New York Style Pizza Vs Hand Tossed: Which One Will Prevail?

Pizza, a beloved culinary masterpiece, has ignited a rivalry between two distinct styles: New York style pizza and hand tossed. Each with its unique characteristics, these pizzas have captivated taste buds worldwide. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of these two styles, exploring their history, ingredients, and flavors to determine which reigns supreme.

History

New York Style Pizza: Its origins trace back to the early 1900s, when Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the bustling streets of New York City. The thin, foldable crust, adorned with tangy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, quickly became a staple of the city’s culinary landscape.

Hand Tossed Pizza: This style emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century. Unlike New York-style pizza, hand-tossed pizza features a thicker, air-filled crust. The dough is hand-stretched and tossed into the air, creating a characteristically uneven shape.

Ingredients

New York Style Pizza:

• Crust: Made from high-gluten flour, resulting in a thin, crispy crust.
• Sauce: Typically a tangy tomato sauce, cooked with herbs and spices.
• Cheese: Whole-milk mozzarella, providing a gooey and flavorful topping.

Hand Tossed Pizza:

• Crust: Made from a blend of flours, including bread flour, resulting in a thicker, chewier crust.
• Sauce: Often a sweeter tomato sauce, with a thicker consistency.
• Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and other cheeses, offering a variety of textures and flavors.

Flavors and Textures

New York Style Pizza:

• Crust: Thin and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch.
• Sauce: Tangy and acidic, balancing the richness of the cheese.
• Cheese: Stretchy and gooey, creating a flavorful and satisfying bite.

Hand Tossed Pizza:

• Crust: Thick and chewy, providing a more substantial base.
• Sauce: Sweet and savory, offering a contrasting flavor to the crust.
• Cheese: A blend of flavors and textures, ranging from gooey to crispy.

Size and Shape

New York Style Pizza:

• Size: Typically large, ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.
• Shape: Round, with a thin, foldable crust.

Hand Tossed Pizza:

• Size: Varies, from personal pizzas to large, family-sized pies.
• Shape: Irregular, due to the hand-tossing process.

Cooking Methods

New York Style Pizza:

• Cooked in a coal-fired oven at extremely high temperatures.
• The intense heat creates a crispy, charred crust.

Hand Tossed Pizza:

• Cooked in a conventional oven at a lower temperature.
• The slower cooking process allows the crust to develop a chewier texture.

Which Style is Right for You?

The choice between New York style pizza and hand tossed ultimately depends on personal preferences.

• If you prefer a thin, crispy crust with a tangy sauce and gooey cheese, New York style pizza is the way to go.
• If you enjoy a thicker, chewier crust with a sweeter sauce and a blend of cheeses, hand tossed pizza is the better choice.

Key Points: A Matter of Taste

Both New York style pizza and hand tossed offer unique and satisfying experiences. The thin, crispy crust of New York-style pizza is a classic for a reason, while the thicker, chewier crust of hand-tossed pizza provides a more substantial meal. Ultimately, the best style for you is the one that satisfies your taste buds.

Popular Questions

Q: What is the difference between New York style pizza and hand tossed pizza?
A: New York style pizza has a thin, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and whole-milk mozzarella cheese, while hand-tossed pizza has a thicker, chewier crust, sweeter tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses.

Q: Which style is more popular?
A: Both styles are popular, with New York style pizza being more prevalent in the eastern United States and hand-tossed pizza being more common in the western United States.

Q: Which style is healthier?
A: Neither style is inherently healthier than the other. The nutritional value depends on the specific ingredients used and the size of the serving.