If you've never had a New York City style pizza, you're definitely missing out! Created to be taken on the go, this iconic pie features a foldable body and super crispy crust. Modeled after the classic Neapolitan pizza, the New York style pizza recipe is a modern day icon. Today, we'd like to go over the specifics of NY style pizza and dive deeper into its history and variations. We'll also go over nutritional values as well as restaurants where you can get a slice of your own!

Who Made the First New York Style Pizza?

As with many popular dishes, there are several schools of thought when the origin of the NY pizza is in question. However, the most popular theory is that the NY pizza originated in Gennaro Lombardi's grocery store. The year was 1905. Manhattan workers were looking for something quick, easy, and portable to take to work. Gennaro saw this opportunity, so he started selling tomato pie slices in his grocery store on Spring Street. The slices were delicious, they were big, and they checked all the boxes. Word quickly got around and the first American pizzeria was born! The pies were thin crust pizzas topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese and baked in coal fired ovens. Very quickly these slices of pizza became a NYC staple food, and not just among the working class! Decades later, we still have the privilege of enjoying them.

What Toppings Are on New York Pizza?

New York pizza, renowned for its classic simplicity, typically features a few key toppings that make it stand out. To create this iconic pizza, a base of high-quality bread flour is used to craft a thin, slightly crispy crust. The essential toppings include a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully and forms a gooey, flavorful base. Next comes the rich tomato pizza sauce, carefully spread to provide a balanced tomato flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. Pepperoni is one of the most popular choices for those who love a little spice and a savory kick. The thinly sliced pepperoni is placed strategically on top of the cheese, and it crisps up beautifully during baking, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. While pepperoni is a staple, New York pizza is also open to customization. You can opt for additional toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or sausage, but simplicity remains the heart of this style. Each topping complements the others, creating a harmonious flavor profile that makes New York pizza a timeless favorite. In essence, New York pizza is all about the balance of flavors and the quality of ingredients, resulting in a slice that's a perfect blend of cheese, sauce, and toppings atop that signature thin, foldable crust.

Is New York Pizza Healthy?

A classic slice of New York Cheese pizza contains approximately 285-320 calories. Out of them, 10-12 grams are fat, 36-38 grams are carbohydrates, and 10-12 grams are protein. While it provides some protein and carbohydrates, the high calorie and fat content can be a concern if consumed in excess. The thin crust helps maintain lower calorie counts than thicker styles, but portion control is key! In moderation, New York pizza can be enjoyed, but it's not a nutrient-dense meal. To make it slightly healthier, you can consider adding vegetable toppings and choosing a whole wheat crust!

New York Style Pizza Restaurants Near Me

Now that you know more about New York style pizza, we're sure you're craving a slice of your own! Here are some of our restaurant recommendations outside of NYC! In Baltimore, we'd like to highlight Eato's Pizza. For everybody in Chicago, Jet's Pizza is an excellent choice! Finally, if you're in Philly, give Villagio a try.