New Haven–style pizza

New Haven–style pizza, also known as apizza, is a style of Neapolitan pizza common in and around New Haven, Connecticut. It originated at the Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and is now served in many other pizza restaurants in the city, most notably Sally's Apizza and Modern Apizza.

History

The style originated with the Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in 1925. Frank Pepe, an Italian immigrant, created a unique style of pizza that was a variation on the original Neapolitan style. The pizza was thin crust, cooked in a very hot brick oven until it was charred and crispy. The original pizzas were simple, with only tomato sauce, oregano, and a little bit of grated pecorino romano cheese. Over time, additional toppings were added, including the now famous white clam pizza.

Characteristics

New Haven–style pizza is characterized by a thin, crisp crust, often with charred spots, and is traditionally cooked in a coal-fired brick oven. The style includes the use of a high-gluten bread flour, which gives the crust a distinctively chewy texture.

The most famous single topping is the white clam pizza, a style that originated at Pepe's. This pizza is made with fresh clams, grated cheese, garlic, and olive oil. It is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Variations

There are several variations of New Haven–style pizza, including the "plain" pizza, a red pie with only garlic and hard cheese, and the "tomato pie", which is topped with tomato sauce and a sprinkling of hard cheese. The "mashed potato pizza" is another popular variation, which is a white pie topped with mashed potatoes, bacon, and cheese.

Influence

New Haven–style pizza has had a significant influence on the pizza industry in the United States. It has been recognized by food critics and pizza enthusiasts as some of the best pizza in the country. The style has also spread to other parts of the country, with New Haven–style pizzerias opening in cities such as New York, Boston, and San Francisco.

See also

• List of pizza varieties by country
• Pizza in the United States