on this tradition, making Brooklyn-style pizza a must-try for any foodie or pizza enthusiast.

What makes up a typical Brooklyn style pizza?

The typical composition of a Brooklyn style pizza prioritizes a creamier texture rather than an overwhelming cheesiness. Classic toppings such as pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, meatballs, sausages, and olives are recommended for an authentic flavor that remains popular to this day. Additionally, for those who desire a greater amount of cheese, it can be included as an extra topping.

What’s the difference between Brooklyn style pizza and regular pizza?

The key difference between Brooklyn-style pizza and regular pizza lies in the texture. While both pizzas have relatively thin crusts, Brooklyn-style pizza is known for its crispy dough throughout that cracks upon folding, whereas a classic New York slice maintains a crispy edge but features a softer dough underneath the cheese, allowing for bending.

What’s the difference between Brooklyn style pizza and regular pizza?
What’s the difference between Brooklyn style pizza and regular pizza?

Classic Brooklyn style pizza recipe

Ingredients

To make a classic Brooklyn-style pizza at home, you will need:

  • 2.5 cups of high-gluten flour
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 packet of active dry yeast
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • Olive oil for brushing the dough

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for five minutes until foamy.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth and let it rise for 1 hour.
  6. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  7. Roll out the dough onto a baking sheet or pizza pan and brush lightly with olive oil.
  8. Add your desired toppings, keeping in mind the traditional Brooklyn-style flavors.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Enjoy your delicious homemade Brooklyn-style pizza.

How is Brooklyn style pizza served?

Brooklyn-style pizza is traditionally served with a thin crust. Due to the thinness of the crust, this style of pizza can sometimes be floppy. To overcome this, it is recommended to cut Brooklyn-style pizzas into six rectangular or square slices, instead of the usual eight triangular slices.

How is Brooklyn style pizza served?
How is Brooklyn style pizza served?

Where should I get my Brooklyn style pizza?

Now you know what is Brooklyn style pizza. There are a few iconic pizzerias in Brooklyn that have been serving up delicious pies for decades. One of the most well-known establishments is Di Fara Pizza, located in Midwood. It was founded by Domenico DeMarco in 1964 and has become a must-visit spot for pizza lovers all over the world.

Another famous option is Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, located under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO. This pizzeria is known for its coal-fired brick oven that gives the pizza a crispy and smokey flavor.

The best places to eat Brooklyn style pizza

While Brooklyn is the birthplace of this iconic pizza style, it has spread across the country and beyond, making its mark in many cities. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a delicious Brooklyn-style pizza:

Julianna’s Pizzeria (Kenmore, Washington)

This pizzeria prides itself on its Brooklyn-style pizza made with high-quality and locally sourced ingredients. With a thin crust and perfectly balanced cheese to sauce ratio, it’s no wonder why this place is a favorite among locals.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria on Front Street (Phoenix, Arizona)

Originally from Brooklyn, this family-owned pizzeria brought their authentic and award-winning pizza to Phoenix. Their coal-fired brick oven produces a perfectly crispy crust and delicious toppings that make you feel like you’re in the heart of Brooklyn.

Roberta’s Pizzeria in Bushwick (Los Angeles, California)

This pizzeria’s Brooklyn-style pizza has gained a cult following since its opening in 2008. With creative toppings and a perfectly charred crust, it’s no wonder why this place is constantly packed with hungry customers.

Paulie Gee’s in Greenport (Greenport, New York)

Paulie Gee’s is known for its creative and unique toppings that elevate the traditional Brooklyn-style pizza. From classic pepperoni to unconventional options like hot honey drizzle, each slice is bursting with flavor and personality.

Lucali Brooklyn (Miami, Florida)

Lucali Brooklyn has become a hotspot for those craving an authentic Brooklyn-style pizza in Miami. The simple yet delicious toppings combined with the perfect crust and ambiance make it worth the wait in line.

Lucali Brooklyn
Lucali Brooklyn

FAQs: Brooklyn style pizza

What is Brooklyn style Domino’s pizza?

Brooklyn Style pizza is a thin-crust delight that has garnered immense popularity among pizza enthusiasts. It strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a lighter dough than our Hand Tossed pizza but a bit more substance than our Crunchy Thin Crust alternatives.

What is the difference between Brooklyn style pizza and New York style pizza?

Brooklyn style pizza and New York style pizza both have relatively thin crusts. However, Brooklyn style pizza is characterized by a crispy dough throughout that cracks when you fold the slice. On the other hand, a classic New York slice has a crispy edge but a softer dough underneath the cheese that bends when you fold it.

Is Brooklyn Style pizza good?

Opinions on the quality of Brooklyn style pizza may vary as everyone’s taste is different. However, many individuals consider Domino’s Brooklyn style pizza to be exceptional. It features a thin and crispy crust and a delightful sauce that leaves you craving for more.

What is the difference between Chicago and Brooklyn style pizza?

Chicago-style pizza and New York-style pizza differ in several ways. Firstly, Chicago-style pizza is known for being thicker and notably distinct from New York-style pizza. On the other hand, New York-style pizza is typically thinner and wider compared to its Chicago counterpart.

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