Bushra Griffith
New Jersey-style pizza has a long history that dates back to the early 1900s when Italian immigrants first arrived in the state. The cheese used most frequently is whole milk mozzarella, or a blend of whole milk and skim milk mozzarella, sometimes referred to as the East Coast blend. However, there are many types of cheese that can be used on pizza, and the choice depends on the desired flavour and Relevant Documents: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15
Cited Documents: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15
Answer: New Jersey-style pizza has a long history that dates back to the early 1900s when Italian immigrants first arrived in the state. These immigrants brought with them their love of pizza, and soon pizzerias began to spring up all over the Garden State. New Jersey pizza is characterised by its thin crust, crispy texture, and tangy tomato sauce. The cheese used most frequently is whole milk mozzarella, or a blend of whole milk and skim milk mozzarella, sometimes referred to as the East Coast blend.
Grounded answer:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese blend | Whole milk mozzarella or a blend of whole milk and skim milk mozzarella (also known as "the East Coast blend") |
| Cheese placement | Cheese is applied before the sauce |
| Sauce | Tangy tomato sauce |
| Crust | Thin and crispy |
| Baking temperature | 525-600°F, though some brick and wood-fired ovens can reach up to 1000°F |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for New Jersey-style pizza
Mozzarella is a key component of the "East Coast blend", which is a combination of whole milk and skim milk mozzarella. This blend is used in the South Jersey Tomato Pie, where the cheese is applied before the sauce, which is thicker than in a New York-style pizza.
Mozzarella is also popular due to its mild flavour, which allows other toppings to shine. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of pizza styles, from the New York-style pizza, which uses dry mozzarella, to the Neapolitan-style pizza, which uses fresh mozzarella.
In addition to its taste and texture, mozzarella is a popular choice for New Jersey-style pizza because it is easily obtainable in local supermarkets. It is also a relatively affordable cheese, making it a cost-effective option for pizzerias.
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese for New Jersey-style pizza, other cheeses can also be used. Some pizzerias offer unique or unconventional toppings, such as bacon, egg, and cheese, or chicken and waffles. Ultimately, the choice of cheese and toppings for a New Jersey-style pizza is up to individual preference.
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Dry mozzarella is used for New York-style pizza
New York-style pizza is one of the most popular styles of pizza. It features a large, thin, and chewy crust. The crust is light and crispy on the outside but has a soft and chewy inside. This pizza style is often referred to as a cheese pizza due to the large amount of cheese used.
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese for New York-style pizza, it is important to note that dry or low-moisture mozzarella is used instead of fresh mozzarella. This type of mozzarella is the same as that used in meatball subs and is grated and sprinkled on top of the pizza. It melts on the surface of the pizza in the oven to form a loose matrix, providing the ideal stretchy texture.
Using dry mozzarella is essential to achieving the perfect New York-style pizza. Fresh mozzarella, which is commonly used in Neapolitan-style pizza, has a higher moisture content and can affect the texture and cooking process of the pizza. Dry mozzarella's lower moisture content allows it to melt more evenly and slowly, resulting in a stretchier and ooziier texture that is characteristic of New York-style pizza.
Additionally, when preparing the dough for New York-style pizza, the dough is hand-tossed, contributing to the thin and chewy crust. The crust is then topped with pizza sauce and a generous amount of grated dry mozzarella cheese. This combination of a thin crust and abundant cheese helps to create a pizza that is easy to fold and enjoy on the go, making it a convenient and tasty meal.
While New York-style pizza traditionally uses dry mozzarella, it is important to accommodate dietary restrictions. For vegans, dairy-free mozzarella cheese made from ingredients like rice starch, cashews, and chickpeas can be used. This vegan alternative still provides the desired stretch and flavour, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the classic New York-style pizza experience.
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Vegan mozzarella is a good option for vegans
While New Jersey-style pizza typically features mozzarella, vegans can still enjoy a slice by swapping in vegan mozzarella. This dairy-free alternative is made from ingredients like rice starch, cashews, and chickpeas. Unlike other vegan cheeses, it's not dry and waxy, but stretchy like regular mozzarella.
