There’s something special about a perfect slice of pizza, but not all pizza is created equal. Brooklyn style pizza stands out with its thin, crispy-yet-foldable crust, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly melted mozzarella. It’s the kind of slice that delivers big flavor without the fuss, capturing the essence of New York in every bite. But what makes Brooklyn-style pizza so unique? Let’s dive into what sets it apart and why it’s a favorite for pizza lovers everywhere.
Brooklyn Style Pizza: A Crunchy, Foldable Culinary Icon
Course: MainCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Medium6
servings25
minutes15
minutes350
kcalA classic thin-crust pizza with a crispy yet foldable base, topped with rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory pepperoni. Perfectly balanced flavors with a hint of char for that authentic New York taste!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
High-gluten flour: 3 ½ cups
Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
Lukewarm water: 1 ¼ cups
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to help activate yeast)
For the Sauce:
Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14-16 oz)
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper: To taste
For the Cheese:
Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups
Shredded provolone cheese: 1 cup
Toppings (Optional):
Pepperoni slices
Sausage crumbles
Sliced mushrooms
Bell peppers
Onions
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar (if using), and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine high-gluten flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a warm area until it doubles in size. - Prepare the Sauce
Sauté Garlic:
Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
Simmer the Sauce:
Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool. - Assemble the Pizza
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven and let it heat for at least 30 minutes.
Shape the Dough:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into portions if making multiple pizzas.
Stretch or roll the dough into a thin, round shape. If you’re confident, toss the dough gently in the air to stretch it evenly.
Prepare the Baking Surface:
Dust a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly across the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges for the crust.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheese blend generously over the sauce.
Add Toppings:
Arrange your chosen toppings evenly across the pizza. - Bake the Pizza
Transfer to the Oven:
Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet using the peel or baking sheet back.
Bake:
Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling with light brown spots.
Cool and Slice:
Allow the pizza to rest for 2-3 minutes. Slice and serve. - Tips for Success
Use a Hot Oven: High heat is essential for a crisp crust and bubbling cheese.
Keep It Simple: Avoid overloading with toppings to maintain the balance of flavors.
Experiment: Try variations with different herbs, spices, or unique toppings to make it your own. - Enjoy your homemade Brooklyn style pizza with friends or family!
Table of Contents
The Origin Story of Brooklyn Style Pizza
Roots in New York-Style Pizza
Brooklyn-style pizza is a proud offshoot of the classic New York pizza tradition. Designed for convenience, its thin, foldable crust makes it perfect for grabbing a slice on the go, just like the fast-paced city it comes from. This style embraces the street food culture that defines New York, offering a balance of crispiness and chewiness in every bite.
Influence of Italian Immigrants
Like much of New York’s best food, Brooklyn-style pizza traces its roots back to Italian immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Bringing their passion for pizza-making, they adapted traditional recipes to fit local ingredients and American tastes. This meant larger pizzas, a thinner crust, and a simpler approach to toppings.
How It Evolved into a Distinct Style
Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods helped shape a unique pizza-making approach, blending old-world craftsmanship with local culture. Unlike thicker, doughier pizzas, Brooklyn-style focuses on a thin yet sturdy crust, crispy on the outside but soft enough to fold. The slices are typically larger, with a minimalist topping philosophy that lets the ingredients shine.
Key Brooklyn Pizzerias That Defined the Style
🍕 Totonno’s – One of the oldest pizzerias in Brooklyn, known for its coal-fired, thin-crust pizzas that stay true to old-world traditions.
🍕 Di Fara’s – A legendary spot where the late Dom DeMarco hand-crafted every pizza, using only the highest-quality ingredients and meticulous techniques.
🍕 Grimaldi’s – Famous for its coal-fired oven and scenic location near the Brooklyn Bridge, blending tradition with a modern pizza experience.
Brooklyn-style pizza isn’t just food, it’s a piece of history that continues to bring people together, one foldable slice at a time.
What Sets Brooklyn Style Pizza Apart?
Brooklyn-style pizza stands out in the world of pizza for its crispy crust, oversized slices, and no-fuss approach to toppings. Rooted in the borough’s rich cultural and culinary history, this pizza style brings a unique mix of tradition and practicality, making it a favorite among locals and pizza lovers everywhere.
