What To Know
- The dough is made with a lower hydration level and is pressed into a rectangular pan, creating a deep-dish effect.
- The edges of the crust caramelize in the oven, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior.
- Brick cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a buttery flavor and a slightly crumbly texture.
Pizza, a beloved culinary creation, exists in countless variations, each with its unique characteristics and loyal following. Two of the most iconic styles are New York style pizza and Detroit style pizza. While both are delicious, they differ greatly in terms of crust, sauce, cheese, and overall experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of each style, exploring their similarities and differences, and ultimately helping you decide which one reigns supreme in your taste buds’ court.
Crust: A Tale of Two Textures
New York Style: Thin, Crispy, and Foldable
The hallmark of New York style pizza is its thin, crispy crust. Made with a high-hydration dough, it is stretched and rolled out to achieve a delicate thinness. The result is a crust that is both crispy on the outside and foldable without tearing. This allows New Yorkers to enjoy their pizza on the go, folded in half, and eaten like a portable masterpiece.
Detroit Style: Thick, Chewy, and Caramelized
In contrast, Detroit style pizza boasts a thick, chewy crust that is reminiscent of focaccia bread. The dough is made with a lower hydration level and is pressed into a rectangular pan, creating a deep-dish effect. The edges of the crust caramelize in the oven, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior.
Sauce: Tomato vs. Red Brick
New York Style: Tangy Tomato Sauce
New York style pizza is renowned for its tangy tomato sauce. Made with crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and garlic, the sauce is typically thin and flavorful. It is applied sparingly, allowing the crust and cheese to shine through.
Detroit Style: Sweet and Spicy Red Brick Sauce
Detroit style pizza features a unique “red brick” sauce. This sauce is made with a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. It is thicker and sweeter than New York style sauce, with a slightly spicy kick. The sauce is spread generously over the crust, creating a rich and flavorful base.
Cheese: A Matter of Taste
New York Style: Mozzarella Galore
When it comes to cheese, New York style pizza is all about the mozzarella. Generous amounts of low-moisture mozzarella are shredded and sprinkled over the sauce, creating a gooey, stretchy masterpiece. The mozzarella melts evenly, resulting in a cohesive layer that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Detroit Style: Wisconsin Brick Cheese
Detroit style pizza takes a different approach to cheese. It uses a blend of Wisconsin brick cheese and mozzarella. Brick cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a buttery flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. When combined with mozzarella, it creates a unique cheese experience that is both flavorful and visually appealing.
Toppings: A Canvas for Creativity
New York Style: Simplicity at its Finest
New York style pizza is known for its minimalist approach to toppings. Traditional toppings include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. The emphasis is on the quality of the ingredients rather than the quantity.
Detroit Style: A Culinary Adventure
Detroit style pizza encourages culinary exploration with its generous toppings. In addition to the classic toppings, Detroit style pizza often features unique options such as bacon, sausage, crumbled blue cheese, and even pickles. The toppings are piled high, creating a pizza that is both hearty and flavorful.
Cooking Method: Heat and Technique
New York Style: High Heat, Fast Cook
New York style pizza is cooked in a high-temperature oven, typically between 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense heat creates a crispy crust and evenly melts the cheese. The pizza is cooked quickly, resulting in a thin and foldable creation.
Detroit Style: Low Heat, Slow Cook
Detroit style pizza, on the other hand, is cooked at a lower temperature, around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower heat allows the crust to develop a deep golden-brown color and a chewy texture. The pizza is cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious dish.
The Verdict: A Matter of Personal Preference
The debate over New York style pizza vs. Detroit style pizza is a matter of personal preference. Both styles offer unique and delicious experiences, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the best pizza is the one that satisfies your taste buds and brings a smile to your face.
A Culinary Journey: Exploring Variations
New York Style Pizza Variations
- Grandma Style: A thick, Sicilian-style crust with a tangy tomato sauce and grated mozzarella.
- White Pizza: A pizza without tomato sauce, featuring a creamy béchamel sauce and various toppings.
- Margherita Pizza: A classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil.
Detroit Style Pizza Variations
- Deep Dish: A Detroit style pizza with an extra-thick crust and a generous amount of toppings.
- Square Pizza: A Detroit style pizza cut into square slices instead of the traditional triangles.
- Gluten-Free Detroit Style Pizza: A Detroit style pizza with a gluten-free crust, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this unique treat.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which style of pizza is more popular?
Both New York style pizza and Detroit style pizza are popular in their respective regions. New York style pizza is more widely known and has a larger international presence, while Detroit style pizza is gaining popularity outside of its hometown.
2. Which style of pizza is healthier?
Detroit style pizza tends to be higher in calories and fat than New York style pizza due to its thicker crust and generous toppings. However, both styles can be made healthier by using whole-wheat flour, lean meats, and low-fat cheese.
3. Which style of pizza is more versatile?
Detroit style pizza offers more versatility in terms of toppings and cooking methods. Its thick crust can support a wide variety of toppings, and its lower cooking temperature allows for more creative cooking techniques.
