Frederic Melton
New York-style pizza is known for its thin, hand-tossed crust, which is thick and crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. This style of pizza is often simply referred to as cheese pizza due to its large volume of cheese. The cheese used is typically dry, grated, full-fat mozzarella, which is sprinkled on the pizza and melts into the sauce to create a mottled mix of brown, red, and white. While mozzarella is the classic choice, New York-style pizza can also be made with vegan cheese or other varieties of cheese such as provolone and muenster.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Provolone, Muenster, Vegan Cheese |
| Texture | Stretchy, Creamy, Greasy |
| Crust | Thin, Crispy, Soft, Chewy |
| Sauce | Tomato-based |
| Toppings | Shredded Cheese |
| Bake Time | Long bake time |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for New York-style pizza
New York-style pizza is a popular variant of pizza that originated in New York City in the early 1900s. It is characterized by its large, thin, and chewy crust, achieved through hand-tossing the dough. The crust is thick and crisp along its edge, yet soft, thin, and foldable beneath its toppings.
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese used in New York-style pizzas. However, unlike Neapolitan pizzas that use fresh mozzarella, New York-style pizzas use dry, grated, full-fat mozzarella. This type of mozzarella is similar to the cheese found in meatball subs or wrapped in cryovac blocks near the milk. It is applied sparingly so that it melts into a loose matrix that blends with the tomato-based sauce underneath, browning slightly in the oven. The full-fat content of the mozzarella gives the cheese its signature stretchiness, and it is important to grate it in-house rather than purchasing pre-shredded cheese, as the latter is coated with starch to prevent clumping.
The combination of the stretchy mozzarella cheese and the thin, foldable crust makes New York-style pizza a convenient meal to eat on the go. The pizza is typically cut into wide slices, and the crust's sturdiness ensures that the cheese does not slip off, even when the slice is bent lengthwise.
While mozzarella is the classic choice, variations and alternatives exist. Some people opt for a blend of cheeses, including provolone and muenster, to add a bolder flavor and enhance the stretchiness of the mozzarella. Vegan cheese options, such as dairy-free mozzarella made from rice starch, cashews, or chickpeas, are also available for New York-style pizzas, providing a stretchy and gooey texture similar to regular cheese.
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It must be dry, grated, and full-fat to achieve the right stretch
New York-style pizza is characterised by its thin, hand-tossed crust, which is thick and crisp along its edge but soft, thin, and pliable enough beneath its toppings to be folded in half when eating. The crust is achieved by tossing and stretching the dough during preparation.
The pizza is also known for its cheese, which is usually mozzarella. However, it is important to note that New York-style pizza uses dry, grated, and full-fat mozzarella cheese, unlike Neapolitan pizza, which uses fresh mozzarella. The dry mozzarella is grated and sprinkled on the pizza, melting on the surface to form a loose matrix that blends with the sauce underneath. This results in a mix of brown, red, and white on the pizza's surface.
Using full-fat mozzarella is crucial to achieving the right stretch. Low-fat, part-skim, or reduced-fat cheese does not have the same stretch and can affect the overall appearance and texture of the pizza. The cheese should be grated in-house, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated with starch to prevent clumping, which can impact the melt and stretch of the cheese.
The type of mozzarella used in New York-style pizza is similar to the cheese found in a meatball sub or wrapped in cryovac blocks near the milk. It is applied sparingly, allowing it to melt evenly and blend with the other flavours.
Vegan alternatives are also available for New York-style pizza, with vegan mozzarella made from ingredients like rice starch, cashews, and chickpeas, offering a stretchy and gooey texture similar to regular mozzarella.
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Vegan cheese is also an option
New York-style pizza is famous for its thin, crispy base and generous toppings. Traditionally, New York-style pizza is made with mozzarella cheese, which is known for its stretchy, gooey texture and full flavour. However, vegan cheese is also an option for those who crave pizza but can't or don't want to eat dairy.
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese, typically made from a base of nuts, seeds, tofu, or vegetables. It can be made at home or purchased from a store, and its texture and taste can vary greatly depending on its ingredients and production method. While vegan cheese may not have the same stretchy, gooey qualities as dairy cheese, it is a popular choice for those who follow a vegan diet or have lactose intolerance.
In New York City, several pizzerias offer vegan options, including well-known spots such as Paulie Gee's and Two Boots. Paulie Gee's, for example, offers a full vegan pizza menu with pies like the "Vegan Regina" and "I Got the Chopt," made with non-dairy cheese and nutritional yeast. Two Boots, on the other hand, offers a more limited selection of vegan options, but its crispy dough and convenient locations make it a popular choice.
