New York Style Pizza Vs Normal Pizza: Which One Wins In Every Category?
What To Know
- The crust is the backbone of any pizza, and it’s where the first distinction between New York style and normal pizza becomes evident.
- The crust is then cooked at high temperatures in a coal-fired oven, resulting in a charred and slightly chewy exterior.
- The intense heat of the coals creates a crispy crust and a charred flavor that’s unique to this style of pizza.
In the realm of culinary delights, pizza reigns supreme as a universal favorite. However, when it comes to the battle of the slices, two distinct styles stand out: New York style pizza and normal pizza. While both share the common elements of dough, sauce, and cheese, their nuances in preparation and taste create a fierce rivalry among pizza enthusiasts. In this blog post, we delve into the captivating world of New York style pizza vs. normal pizza, exploring their unique characteristics, similarities, and differences to determine which one deserves the crown.
Crust: The Foundation of Flavor
The crust is the backbone of any pizza, and it’s where the first distinction between New York style and normal pizza becomes evident. New York style pizza boasts a thin, crispy crust that shatters with each bite. This is achieved through a high-hydration dough that is stretched into a wide, rectangular shape. The crust is then cooked at high temperatures in a coal-fired oven, resulting in a charred and slightly chewy exterior.
In contrast, normal pizza typically has a thicker, fluffier crust. The dough is usually made with less water and yeast, and it’s often rolled out into a circular shape. This results in a crust that is softer and more bread-like.
Sauce: The Flavorful Canvas
The sauce is another crucial element that sets New York style pizza apart from normal pizza. New York style pizza sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and basil. It’s cooked for a short period of time, resulting in a thin, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce.
Normal pizza sauce, on the other hand, often has a thicker consistency and a bolder flavor. It’s usually made with tomato paste, onions, peppers, and various spices. This type of sauce is cooked for a longer period of time, developing a rich and savory taste.
Cheese: The Golden Crown
Cheese is the crowning glory of any pizza, and both New York style and normal pizza use mozzarella as their primary cheese. However, the way the cheese is used differs between the two styles.
New York style pizza is known for its generous use of low-moisture mozzarella cheese. This cheese melts evenly and creates a thin, golden-brown layer that blankets the pizza.
Normal pizza, on the other hand, often uses a blend of different cheeses, including mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar. This results in a thicker, gooey layer of cheese that stretches and pulls with each bite.
Toppings: A Culinary Adventure
When it comes to toppings, both New York style and normal pizza offer a wide range of options. However, there are some notable differences in their typical toppings.
New York style pizza is often adorned with classic toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms. The toppings are usually added sparingly, allowing the flavors of the crust, sauce, and cheese to shine through.
Normal pizza, on the other hand, is known for its more generous use of toppings. It’s not uncommon to find pizzas piled high with a variety of meats, vegetables, and even fruits.
Size and Shape: A Matter of Perspective
Size and shape are also factors that contribute to the unique identities of New York style and normal pizza.
New York style pizza is typically large, rectangular, and cut into wide slices. This makes it perfect for sharing or folding in half for easy eating on the go.
Normal pizza is usually smaller, circular, and cut into triangular slices. It’s often served on a plate and eaten with a fork and knife.
Cooking Method: The Art of Heat
The cooking method used for New York style and normal pizza also plays a significant role in their distinct characteristics.
New York style pizza is traditionally cooked in a coal-fired oven. The intense heat of the coals creates a crispy crust and a charred flavor that’s unique to this style of pizza.
Normal pizza is typically cooked in a gas or electric oven. This results in a more evenly cooked crust that’s less charred.
The Verdict: A Matter of Taste
Ultimately, the question of which pizza style is better comes down to personal preference. Both New York style pizza and normal pizza have their own unique charms and appeal to different taste buds.
If you prefer a pizza with a crispy crust, tangy sauce, and generous use of low-moisture mozzarella cheese, then New York style pizza is the clear winner.
However, if you prefer a pizza with a thicker crust, bolder sauce, and a variety of toppings, then normal pizza is the way to go.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which pizza style is more popular?
A: New York style pizza is more popular in the United States, while normal pizza is more popular in other parts of the world.
Q: Is New York style pizza healthier than normal pizza?
A: New York style pizza is generally considered to be healthier than normal pizza due to its thinner crust and lower calorie content.
Q: Can I make New York style pizza at home?
A: Yes, it’s possible to make New York style pizza at home, but it requires a high-hydration dough and a coal-fired oven or a pizza stone.