New York style pizza crust

What is New York Style Pizza Crust and How is it Unique?

When it comes to iconic foods, few things capture the essence of New York City like its legendary pizza. At the heart of every authentic slice lies the soul of it all — the crust. But what makes the crust so special? Why does it stand out compared to other pizza styles? What is New York style pizza crust?

At Mario’s Pizza, we are proud to say we offer authentic NY-style pizza. Our owners hail from Brooklyn so we know first-hand what this pizza entails!

This post dives into what defines New York style pizza crust, its ingredients, techniques, and more. Ready to learn all about this famous pizza style?

Four Features That Define New York Style Pizza

If you’ve had a slice of New York style pizza, you know it’s more than just food. In fact, it’s truly a cultural experience. One bite of the thin crust and that perfect balance of flavors hits you right away.

Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Thin and foldable. The base of a NY-style pizza is remarkably thin, making it easy to fold and eat on the go. Despite its thinness, it’s sturdy enough to hold an abundance of toppings without sagging.
  • Chewy texture. Unlike crispier styles, NY crust achieves just the right amount of chew thanks to its unique flour and kneading techniques.
  • Slightly charred, golden crust. Authentic New York pizzas are baked in super-hot ovens, frequently using a stone deck. This results in a crust with a beautiful golden hue and occasional charred bubbles.
  • Subtle flavor. The crust has a mild yet slightly tangy flavor. This is likely due to the fermentation process. The process involves letting the dough rest for a day or two to develop its unique taste.

These characteristics, combined with a perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio, offer a pizza experience that’s instantly recognizable.

Ingredients and Techniques Behind the Perfect New York Crust

What’s the secret recipe for the beloved New York style crust? It all boils down to a few key ingredients and some essential techniques. While home bakers might have some challenges without access to a professional pizza oven, you can still achieve impressive results by following these basics:

Key Ingredients

  • High-Gluten Flour: At the core of the recipe is high-gluten flour, which gives the dough its elasticity and chewiness. Gluten helps the dough stretch easily, which is critical for creating that thin base.
  • Water: Some purists claim the unique taste of New York pizza crust comes from the NYC tap water, which has a specific mineral composition. However, high-quality filtered water works just as well for home bakers.
  • Yeast: Yeast is essential for fermentation, enabling the dough to rise and develop its soft, airy texture.
  • Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough structure.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and a hint of flavor.

Preparation Techniques

  • Extended Fermentation: One of the key steps is letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 24 to 48 hours. This slow fermentation process allows the yeast to develop flavorful compounds that give the crust its unique tang.
  • Hand Stretching: Authentic New York style dough isn’t rolled out with a pin — it’s hand-stretched to maintain the perfect thickness and structure.
  • High-Temperature Baking: Traditional New York style pizzas are baked in ovens that reach temperatures of 700-900 degrees Fahrenheit. This is what creates the signature bubbly, golden crust.

How Does New York Style Compare to Other Pizza Styles?

New York style pizza is one among several beloved styles across the globe. Each pizza has its own unique identity. Here’s how it stacks up against other heavyweights.

Neapolitan Pizza

  • Differences: The ancestor of modern pizza, the Neapolitan style is much smaller, with a thicker and softer crust that often requires utensils to eat. It’s known for its simplicity (just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) and its dough is typically wetter.
  • Similarities: Both styles emphasize natural fermentation and cook at high heat.

Chicago Deep Dish

  • Differences: The complete opposite of New York’s thin crust, Chicago deep-dish pizza features a dense, thick, buttery crust that resembles a pie. It’s a lot heavier, with layers upon layers of toppings and sauce.
  • Similarities: Both are deeply rooted in regional pride and culture.

Detroit-Style Pizza

  • Differences: Detroit pies are rectangular with a thick, crispy crust often baked using cheese to caramelize the edges.
  • Similarities: Like New York style, Detroit-style uses high-protein flour, creating a chewy texture despite the thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions about NY-Style Pizza

Still wondering exactly what is New York style pizza crust and how to know the difference? We think our FAQ section below will help answer those questions. Be sure to also visit our website for more helpful information.

Why is the crust key to NY-Style pizza?

The crust isn’t just a supporting actor for toppings — it’s the star of the show when it comes to New York style pizza. Unlike other pizza styles where toppings or fancy cheeses shine, the New York style crust is all about harmony. Its mild flavor lets the sauce, cheese, and toppings work their magic together. The crust also provides a satisfying mouthfeel. This delicate balance between firmness and elasticity is key to the iconic fold.

What is the Fold Factor?

One of the telltale signs you’re dealing with New York style pizza is how easy it is to fold the slice lengthwise. This isn’t just a fun gimmick. It’s a practical design. The pliable crust allows for convenient eating while ensuring the toppings stay firmly in place. It’s the ultimate food for people on the move (a nod to bustling New York City life).

Does it matter what sauce or toppings are used on New York style pizza?

For true New York style pizza, you’ll need marinara sauce. As to toppings, one of the best aspects of this style of pizza is you can choose your favorites!

Where can I find authentic NY-Style pizza?

Why at Mario’s Pizza, of course! You’ll notice from the taste and fold our pizza is true New York style pizza! We have nine convenient locations throughout the Piedmont Triad, including in Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, and Clemmons. Visit our website to find the closest location to you.

Mario’s Pizza Has the Answer to What is New York Style Pizza Crust!

When it comes to New York style pizza, the crust always rises to the occasion. You’ll recognize and enjoy this unique pizza style as soon as you taste Mario’s Pizza!

So, now that you have the answer to, what is New York style pizza crust, it’s time to eat some. Head over to our website today to find a location near you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, specials, and more!