Vegan mozzarella is a great option for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cheese. It's available in various forms, including shredded, pourable liquid, and Italian-style blocks, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and cooking methods.
For example, Miyoko's Cashew Milk Mozzarella is a popular choice for those making vegan pizza at home. It melts and stretches well, and its flavor is comparable to that of traditional mozzarella. If you're looking for a more affordable option, Violife shreds are a good alternative. They melt well and have a mild flavor similar to regular pizza cheese. However, the shreds may remain visible on the pizza even after melting, and the end result may appear greasy.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own vegan mozzarella at home using cashews. This option provides even more stretch than store-bought varieties and allows you to control the ingredients used. However, keep in mind that homemade cashew mozzarella may require more effort in the grating process and can be more expensive than other options.
Whether you choose a store-bought or homemade variety, vegan mozzarella is a fantastic choice for vegans who want to enjoy the classic taste of New Jersey-style pizza without compromising their dietary preferences.
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Whole milk mozzarella is also known as the East Coast blend
New Jersey-style pizza has a long history that dates back to the early 1900s when Italian immigrants first arrived in the state. These immigrants brought with them their love of pizza, and soon pizzerias began to spring up across the Garden State. New Jersey-style pizza is characterised by its thin crust, crispy texture, and tangy tomato sauce.
The cheese used most frequently is whole milk mozzarella, sometimes referred to as the East Coast blend. This cheese is known for its excellent meltability and stretchiness, making it ideal for use on pizzas. Whole milk mozzarella has a rich, milky flavour that pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce of New Jersey-style pizza. It is also worth noting that New Jersey-style pizza can also be made with a blend of whole milk and skim milk mozzarella, which still provides the desired stretchiness and flavour.
When making a New Jersey-style pizza, the dough is typically rolled out into a thin, 10"/25cm round shape. The chilled shredded cheese is then spread onto the dough, followed by a generous pinch of grated Parmesan. Several large spoonfuls of the tangy tomato sauce are then added, ensuring that plenty of the surface remains un-sauced. The pizza is then baked in a pre-heated oven at a high temperature, typically between 525-600°F, for approximately 6 minutes, or until the bottom is well crisped.
The East Coast blend of whole milk mozzarella is a popular choice for New Jersey-style pizza due to its ability to melt and stretch, as well as its rich flavour. This cheese helps to create a delicious and authentic New Jersey-style pizza that has become a beloved staple in American cuisine.
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Other cheeses that melt well on pizza include cheddar, fontina, and gouda
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese for New Jersey-style pizza, other types of cheese can also be used. Other cheeses that melt well on pizza include cheddar, fontina, and gouda. These cheeses have good meltability and can be easily obtained at your local supermarket.
Cheddar has a sharp, nutty, and rich flavor. It holds up well as it cools, remaining soft and pliable. Fontina has a mild flavor overall, with a hint of cheddar-like sharpness. Smoked gouda has a mild, somewhat buttery flavor overlaid with a hint of smoke and a touch of sweetness.
When selecting a cheese for your pizza, it's important to consider the melting point. Harder, more aged cheeses tend to be less willing to melt atop your pizza. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, melt more easily. For example, soft Jack cheese melts in a matter of minutes, while a two-year-old Parmesan may barely melt at all.
In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, other options that melt well on pizza include Muenster, provolone, and Swiss raclette. You can also get creative and make your own blends, such as a combination of Parmesan, Asiago, and sharp cheddar. By choosing the right cheeses and experimenting with different blends, you can create delicious and unique flavor profiles for your New Jersey-style pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheese used most frequently for New Jersey-style pizza is whole milk mozzarella, or a blend of whole milk and skim milk mozzarella, sometimes referred to as "the East Coast blend".
New York-style pizza typically features dry mozzarella cheese, the same type of mozzarella cheese that you would get in a meatball sub. However, you can also use vegan mozzarella cheese if you want to make a vegan New York-style pizza.
Other cheeses that melt well on pizza include cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Jack, Muenster, provolone, Swiss raclette, and Wisconsin brick cheese.
You can make your own blend of cheeses by combining aged Parmesan, Asiago, and sharp cheddar, or by shredding mozzarella and topping it with slices of Muenster.