The Crust: Thin, Crispy, and Light
The crust is one of the biggest differences between Brooklyn-style and traditional New York-style pizza. While classic New York pizza has a soft, foldable crust, Brooklyn-style pizza is thinner and crispier, giving it a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s lighter than the doughier New York slice but still sturdy enough to hold generous toppings.
A signature touch is the cornmeal dusting on the bottom of the crust. This not only keeps the dough from sticking to the pizza stone but also adds a subtle, earthy flavor and a bit of extra texture. The result? A crust that’s crispy on the outside, slightly chewy on the inside, and never too heavy.
Size and Slice Shape: Oversized and Foldable
Brooklyn-style pizzas are bigger than your average pie, often exceeding standard sizes. The slices are extra-large and meant to be folded, making them perfect for eating on the go, a must in Brooklyn’s fast-paced culture.
Unlike some New York-style slices that can be floppy, Brooklyn-style pizza keeps its structure thanks to its thin yet firm crust. This balance makes it great for sharing, whether at a casual dinner or a late-night gathering with friends.
Brooklyn-style pizza is all about simplicity, tradition, and that perfect crispy bite, a style that has earned a loyal following far beyond New York.
Toppings: Classic and Timeless
Brooklyn-style pizza keeps things simple and traditional when it comes to toppings. Classic choices like pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms, and fresh mozzarella are the go-to favorites. While creative combinations are always welcome, Brooklyn-style pizza tends to focus on high-quality ingredients rather than piling on too many toppings.
This no-frills approach lets the flavors shine. Every bite strikes the perfect balance between crust, sauce, and toppings, ensuring that nothing overpowers the pizza’s signature crisp texture.
Cooking Style: Hand-Tossed Dough & High Heat Baking
The secret to Brooklyn-style pizza’s light yet crispy texture starts with the dough. It’s always hand-tossed, a technique that helps stretch it evenly while trapping tiny air pockets. This gives the crust its perfect balance of crunch and chew.
To achieve the right structure, high-gluten flour is often used. This gives the dough more elasticity, ensuring it stays sturdy without being too dense.
Brooklyn-style pizzas are baked in traditional pizza ovens at high temperatures. This quick, intense heat creates a slightly charred crust with a hint of smokiness, adding extra depth to the flavor.
How It Compares to Other Pizza Styles
Brooklyn style pizza may look similar to New York-style pizza, but it has some key differences:
✔ Thinner, crispier crust
✔ Cornmeal dusting for extra texture
✔ Larger slices with a firmer base
Compared to Chicago deep-dish pizza, Brooklyn-style is lighter, crispier, and far easier to eat on the go. And while Neapolitan pizza has a soft, chewy crust and a smaller size, Brooklyn-style offers a larger, more versatile slice that’s great for sharing.
Why Brooklyn Style Pizza Stands Out
At its core, Brooklyn style pizza is all about simplicity and craftsmanship. The thin, crispy crust, oversized slices, classic toppings, and expert hand-tossed dough create a pizza that’s both distinctive and deeply satisfying.
Like Brooklyn itself, this pizza style is bold, authentic, and unpretentious, a true classic that continues to win over pizza lovers everywhere.
How to Serve and Eat Brooklyn Style Pizza
Brooklyn style pizza is all about big flavors, crispy crust, and an easy, no-fuss way of eating. Whether you’re grabbing a slice on the go or sharing a whole pie at home, there’s a traditional way to serve and enjoy this New York favorite.
Serving Brooklyn Style Pizza
Brooklyn-style pizza is usually served in one of two ways:
✔ Large, foldable triangles – The classic way, showing off the pizza’s thin, wide crust and giving it that street-food feel.
✔ Square-cut slices – More common for Sicilian-style Brooklyn pizzas, which have a thicker crust and a slightly different baking method.
Since the crust is thin and crisp, it’s best to serve Brooklyn-style pizza warm. A large pizza tray or wooden board works best for presentation, and parchment paper helps keep things mess-free, especially for those oversized slices. Keeping the setup simple and casual captures the true Brooklyn experience.
How to Eat Brooklyn Style Pizza
There’s a right way to eat a Brooklyn slice, and it’s all about the fold.
✔ Fold the slice in half lengthwise – This makes it easier to hold and prevents toppings from sliding off.
✔ Start at the tip and work your way up – Each bite gives you the perfect mix of sauce, cheese, and crispy crust.
✔ No forks, no knives – Brooklyn-style pizza is meant to be eaten by hand.
The key to enjoying Brooklyn-style pizza is keeping it simple. Whether you’re at a classic pizzeria or making it at home, eating this pizza is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and good company.
