Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes in the United States, with various styles and toppings enjoyed across the country. However, when it comes to the state most famous for pizza, one place stands out among the rest: New York. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of pizza in New York, explore the different styles that have made the state famous, and discuss what sets New York pizza apart from the rest.
A Brief History of Pizza in New York
Pizza originated in Naples, Italy, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that it made its way to the United States. The first pizzeria in the United States was G. Lombardi’s, which was opened by Gennaro Lombardi in 1905 in New York City’s Little Italy. Lombardi’s menu featured the classic Neapolitan-style pizza, which quickly gained popularity among locals and immigrants alike.
As the popularity of pizza grew, so did the number of pizzerias in New York City. By the mid-20th century, pizza had become a staple of New York cuisine, with different neighborhoods developing their own unique styles. From the classic New York-style pizza of Little Italy to the Sicilian-style pizza of Brooklyn, each neighborhood had its own take on this beloved dish.
The Different Styles of New York Pizza
New York is famous for its diverse range of pizza styles, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Some of the most popular styles include:
New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is the most iconic and widely recognized style of pizza in the state. Characterized by its large, thin, and foldable slices, New York-style pizza is perfect for eating on the go. The crust is hand-tossed and crispy, with a light coating of sauce and a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses. Toppings are spread out in a symmetrical pattern, with a light layer of cheese on top.
Sicilian-Style Pizza
Sicilian-style pizza, also known as “square pizza,” is a thick-crusted, rectangular-cut pizza that originated in Brooklyn. The crust is thick and doughy, with a rich, sweet sauce and a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses. Toppings are spread out in a thick layer, with a focus on meats and vegetables.
Neapolitan-Style Pizza
Neapolitan-style pizza is a classic style that originated in Naples, Italy. Characterized by its thin crust and soft center, Neapolitan-style pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with fresh ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
Coal-Fired Pizza
Coal-fired pizza is a style that originated in New Haven, Connecticut, but has since become popular in New York. Characterized by its crispy, well-done crust, coal-fired pizza is cooked in a coal-fired oven and topped with a light layer of sauce and a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses.
What Sets New York Pizza Apart
So, what sets New York pizza apart from the rest? Here are a few factors that contribute to the state’s reputation as the pizza capital of the United States:
The Water
New York City’s water supply is unique in that it is naturally filtered through the Catskill Mountains, giving it a distinct flavor and mineral profile. This water is used to make the dough, which gives New York pizza its characteristic crust.
The Ingredients
New York pizza is known for its high-quality ingredients, including fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and a blend of meats and vegetables. The state’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its rich agricultural land make it an ideal place for sourcing fresh ingredients.
The Culture
Pizza is a staple of New York culture, with pizzerias on nearly every corner. The state’s diverse population and rich culinary history have contributed to the development of unique pizza styles and flavors.
The Tradition
New York pizza is steeped in tradition, with many pizzerias passing down their recipes and techniques from generation to generation. This tradition is evident in the state’s many classic pizzerias, which continue to serve up some of the best pizza in the country.
New York’s Most Famous Pizzerias
New York is home to some of the most famous pizzerias in the country, each with its own unique history and style. Here are a few of the most iconic pizzerias in the state:
Lombardi’s
Lombardi’s is the first pizzeria in the United States, opened by Gennaro Lombardi in 1905. This classic pizzeria is still serving up some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza in the city.
Joe’s Pizza
Joe’s Pizza is a classic New York-style pizzeria that has been serving up some of the city’s best slices since 1975. This Greenwich Village institution is a must-visit for any pizza lover.
Patsy’s Pizzeria
Patsy’s Pizzeria is another classic New York-style pizzeria that has been serving up some of the city’s best pizza since 1933. This East Harlem institution is known for its classic Neapolitan-style pizza and old-school atmosphere.
Grimaldi’s
Grimaldi’s is a classic coal-fired pizzeria that has been serving up some of the city’s best pizza since 1990. This Brooklyn institution is known for its crispy, well-done crust and classic toppings.
Conclusion
New York is undoubtedly the state most famous for pizza, with a rich history, diverse range of styles, and high-quality ingredients. From the classic New York-style pizza of Little Italy to the Sicilian-style pizza of Brooklyn, each neighborhood has its own unique take on this beloved dish. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just visiting, the state’s many pizzerias are a must-visit for any pizza lover.
What is the Pizza Capital of the United States?
