Kamil Perry
New York-style pizza is a popular dish that is versatile and can be enjoyed on the go. It is characterized by a thin, hand-tossed crust, often sold in wide slices. The crust is thick and crisp only along its edge, yet soft, thin, and pliable enough beneath its toppings to be folded in half for easy eating. The cheese used in New York-style pizza is usually mozzarella, specifically dry, full-fat, and grated mozzarella. The cheese is sprinkled on the pizza and melts on the surface, mingling with the sauce underneath and browning in the high heat of the oven. The stretchiness of the cheese is an essential part of the New York pizza experience, allowing the pizza to be folded in half and eaten one-handed, the traditional way to eat a New York-style pizza slice. However, some people believe that New York pizza is overly cheesed, and the cheese may slip off into a greasy puddle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mozzarella |
| Mozzarella type | Dry, grated |
| Mozzarella fat content | Full-fat |
| Other cheese types | Provolone, Muenster, Parmesan |
| Vegan options | Yes |
| Amount of cheese | Relatively light |
| Crust type | Thin, chewy, crispy |
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What You'll Learn
New York-style pizza uses dry, grated mozzarella
New York-style pizza is famous for its thin, chewy crust and generous toppings. The pizza is often referred to as a "cheese pizza" due to its large amount of cheese. While there are many types of cheese to choose from, mozzarella is the most popular choice for New York-style pizza. This is because it has excellent stretchy qualities, which are essential for the ideal pizza texture.
Unlike Neapolitan pizza, which uses fresh mozzarella, New York-style pizza uses dry, grated mozzarella. This is the same type of mozzarella used in meatball subs, and it is usually purchased in blocks. The cheese is grated and sprinkled on top of the pizza sauce. When placed in the pizza oven, the cheese melts into a loose matrix that blends with the sauce. This technique ensures that the top of the pizza has a mottled appearance with red, white, and brown colours, rather than a solid white layer of melted cheese.
To achieve the perfect stretchy effect, it is important to use full-fat mozzarella. Part-skim or low-fat mozzarella does not stretch as well and can result in a greasy pizza. Additionally, it is recommended to grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch to prevent clumping, which can interfere with the melting process. By grating the cheese yourself, you can ensure a proper melt and achieve the desired texture.
For those who follow a vegan diet, there are vegan mozzarella options that can be used on New York-style pizza. These vegan cheeses are made from ingredients such as rice starch, cashews, and chickpeas, and they produce the same stretchy effect as regular mozzarella.
Overall, the use of dry, grated mozzarella is a defining characteristic of New York-style pizza. This type of mozzarella melts into a loose matrix, creating a unique blend of flavours and textures that contribute to the overall appeal of the pizza.
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Full-fat mozzarella is best for the desired stretchy effect
New York-style pizza is famous for its thin, hand-stretched crust and relatively light amounts of cheese and tomato sauce. The cheese is traditionally placed on top of the sauce and is always low-moisture mozzarella, usually whole milk or partly so.
One pizza chef recommends using a 50/50 blend of Polly-O part-skim low-moisture mozzarella and Polly-O whole milk low-moisture mozzarella. They also suggest sprinkling small chunks of fresh mozzarella on top. Another chef recommends using whole milk low-moisture mozzarella, with the option of adding shredded provolone for a different flavor.
Vegan mozzarella is also available, which produces the same stretchy effect as regular mozzarella, so vegans can also enjoy an authentic New York-style pizza experience.
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Don't use pre-shredded cheese
When making a New York-style pizza, it is important to use full-fat mozzarella cheese that is grated in-house. Pre-shredded cheese should not be used as it is coated with starch to prevent clumping, which also prevents the cheese from melting properly.
Pre-shredded cheese is also more expensive than block cheese. On average, pre-shredded cheese costs about $1.50 more per cup than block cheese. Buying block cheese and shredding it yourself can be more economical, especially if you use a lot of cheese.
Pre-shredded cheese also contains additives that can alter its texture and raise health concerns. These additives hinder a smooth cooking process, making it harder for the cheese to melt and adding a grainy texture to otherwise smooth, velvety sauces.
Shredding your own cheese also reduces waste from extra plastic bags, which is better for the environment. Block cheese usually comes with less packaging, and you can store shredded cheese in reusable containers.
Finally, pre-shredded cheese may have been sitting on a store shelf for weeks, slowly losing its flavor and freshness. A block of cheese kept in optimal conditions will maintain its quality longer, allowing you to enjoy fresher, more vibrant flavors each time you shred it.
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Vegan cheese options are available
New York-style pizza is famous for its generous use of cheese, but what about vegan options? Well, you're in luck! There are now many vegan cheese options that can be used on pizzas, so you can enjoy a cheesy New York-style pizza without any dairy.
The best vegan cheese for pizza is a dairy-free mozzarella cheese. These cheeses are made with vegan ingredients such as rice starch, cashews, and chickpeas. Vegan mozzarella cheese has the same stretchy effect as regular mozzarella, so you won't have to compromise on texture or taste. Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella is a popular choice, with its liquid mozzarella being a favorite for pizza.
There are also other types of vegan cheese slices and shreds that can be used on pizzas. Field Roast Chao Creamery Slices, for example, are made from coconut and fermented tofu, giving them a great taste and meltability. Violife Mature Cheddar Slices are another tasty option that melts well. If you're looking for a good grated parmesan option, try NOOCH IT! Cashew Grated Cheeze.
So, whether you're a vegan or just looking to reduce your dairy intake, you can still enjoy a delicious New York-style pizza with vegan cheese. With so many options available, you're sure to find one that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
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The crust must be sturdy enough to hold the cheese and toppings
New York-style pizza is characterised by its thin, hand-stretched crust, which is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. The crust is sturdy enough to support the toppings without being crunchy or tough. It should be able to fold without cracking or splitting.
The crust of a New York-style pizza is typically made with bread flour and hand-tossed to achieve its thin, large shape. This technique also gives the crust its distinct flavour and texture.
The type of cheese used on a New York-style pizza is important for both flavour and texture. Traditionally, dry, full-fat mozzarella is grated and sprinkled on the pizza, melting into a loose matrix that mixes with the sauce. This type of mozzarella is the same as that used on a meatball sub. It is important to avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it is coated with starch to prevent clumping and may not melt properly.
To ensure that the cheese melts evenly and does not burn, it can be helpful to grate the cheese and place it in the freezer for a short time before adding it to the pizza. This technique helps to slow down the melting process and allows the crust to cook evenly.
In summary, the crust of a New York-style pizza must be sturdy enough to hold the cheese and toppings without compromising its characteristic texture and flavour. The right combination of ingredients and preparation techniques ensures that the pizza holds together and delivers the expected taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
New York-style pizza is typically topped with relatively light amounts of cheese. However, it is usually full-fat, dry, grated mozzarella, which may be high in fat and calories. Therefore, while delicious, it may not be considered healthy.
New York-style pizza uses dry, grated mozzarella cheese. This is the same type of mozzarella you would find in a meatball sub.
Fresh mozzarella is used on Neapolitan pizzas, but dry mozzarella is preferred for New York-style pizzas as it melts into a loose matrix that blends with the sauce.
To prevent the cheese from burning, grate it and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes before applying it to the pizza. This slows down its cooking, allowing the crust to cook without the cheese burning.
While mozzarella is the traditional choice, there are many vegan cheese options that can be used on New York-style pizza, including vegan mozzarella, which produces the same stretchy effect as regular mozzarella.
