What is new haven style pizza?

By HotBotUpdated: September 4, 2024

Introduction to New Haven Style Pizza

New Haven style pizza, often referred to as "apizza" (pronounced "ah-beets" in the local dialect), is a distinct variety of pizza that originated in New Haven, Connecticut. This unique take on the classic Italian dish is known for its thin crust, distinctive char, and use of simple, high-quality ingredients. It has gained a loyal following and has become an integral part of New Haven's culinary identity.

History and Origins

New Haven style pizza traces its roots back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants brought their traditional recipes to the United States. Frank Pepe, an Italian immigrant, opened Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in 1925 on Wooster Street in New Haven. Pepe’s pizzeria quickly became famous for its coal-fired pies, setting the standard for what would become known as New Haven style pizza.

Key Characteristics

New Haven style pizza is characterized by several distinctive features:

Thin, Crispy Crust

The crust is one of the defining elements of New Haven style pizza. It is thin and crispy, with a slightly chewy interior. The dough is typically made with a high-protein flour, water, salt, and yeast, and it's fermented for an extended period to develop flavor and texture.

Charred Edges

One of the most recognizable features of New Haven style pizza is the charred edges. The pies are cooked in coal-fired ovens at extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 800 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in a crust that is blistered and charred, adding a unique smoky flavor.

Simple, High-Quality Ingredients

New Haven style pizza emphasizes the use of simple, high-quality ingredients. The sauce is usually made from crushed tomatoes with minimal seasoning, allowing the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes to shine. Fresh mozzarella cheese is commonly used, and toppings are kept to a minimum to let the flavors of the crust and sauce stand out.

Signature Pizzas

Several iconic pizzas are synonymous with New Haven style pizza:

White Clam Pizza

Perhaps the most famous New Haven style pizza is the white clam pizza, which was popularized by Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. This unique pie features a base of olive oil, garlic, oregano, and grated cheese, topped with fresh littleneck clams. The combination of briny clams and garlicky olive oil on a charred crust is pure culinary magic.

Tomato Pie

The tomato pie is another classic New Haven style pizza. It consists of a simple crust topped with tomato sauce and a sprinkling of grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Unlike traditional pizzas, it does not include mozzarella cheese, allowing the flavors of the tomatoes and crust to be the stars of the show.

Margherita Pizza

While not unique to New Haven, the Margherita pizza is a staple at many New Haven pizzerias. This pizza features a thin crust topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Famous Pizzerias

Several pizzerias in New Haven have gained national recognition for their exceptional pies:

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, often simply called Pepe's, is the birthplace of New Haven style pizza. It remains one of the most renowned pizzerias in the country, with multiple locations and a loyal following. The white clam pizza is a must-try for any visitor.

Sally's Apizza

Sally's Apizza, another legendary New Haven pizzeria, was founded by Salvatore Consiglio, a nephew of Frank Pepe. Sally's is known for its thin crust, charred edges, and simple yet flavorful pies. The tomato pie is a standout here.

Modern Apizza

Modern Apizza, located on State Street in New Haven, is another iconic spot for New Haven style pizza. It offers a variety of pies, including the classic white clam pizza and the popular Italian Bomb, which is loaded with meats, onions, peppers, and mushrooms.

Cultural Impact

New Haven style pizza is more than just a culinary delight; it is a cultural institution in New Haven. The city's pizzerias have become gathering places for locals and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community and tradition. The rivalry between the city's top pizzerias, particularly Pepe's and Sally's, has become the stuff of legend, with passionate debates about which pizzeria offers the best pie.

Modern Adaptations and Influence

While New Haven style pizza remains true to its roots, it has also inspired adaptations and variations beyond Connecticut. Pizzerias across the United States have attempted to recreate the magic of New Haven's coal-fired pies, often with great success. The emphasis on high-quality ingredients, simple preparation, and distinctive charred crust has resonated with pizza enthusiasts everywhere.

Making New Haven Style Pizza at Home

For those who can't make the pilgrimage to New Haven, it's possible to create a version of this iconic pizza at home. Here are some tips:

Ingredients

- Dough: Use high-protein flour for the dough and allow it to ferment for at least 24 hours.

- Sauce: Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes with minimal seasoning.

- Cheese: Fresh mozzarella and grated Pecorino Romano are essential.

- Toppings: Keep it simple with fresh clams, garlic, and olive oil for a white clam pizza or just tomato sauce and grated cheese for a tomato pie.

Baking

- Oven Temperature: Aim for the highest temperature your oven can achieve, ideally around 500-550 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, use a pizza stone to replicate the heat distribution of a coal-fired oven.

- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the pizza, as it will cook quickly at high temperatures. Look for a well-blistered and slightly charred crust.

New Haven style pizza is more than just a regional specialty; it is a culinary treasure that has captivated the hearts and palates of pizza lovers far and wide. Its thin, charred crust, simple ingredients, and iconic pies like the white clam pizza offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Whether enjoyed in the historic pizzerias of New Haven or recreated at home, this style of pizza continues to inspire and delight, standing as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of American cuisine.

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