New York Style Pizza Vs Brooklyn Style: Which One Has More Pros Than Cons?

The eternal debate between New York style pizza and Brooklyn style pizza has been a heated topic among pizza enthusiasts for decades. Both styles have their unique characteristics, loyal fans, and culinary significance. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating world of these two iconic pizza styles, exploring their history, ingredients, textures, and flavors. Whether you prefer the classic New York slice or the more substantial Brooklyn pie, we’ll help you understand the nuances that make these culinary masterpieces stand out.

A Slice of History: The Origins of New York and Brooklyn Pizza

The origins of New York style pizza can be traced back to the early 1900s, when Italian immigrants brought their traditional pizza-making techniques to the bustling streets of Manhattan. These early pizzas were typically thin and crispy, with a simple tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese topping. Over time, the New York style pizza evolved to become larger, with a wider crust and more toppings.

Brooklyn style pizza, on the other hand, emerged in the early 20th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Brooklyn. This style was characterized by a thicker, chewier crust, a more generous amount of toppings, and a sweeter tomato sauce. The Brooklyn pie was a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for feeding a hungry family.

Crust: The Foundation of a Great Pizza

The crust is the cornerstone of any great pizza, and New York and Brooklyn styles offer distinct experiences in this regard. New York style pizza has a thin, crispy crust that is typically made with high-gluten flour. This type of flour gives the crust its signature snap and crunch. The crust is also often cooked at a higher temperature, resulting in a charred and flavorful exterior.

Brooklyn style pizza, on the other hand, has a thicker, chewier crust that is made with a blend of flours, including bread flour. This combination of flours gives the crust its characteristic soft and chewy texture. The Brooklyn crust is also typically cooked at a lower temperature, resulting in a more evenly browned exterior.

Toppings: A Culinary Canvas

When it comes to toppings, New York and Brooklyn style pizzas offer a wide range of options to suit every taste. Classic New York style pizza is typically topped with a simple combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. This minimalist approach allows the flavors of the crust and cheese to shine through.

Brooklyn style pizza, on the other hand, is known for its more generous toppings. In addition to the classic ingredients, Brooklyn pies often feature a wider variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers are common toppings for a Brooklyn-style pizza.

Sauce: The Flavorful Base

The sauce is another key element that distinguishes New York and Brooklyn style pizzas. New York style pizza sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. This sauce is thin and tangy, allowing the flavors of the cheese and toppings to take center stage.

Brooklyn style pizza sauce is typically made with whole tomatoes, which are pureed and then simmered with a variety of herbs and spices. This sauce is thicker and sweeter than its New York counterpart, providing a more robust flavor profile.

Cheese: The Essential Ingredient

Cheese is an essential ingredient in both New York and Brooklyn style pizzas, but the type of cheese used and the way it is applied can vary. New York style pizza typically uses low-moisture mozzarella cheese, which is shredded and then sprinkled evenly over the sauce. This results in a thin, even layer of cheese that melts and browns beautifully in the oven.

Brooklyn style pizza, on the other hand, often uses a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. The mozzarella provides the classic stretchy texture, while the provolone adds a nutty flavor and a slightly higher melting point. The cheese is typically applied in a thicker layer than in New York style pizza, resulting in a more gooey and decadent experience.

Cooking: The Art of Pizza Perfection

The cooking process plays a crucial role in determining the final texture and flavor of a pizza. New York style pizza is typically cooked at a high temperature, around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, in a coal-fired oven. This intense heat cooks the pizza quickly, resulting in a crispy crust and a well-melted cheese.

Brooklyn style pizza, on the other hand, is typically cooked at a lower temperature, around 450 degrees Fahrenheit, in a gas or electric oven. This slower cooking process allows the crust to develop a more chewy texture and the toppings to caramelize slightly.

Which Style Reigns Supreme?

The debate between New York style pizza and Brooklyn style pizza is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer, as both styles offer their own unique culinary experiences. However, there are some general trends that can help you decide which style might be more to your liking.

If you prefer a thin, crispy crust with a simple and tangy sauce, then New York style pizza is a great choice. If you prefer a thicker, chewier crust with a more generous amount of toppings and a sweeter sauce, then Brooklyn style pizza might be more to your liking.

The Ultimate Pizza Pilgrimage

For true pizza enthusiasts, a pilgrimage to the birthplace of these iconic styles is a must. New York City offers countless pizzerias where you can sample the authentic New York slice. Some of the most famous pizzerias include Lombardi‘s, John’s of Bleecker Street, and Joe’s Pizza.

In Brooklyn, you’ll find a wide variety of pizzerias serving up the classic Brooklyn pie. Some of the most popular pizzerias include Grimaldi‘s, Juliana’s Pizza, and Di Fara Pizza.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which style of pizza has a thinner crust?
A: New York style pizza typically has a thinner crust than Brooklyn style pizza.

Q: Which style of pizza has a sweeter sauce?
A: Brooklyn style pizza typically has a sweeter sauce than New York style pizza.

Q: Which style of pizza is more popular?
A: New York style pizza is generally considered to be more popular than Brooklyn style pizza, but both styles have their loyal fans.

Q: Which style of pizza is more expensive?
A: The price of pizza can vary depending on the pizzeria and the toppings, but in general, Brooklyn style pizza tends to be more expensive than New York style pizza.

Q: Which style of pizza is better for a party?
A: Brooklyn style pizza is typically a better choice for a party because it is more substantial and can feed a larger group of people.