There is some recipes from Misc Meals
🍕 Birria Pizza: A Delectable Fusion of Mexican and Italian Flavors
Love bold flavors? This Birria Pizza combines the rich, slow-cooked beef of traditional birria with the cheesy, crispy goodness of Brooklyn style pizza. It’s the best of both worlds! Click here to get the full recipe!
🍕 Red Baron Pizza: Create Your Own at Home!
If you’re craving that classic, crispy-crusted favorite, this Red Baron-inspired pizza lets you recreate the taste right in your own kitchen. Easy to make and perfect for family pizza night! Check out the recipe here!
🍕 Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust: A Delicious, Nutritious Alternative
Looking for a lighter, protein-packed crust? This cottage cheese pizza crust is a great alternative, offering a crispy bite with a creamy, tangy twist. Plus, it’s a healthier way to enjoy Brooklyn style pizza without sacrificing flavor. Try the recipe here!
Is Brooklyn Style Pizza a Healthy Choice?
Brooklyn style pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and simple, high-quality ingredients. But is it a healthier option compared to other pizza styles? The answer depends on factors like portion size, ingredients, and preparation methods. Below, we break down the health benefits and ways to make Brooklyn style pizza a more nutritious choice.
Calories and Nutritional Comparison
Brooklyn style pizza has fewer calories per slice than deep-dish or thick-crust pizzas due to its thinner base. However, the exact calorie count depends on ingredients and toppings.
- Thinner crust = fewer carbs and calories – A slice of Brooklyn style pizza contains 200-300 calories, whereas deep-dish or stuffed crust pizzas can exceed 400 calories per slice (Healthline).
- Lower fat content – The crispy, airy crust absorbs less oil compared to thicker pizzas.
- High sodium in processed toppings – While the crust may be lighter, toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese can increase sodium levels.
For a healthier option, choose fresh, whole ingredients and watch portion sizes.
Healthier Toppings for Brooklyn Style Pizza
Toppings can make a big difference in the nutritional value of Brooklyn style pizza. Here’s how to make it a healthier meal:
- Choose lean proteins – Opt for grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or plant-based proteins instead of fatty meats like pepperoni or bacon.
- Load up on vegetables – Add spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes for fiber and essential nutrients (Medical News Today).
- Opt for lighter cheese – Use part-skim mozzarella or feta instead of full-fat cheeses to cut down on saturated fat.
- Limit processed ingredients – Avoid excessive processed meats that contain high levels of preservatives and sodium.
Crust Options: Can Brooklyn Style Pizza Be Even Healthier?
While the classic Brooklyn style crust is thin and crispy, there are healthier crust alternatives that can provide more nutrients:
- Whole wheat crust – Higher in fiber and nutrients, making it a more heart-friendly choice.
- Cauliflower crust – A low-carb, gluten-free alternative that reduces calorie intake.
- Gluten-free dough – Made with almond flour or rice flour, suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Portion Control: How to Enjoy Brooklyn Style Pizza Without Overeating
Brooklyn style pizza is known for its large, foldable slices, which can lead to eating more than necessary. Here’s how to enjoy it in moderation:
- Stick to one or two slices – Avoid overeating by pairing your pizza with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
- Choose thin crust over stuffed or pan pizzas – Less dough means fewer calories and carbs.
- Drink water instead of sugary sodas – Many people consume extra calories through sodas or sugary drinks that accompany pizza.
Is Brooklyn Style Pizza Suitable for Special Diets?
Brooklyn style pizza can be modified for different dietary preferences:
- Keto-friendly – Use a cauliflower crust and low-carb toppings like cheese and spinach.
- Vegan-friendly – Opt for dairy-free cheese and plant-based protein options.
- Low-fat option – Reduce cheese and choose grilled toppings for a lower-fat meal.
Final Verdict: Is Brooklyn Style Pizza a Healthy Option?
Brooklyn style pizza can be a healthier option compared to deep-dish or stuffed crust pizzas if made with nutritious toppings and eaten in moderation. Its thin crust lowers calorie and carb intake, but toppings and portion control play a major role in determining its overall health impact.
For a more nutritious version, opt for fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole wheat or cauliflower crusts. Pairing your pizza with a healthy side salad and water can help balance your meal while still enjoying the authentic Brooklyn pizza experience!