The Pizza Capital of the United States is New Haven, Connecticut. This city has been renowned for its rich pizza history and unique pizza-making style, which dates back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants first settled in the area. New Haven-style pizza, also known as “apizza,” is famous for its coal-fired, brick oven-baked crust, charred to perfection and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
New Haven’s pizza culture has been shaped by its Italian-American heritage and the influence of local pizzerias, such as Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza, which have been serving traditional apizza since the 1920s and 1930s, respectively. These iconic pizzerias have contributed to New Haven’s reputation as the Pizza Capital of the United States, attracting pizza enthusiasts from all over the world.
What makes New Haven-style pizza unique?
New Haven-style pizza is distinct from other pizza styles due to its characteristic crust, which is baked in a coal-fired brick oven at extremely high temperatures. This cooking process gives the crust its signature char and crispiness, while the inside remains soft and chewy. The crust is typically hand-tossed and irregularly shaped, adding to its charm. Toppings are simple, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and various meats or vegetables.
Another key factor that sets New Haven-style pizza apart is the use of a specific type of cheese, known as “mozzarella di bufala.” This cheese is made from the milk of water buffalo and has a richer, creamier flavor than traditional mozzarella. The combination of the charred crust, flavorful cheese, and simple toppings creates a truly unique pizza experience that is quintessentially New Haven.
What are some must-visit pizzerias in New Haven?
Visitors to New Haven should not miss the opportunity to try a classic apizza at one of the city’s iconic pizzerias. Frank Pepe’s, established in 1925, is often credited as the first pizzeria in the United States and is a must-visit destination for any pizza enthusiast. Sally’s Apizza, founded in 1938, is another historic pizzeria that has been serving traditional apizza for generations.
Other notable pizzerias in New Haven include Modern Apizza, which has been featured on food television shows, and Ernie’s Pizzeria, a local favorite that has been serving apizza since 1992. These pizzerias offer a glimpse into New Haven’s rich pizza history and culture, and are a great way to experience the city’s famous apizza firsthand.
How did New Haven become the Pizza Capital of the United States?
New Haven’s reputation as the Pizza Capital of the United States can be attributed to the city’s early Italian-American settlers, who brought their pizza-making traditions with them from Italy. In the early 20th century, Italian immigrants began opening pizzerias in New Haven, serving traditional Neapolitan-style pizza to the local community. Over time, these pizzerias developed their own unique style, which became known as New Haven-style pizza or apizza.
The city’s pizza culture was further shaped by the influence of local pizzerias, such as Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza, which have been serving traditional apizza for generations. These iconic pizzerias have contributed to New Haven’s reputation as the Pizza Capital of the United States, attracting pizza enthusiasts from all over the world and solidifying the city’s place in pizza history.
What is the difference between New Haven-style pizza and other pizza styles?
New Haven-style pizza is distinct from other pizza styles due to its characteristic crust, which is baked in a coal-fired brick oven at extremely high temperatures. This cooking process gives the crust its signature char and crispiness, while the inside remains soft and chewy. In contrast, other pizza styles, such as New York-style or Chicago-style, have a different crust texture and cooking method.
Additionally, New Haven-style pizza toppings are simple, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, whereas other pizza styles may have more elaborate toppings or a thicker crust. The unique combination of crust, cheese, and toppings in New Haven-style pizza sets it apart from other pizza styles and makes it a truly unique culinary experience.
Can I make New Haven-style pizza at home?
While it may be challenging to replicate the exact conditions of a coal-fired brick oven at home, it is possible to make a delicious New Haven-style pizza in your own kitchen. To start, you will need a pizza stone or baking steel, which can help to achieve a crispy crust. You can also use a domestic oven or a wood-fired oven to get a similar char to a coal-fired oven.
To make a traditional New Haven-style pizza, you will need to use a high-quality flour, water, yeast, salt, and a small amount of sugar to make the dough. You can then top the dough with a simple sauce made from crushed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of toppings. By following a traditional recipe and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious New Haven-style pizza in the comfort of your own home.
What is the best way to experience New Haven’s pizza culture?
The best way to experience New Haven’s pizza culture is to visit the city and try a classic apizza at one of the iconic pizzerias, such as Frank Pepe’s or Sally’s Apizza. This will give you a firsthand taste of the city’s famous pizza and allow you to experience the unique atmosphere of these historic pizzerias.
In addition to trying the pizza, you can also take a guided tour of the city’s pizzerias, which will give you a deeper understanding of New Haven’s pizza history and culture. Many of the pizzerias also offer behind-the-scenes tours, which will allow you to see the pizza-making process up close and learn about the techniques and traditions that have been passed down through generations.