Creating an authentic Brooklyn style pizza at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can replicate the thin, crispy crust and flavorful toppings that make this pizza style so beloved. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Brooklyn style pizza in your own kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
For the Dough:
- 4 cups high-gluten flour
- 1 1/2 cups water (preferably from New York for authenticity, but filtered water works)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or dried oregano (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or your favorite toppings
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Pizza peel
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin or hands for stretching dough
- Saucepan
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with warm water (around 105°F). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the high-gluten flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Knead the Dough: Mix until the dough starts to come together, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Place your pizza stone or baking steel in the oven and preheat to the highest temperature (usually around 500-550°F). Preheating the stone or steel ensures a crispy crust.
4. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions for two 12-14 inch pizzas.
- On a floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch the dough into a thin circle. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness, with a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
- Transfer to Peel: Place the shaped dough onto a floured pizza peel or an upside-down baking sheet.
- Add Sauce: Spread a thin layer of your homemade tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Cheese: Distribute the fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Add your desired toppings. Be mindful not to overload the pizza to maintain a crisp crust.
6. Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer to Oven: Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking steel in the oven.
- Bake: Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Serve:
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Enjoy: Slice into large, foldable slices and enjoy your homemade Brooklyn style pizza!
Tips for Success
- Dough: Allow the dough to rise properly for the best texture. For extra flavor, you can let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight.
- Sauce: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor in your sauce.
- Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts better and provides a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Toppings: Don’t overload your pizza with toppings, as this can prevent the crust from cooking properly.
Conclusion
Making Brooklyn style pizza at home is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy this beloved pizza style anytime. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques, you can create a delicious pizza that rivals those from Brooklyn’s best pizzerias. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
