The debate over whether Italian or New York-style pizza is better is a long-standing one. Italian pizza has a thin, crispy crust and simple toppings, typically made with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. New York pizza has a thicker, chewier crust and sweeter tomato sauce with creative toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and onions. Italian pizza is usually served as a whole pizza with a diameter of 12 inches, while New York pizza is larger and traditionally served by the slice. Ultimately, preference will depend on individual taste and mood, so try them both and see which you prefer.

Italian Pizza vs. New York Pizza: Which Reigns Supreme?

The ongoing debate of which style of pizza is better, Italian or New York, is a hot topic in the world of pizza enthusiasts. Both variations are distinct in their own way, with die-hard fans on each side of the argument. Let’s dive in and compare and contrast the two styles to see which one truly reigns supreme.

Origins

Italian pizza has been around for centuries and has a long history dating back to ancient times. It’s believed that the ancient Greeks and Romans enjoyed flatbreads with toppings, similar to pizza. However, pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy, in the 1800s. It was a simple dish made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. On the other hand, New York pizza was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s. It quickly became a staple in the New York City food scene and has since spread throughout the country.

Dough

The dough is the foundation of any good pizza. Italian pizza typically has a thin, crispy crust that is cooked at a high temperature in a wood-fired oven. The dough is made from high-quality flour, yeast, water, and salt, and is allowed to rise for several hours. New York pizza, on the other hand, has a thicker, chewier crust that is cooked in a deck oven. The dough is made from high-gluten flour, water, yeast, and oil and is fermented for up to a day before baking.

Sauce

The sauce is another essential component of pizza. Italian pizza often features a simple tomato sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweet and tangy flavor. The sauce is seasoned with herbs like oregano and basil and topped with fresh mozzarella cheese. New York pizza, on the other hand, typically has a thicker, sweeter tomato sauce that is seasoned with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and topped with a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese.

Toppings

When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. Italian pizza is known for its simple, classic toppings like margherita, made with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil, or the bianca, made with mozzarella, ricotta, and garlic. New York pizza, on the other hand, is known for its creative, over-the-top toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.

Size and Slice

Italian pizzas are typically smaller in size, with a diameter of around 12 inches, and are served as a whole pizza. New York pizza, on the other hand, is traditionally larger, with a diameter of around 18 inches, and is served by the slice. The slices are often large and foldable, making them easy to eat on the go.

Conclusion

So, which reigns supreme, Italian or New York pizza? The answer is subjective and depends on personal preference. If you’re looking for a classic pizza with simple, high-quality ingredients and a crispy crust, Italian pizza is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a pizza with a chewy crust, creative toppings, and a larger slice, New York pizza is the winner. Ultimately, it comes down to individual taste and the mood you’re in. The best thing you can do is try them both and see which one you prefer.