The Ultimate Test: New York Style Pizza Vs Neapolitan
What To Know
- New York style pizza is cooked in a coal-fired oven at a high temperature.
- New York style pizza is often praised for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, while Neapolitan pizza is appreciated for its authentic Italian heritage and delicate flavors.
- Whether you prefer the bold flavors of New York style pizza or the authentic flavors of Neapolitan pizza, there is no denying that both styles are delicious.
The world of pizza is vast and diverse, with countless styles and variations to choose from. Two of the most iconic and beloved styles are New York style pizza and Neapolitan pizza. Both styles have their own unique characteristics and passionate fans, but which one is truly the best? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the differences between New York style pizza and Neapolitan pizza, exploring their history, ingredients, cooking methods, and taste profiles.
History
New York Style Pizza: New York style pizza originated in the early 1900s when Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the bustling streets of New York City. The style quickly became popular, and today, New York style pizza is synonymous with the city that never sleeps.
Neapolitan Pizza: Neapolitan pizza has a much longer history, dating back to the 18th century in Naples, Italy. It is believed that the first pizzeria in the world, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, opened in Naples in 1830. Neapolitan pizza is recognized as a traditional Italian food product by the European Union and has been granted protected geographical status.
Ingredients
New York Style Pizza:
- Dough: New York style pizza dough is made from a combination of high-gluten flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. The dough is kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic, then left to rise for several hours.
- Sauce: New York style pizza sauce is typically made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, oregano, basil, and sugar. The sauce is cooked slowly until it becomes thick and flavorful.
- Cheese: New York style pizza is traditionally topped with mozzarella cheese, which is grated and sprinkled over the sauce.
- Toppings: Common toppings for New York style pizza include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Neapolitan Pizza:
- Dough: Neapolitan pizza dough is made from a combination of Caputo “00” flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is kneaded by hand and left to rise for at least 24 hours.
- Sauce: Neapolitan pizza sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius. The tomatoes are crushed by hand and mixed with garlic, oregano, and basil.
- Cheese: Neapolitan pizza is traditionally topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, which is made from buffalo milk. The cheese is torn into small pieces and scattered over the sauce.
- Toppings: Traditional toppings for Neapolitan pizza include fresh basil, oregano, and anchovies.
Cooking Methods
New York Style Pizza: New York style pizza is cooked in a coal-fired oven at a high temperature. The intense heat of the oven creates a crispy crust with a slightly charred exterior.
Neapolitan Pizza: Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at a lower temperature. The wood fire gives the pizza a smoky flavor and a chewy, slightly crispy crust.
Taste Profile
New York Style Pizza: New York style pizza is known for its large slices, crispy crust, and tangy sauce. The cheese is usually melted and gooey, and the toppings are generous.
Neapolitan Pizza: Neapolitan pizza is known for its thin, chewy crust, flavorful sauce, and fresh ingredients. The cheese is usually soft and creamy, and the toppings are sparse.
Which Style Is Better?
The debate over which style of pizza is better is a matter of personal preference. New York style pizza is often praised for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, while Neapolitan pizza is appreciated for its authentic Italian heritage and delicate flavors. Ultimately, the best pizza is the one that you enjoy the most.
A Matter of Taste
Both New York style pizza and Neapolitan pizza have their own unique charms. New York style pizza is a classic American dish that is loved by people of all ages. Neapolitan pizza is a traditional Italian delicacy that is recognized for its culinary excellence. Whether you prefer the bold flavors of New York style pizza or the authentic flavors of Neapolitan pizza, there is no denying that both styles are delicious.
The Final Verdict
So, which style of pizza is the best? It’s a question that has been debated for decades and will likely continue to be debated for many years to come. Ultimately, the best pizza is the one that you enjoy the most. So, grab a slice of your favorite pizza and savor every bite!
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What is the difference between New York style pizza and Neapolitan pizza?
A: New York style pizza is made with a high-gluten flour dough, a tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings. It is cooked in a coal-fired oven at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy crust. Neapolitan pizza is made with a Caputo “00” flour dough, a tomato sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a few select toppings. It is cooked in a wood-fired oven at a lower temperature, resulting in a chewy crust.
Q: Which style of pizza is better?
A: The best style of pizza is a matter of personal preference. New York style pizza is known for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, while Neapolitan pizza is appreciated for its authentic Italian heritage and delicate flavors.
Q: What are some popular toppings for New York style pizza?
A: Common toppings for New York style pizza include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Q: What are some traditional toppings for Neapolitan pizza?
A: Traditional toppings for Neapolitan pizza include fresh basil, oregano, and anchovies.
Q: Can I make New York style pizza at home?
A: Yes, you can make New York style pizza at home with a few simple ingredients and a little bit of practice.