Other notable mentions for vegan pizza in NYC include Vinnie's Pizzeria, with locations in Greenpoint and Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Vinnie's offers 13 different vegan pizzas, including inventive options like the mini pizza-topped pizza slice and the black bean taco pizza. Artistic Pizza is another spot with an entire vegan menu, featuring options like the Vegan Chicken Scallion and Vegan Beyond Shrooms & Spinach. Vito's Slices and Ices is also a must-visit for vegan pizza enthusiasts, with its Vegan Pie made with plant-based cheese and a Gluten-Free Vegan Grandma Pie.
So, while New York-style pizza is traditionally made with dairy cheese, vegan cheese is a viable alternative for those who prefer or require a dairy-free option. With several pizzerias in NYC offering vegan pizzas, it's easier than ever to enjoy a delicious slice without the dairy.
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Provolone is sometimes added for a different flavour
New York-style pizza is traditionally made with mozzarella cheese. However, some people like to add provolone for a different flavour. Provolone is a stretchy, sweet, and creamy cheese that can enhance the taste and texture of the pizza. It is often used in combination with mozzarella to create a unique cheese blend.
Provolone is a popular cheese for pizza due to its stretchiness and ability to provide a "cheese pull" effect. When melted, provolone becomes stretchy and can form long, gooey strands that are desirable in pizza cheese. This cheese is also known for its sweet and creamy flavour, which can add a unique taste to the pizza.
When using provolone on a New York-style pizza, it is typically combined with mozzarella. Some people use a blend of one-third provolone and two-thirds whole milk mozzarella, while others experiment with different ratios to find their preferred taste and texture. The combination of provolone and mozzarella can result in a stretchy, creamy, and flavourful cheese blend that complements the other ingredients on the pizza.
In addition to provolone, other cheeses can also be added to New York-style pizza for flavour variations. Some people use a blend of mozzarella and muenster, while others experiment with vegan cheese options made from rice starch, cashews, and chickpeas. The versatility of New York-style pizza allows for various cheese combinations to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
The key to achieving the desired flavour and texture in a New York-style pizza is to use full-fat, dry mozzarella cheese and grate it in-house. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch to prevent clumping and can affect the melt and stretch of the cheese. By grating full-fat mozzarella themselves, pizza makers can ensure the cheese melts into a loose matrix that mingles with the sauce, creating the iconic brown, red, and white colour combination on the pizza's surface.
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Muenster is used to fortify softer cheeses
When it comes to New York-style pizza, a variety of cheeses are used, including mozzarella, provolone, and muenster. While mozzarella and provolone are more commonly mentioned, muenster is also a great option for those looking for a bolder flavor.
Muenster cheese is a semi-soft cheese that originated in the United States as an imitation of the French Munster cheese. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk and has a mild flavor and smooth, soft texture. When properly aged, however, muenster can develop a stronger flavor with a pungent aroma. This cheese is a popular choice for those who want to add both texture and flavor to their dishes without overpowering the other ingredients.
Muenster is often used to fortify softer cheeses, such as mozzarella, that are used on pizzas. Its melting properties make it a good choice for this purpose, as it can add stretch and creaminess to the overall cheese blend. In addition, its mild flavor can enhance the overall taste without being too overwhelming.
When used in combination with other cheeses, muenster can help to create a more cohesive and flavorful blend. Its salty nature can also add a nice seasoning to the cheese mixture. By fortifying softer cheeses with muenster, pizza makers can achieve a better balance of flavors and textures, resulting in a more enjoyable dining experience for their customers.
In conclusion, muenster is a versatile cheese that can be used to enhance the qualities of softer cheeses on New York-style pizzas. Its melting abilities, mild flavor, and salty nature make it a great ingredient for creating a well-rounded and tasty cheese blend. So, the next time you take a bite of that gooey, cheesy pizza, remember the role that muenster may have played in making it so delicious!
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Frequently asked questions
New York-style pizza typically uses mozzarella cheese.
Dry, grated, full-fat mozzarella cheese is used in New York-style pizza.
Fresh mozzarella is used in Neapolitan-style pizza. Dry mozzarella is used in New York-style pizza to achieve the desired stretchy effect.
Grate the cheese onto a plate and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes before applying it to the pizza.
Yes, there are many vegan cheese options available for New York-style pizza, including those made from rice starch, cashews, and chickpeas.