The Legacy of Brooklyn Style Pizza in American Food Culture
Brooklyn-style pizza holds a special place in American food culture, known for its thin, crispy crust, bold flavors, and deep-rooted history. It’s more than just a pizza, it’s a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and the immigrant experience.
Brooklyn’s Italian-American community played a major role in shaping this pizza style, adapting traditional recipes to fit the fast-paced life of New York. The result? A pizza that’s simple, delicious, and built for convenience, without sacrificing quality.
Why Brooklyn Style Pizza Remains Iconic
Brooklyn-style pizza is instantly recognizable by its hand-tossed, wide, and foldable slices with a thin yet sturdy crust. It balances crispness with chewiness, creating the perfect base for its simple, high-quality toppings.
At its core, this pizza follows a “less is more” philosophy, fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, a drizzle of olive oil, and maybe a sprinkle of basil. This focus on quality over complexity is what keeps it timeless, appealing to both classic pizza lovers and modern foodies alike..
Its Role in Defining Regional Pizza Styles
Brooklyn-style pizza is a key part of New York’s pizza culture, which has shaped what most people think of as “American pizza.” As pizza spread across the U.S., Brooklyn’s version set the standard, affordable, flavorful, and easy to enjoy.
Brooklyn itself is a melting pot of cultures, and its pizza reflects that diversity. Over time, this style helped define the New York-style pizza archetype, influencing countless variations across the country while still keeping its distinct Brooklyn identity.
Influence on Modern Pizza Chains and Menus
Brooklyn-style pizza’s impact goes far beyond neighborhood pizzerias. Major chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut have introduced their own takes on hand-tossed and thin-crust pizzas inspired by Brooklyn’s techniques.
Even gourmet and artisan pizza makers have embraced Brooklyn’s style, incorporating elements like wood-fired ovens, fresh local ingredients, and oversized, shareable slices. The rise of customizable pizza menus also owes a lot to Brooklyn’s influence, proving that this style is just as relevant today as it was decades ago.
A Lasting Legacy
Brooklyn-style pizza isn’t just a regional favorite, it’s a symbol of culinary creativity, immigrant heritage, and cultural evolution. It bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, proving that great pizza doesn’t need to be complicated to be legendary.
From the streets of Brooklyn to pizzerias around the world, this iconic style continues to bring people together, one foldable slice at a time.
FAQs About Brooklyn Style Pizza
What is Brooklyn-style pizza?
Brooklyn-style is a thin-crust pizza known for its crisp yet chewy texture, foldable slices, and robust, slightly tangy tomato sauce. Originating from Brooklyn, New York, this style is a favorite among those who enjoy a balance between a classic pizza crust and a hearty topping-to-dough ratio. Its defining feature is its hand-stretched dough, often baked to perfection with slightly charred edges.
How does it differ from New York-style pizza?
While both styles share similarities, Brooklyn-style tends to have a thinner and crispier crust compared to the softer and slightly thicker crust of New York-style pizza. Brooklyn-style also boasts larger slices, often requiring a two-handed grip. The dough in Brooklyn-style is usually less dense, giving it a lighter, airier bite, with a more pronounced crunch.
What toppings are best for this pizza style?
Brooklyn-style pairs well with classic toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Gourmet options like fresh basil, arugula, ricotta, or spicy soppressata also elevate its flavor. Its thin crust supports a variety of toppings without overwhelming the base.
Can you make it gluten-free?
Yes, gluten-free Brooklyn-style pizza is possible by using alternative flours like almond, rice, or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Many pizzerias and recipes now cater to dietary preferences, offering gluten-free crust options that mimic the thin, crispy texture of traditional Brooklyn-style pizza.
Conclusion
Brooklyn-style pizza is the perfect blend of tradition, simplicity, and bold flavor, with its thin yet sturdy crust crisping beautifully while holding a generous layer of fresh, high-quality ingredients, balancing the natural sweetness of tomato sauce, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the smoky char from a well-fired oven to create a truly unforgettable bite, bringing the essence of New York’s bustling streets straight to your table.
Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone who loves a great slice, Brooklyn-style pizza offers something special, its versatility and classic flavors making it a favorite for any occasion, so why not give it a try, whether by visiting a well-known pizzeria or attempting to make it yourself, because with the right ingredients and a little practice, you can bring the authentic flavors of Brooklyn right into your own kitchen, proving that pizza is more than just a meal, it’s a piece of history, a tradition, and a joy meant to be shared.