The Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect New Haven Style Pizza Recipe

Pizza is a beloved dish worldwide, with various styles and regional specialties. Among the most revered is New Haven style pizza, or “apizza” as locals call it.
Originating from New Haven, Connecticut, this style of pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust, charred edges, and unique toppings.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of creating an authentic New Haven style pizza at home.

Introduction to New Haven Style Pizza

What is New Haven Style Pizza Recipe?

New Haven style pizza, also known as “apizza” (pronounced “ah-beets”), is a distinct type of Neapolitan pizza that hails from New Haven, Connecticut. This pizza is known for its thin, crisp crust, which is often charred in spots, giving it a smoky flavor.
The dough is traditionally hand-stretched and cooked in a high-temperature, coal-fired oven, which contributes to its unique texture and taste.

History of New Haven Style Pizza

The origins of New Haven style pizza can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants settled in the area. Frank Pepe, an Italian immigrant, opened his pizzeria, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, in 1925.
His innovative style of pizza quickly gained popularity and became a staple in New Haven. Today, New Haven style pizza is celebrated for its distinctive flavor and has inspired pizzerias across the United States.

Ingredients for New Haven Style Pizza Recipe

For the Dough

• Bread Flour: 4 cups
• Active Dry Yeast: 1 teaspoon
• Water: 1 1/2 cups, warm (about 110°F)
• Salt: 2 teaspoons
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons

For the Sauce

• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

For the Toppings

• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
• Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese: 1/2 cup
• Fresh Basil Leaves: 1/2 cup (optional)
• Olive Oil: for drizzling

Special Equipment

• Pizza Stone or Steel: for baking
• Pizza Peel: for transferring the pizza
• Coal or Charcoal: for authentic flavor (if using a coal-fired oven)

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the Dough: Using your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Punch Down and Second Rise: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 2-3 equal portions, shape each portion into a ball, and let them rest for another 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Read more: New Haven Pizza Dough Recipe

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Preheat the Oven

1. Prepare the Oven: Place your pizza stone or steel in the oven and preheat it to the highest temperature possible, usually around 500-550°F (260-290°C). If using a coal-fired oven, prepare the coals and maintain a high temperature.
2. Heat the Stone/Steel: Allow the pizza stone or steel to heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly hot.

4. Shape the Dough

1. Stretch the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, take one of the dough balls and gently stretch it into a thin, round shape. Use your hands to stretch the dough, avoiding a rolling pin to maintain the air bubbles in the dough. The dough should be thin, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Prepare the Peel: Dust the pizza peel with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Transfer the stretched dough onto the peel.

5. Assemble the Pizza

1. Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add a sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano cheese for added flavor.
3. Optional Toppings: If desired, add fresh basil leaves or other toppings of your choice. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top.

6. Bake the Pizza

1. Transfer to the Oven: Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or steel in the oven. Use a quick back-and-forth motion to transfer the pizza from the peel to the stone.
2. Bake: Bake the pizza for about 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and charred in spots, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using a coal-fired oven, the cooking time may be shorter, so keep a close eye on it.
3. Cool and Slice: Remove the pizza from the oven using the peel. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect New Haven Style Pizza Recipe

1. High-Temperature Baking

Achieving the perfect New Haven style pizza requires baking at a high temperature. If your home oven doesn’t reach the desired temperature, use a pizza stone or steel to mimic the effects of a coal-fired oven.

2. Use Bread Flour

Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which contributes to the chewy texture and structure of the crust. This is essential for achieving the characteristic crispiness of New Haven style pizza.

3. Minimal Toppings

New Haven style pizza is known for its minimalist approach to toppings. Less is more when it comes to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

4. Charred Crust

Don’t be afraid of a little char. The blackened spots on the crust add a smoky flavor and authentic touch to the pizza. If you’re using a conventional oven, broiling for the last minute or two can help achieve this effect.

5. Hand-Stretching the Dough

Avoid using a rolling pin, which can deflate the dough and result in a less airy crust. Hand-stretching preserves the dough’s natural air bubbles and contributes to the overall texture.

Read more: Gyro Pizza Recipe

Pizzas made with the new haven style have various characteristics.

1. White Clam Pizza

New Haven style pizza has many variations of which white clam pizza is among the most famous one. This pizza has garlic and olive oil as the base and clams as the topping followed by grated Pecorino Romano and oregano. If you like seabass, then it is a must-have dish for you because it is prepared using seabass.

2. Margherita Pizza

For a more traditional addition try the Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil. This is a simple, yet tasty dish which allows the focus to be placed on the quality of the ingredients used.

3. Veggie Pizza

Include green mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives as the vegetarian clientele to the restaurant. It is advisable to chop the vegetables into small pieces to that they cook properly.

4. Meat Lover’s Pizza

To spice it up the pizza add toppings such as pepperoni, sausage and bacon. Finely slice meats, vegetables and cheese, so that they don’t overwhelm the base, which is the highlight of the thin crust pizza.

The nutritional values of New Haven Style Pizza Recipe include he following;

1. High-Quality Ingredients

It is worthy to note that the use of fresh and quality ingredients will not only guarantee a tasteful pizza but also his/her health. Mary’s diet also include fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lean protein thus can be regarded as healthy diet.

2. Whole Grains

A part of the dough, whole grain flour is recommended for increasing the fiber content and impart a nutty taste to the bread. Fiber from whole grains is good for bowel movement and is also healthy for the body.

3. Protein and Calcium

Cheese helps in acquiring protein necessary for body muscles, and also calcium which assists in construction of bones. For such purpose, it is recommended to use part-skim mozzarella that will significantly lower the fat intensity while aligning with the consumers’ preference in terms of texture.

4. Antioxidants

Tomatoes have good amounts of antioxidants, especially lycopene, and are good for your heart, reduces inflammation. Garlic and basil also have various benefits to health as a result of their inflammation reduction and antioxidant possibleitions.

Creative Ways to Enjoy New Haven Style Pizza Recipe

1. Pizza Party

Host a pizza party where guests can customize their own New Haven style pizzas. Provide a variety of toppings and let everyone create their own masterpieces.

2. Pizza for Breakfast

Leftover pizza makes a great breakfast. Reheat it in a skillet for a crispy crust, and consider adding a fried egg on top for a protein-packed start to your day.

3. Pizza on the Grill

For a smoky flavor, cook your New Haven style pizza on a grill. Preheat the grill to high heat, place the pizza stone on the grates, and cook as you would in the oven.

4. Pair with Wine

Enjoy your pizza with a glass of wine. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red wine like Chianti complements the flavors of New Haven style pizza beautifully.

Conclusion

New Haven Style Pizza Recipe, with its thin, crispy crust and minimalist approach to toppings, offers a unique and delicious take on traditional pizza. By following this comprehensive guide, you can create an authentic New Haven style pizza in your own kitchen. From preparing the dough and sauce to baking the pizza to perfection, each step is crucial in achieving the distinctive flavors and textures that make this style of pizza so beloved.