The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Authentic New Haven Style Pizza at Home

Introduction

New Haven style pizza, also known as “apizza,” is a beloved regional variation of the classic Neapolitan pizza. Known for its thin, charred crust and minimalistic toppings, this style of pizza has gained a cult following beyond the borders of New Haven. If you’re eager to bring the taste of this iconic pizza to your own kitchen, follow this step-by-step recipe for an authentic New Haven style pizza experience.

Ingredients

Here are the basic ingredients required to make authentic New Haven style pizza:

– 2 ¼ cups of bread flour
– ½ teaspoon of active dry yeast
– 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
– 1 cup of water
– 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes
– Fresh mozzarella
– Pecorino Romano cheese
– Extra virgin olive oil
– Fresh basil leaves
– Cornmeal for dusting

Directions

Follow these steps to create your own New Haven style pizza:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add water and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

2. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 12-14 hours.

3. Preheat your oven to the highest setting, typically around 500°F (260°C), along with a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet.

4. While the oven preheats, prepare the pizza sauce. Crush the whole peeled tomatoes by hand in a bowl, then spread them over the pizza dough to form a light layer.

5. Tear the fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute it evenly over the sauce. Grate Pecorino Romano cheese on top.

6. Sprinkle a small amount of cornmeal onto a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to prevent sticking, then transfer the pizza onto it.

7. Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly charred.

8. Once out of the oven, drizzle the pizza with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

FAQ

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for the pizza dough?
A: While bread flour contributes to the characteristic chewy texture of New Haven style pizza, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute with minor differences in texture.

Q: What is the recommended thickness for the pizza crust?
A: New Haven style pizza is renowned for its thin crust, so roll or stretch the dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness for an authentic result.

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil leaves for garnishing?
A: Fresh basil leaves contribute to the signature flavor of New Haven style pizza, but if unavailable, dried basil can be used sparingly as an alternative.

Q: Is it necessary to use a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven?
A: Yes, preheating a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet in a hot oven is essential for achieving a crispy, charred crust typical of New Haven style pizza.

Q: Can I customize the toppings on a New Haven style pizza?
A: While New Haven style pizza traditionally features minimal toppings, feel free to add your favorite ingredients to personalize your pizza while staying true to the thin crust and charred flavor characteristics.

Now that you have the recipe for crafting an authentic New Haven style pizza at home, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy the process of creating a culinary masterpiece that pays homage to a celebrated pizza tradition.