Grab For Eats If you’re a pizza lover, the New Haven Style Pizza Recipe should definitely be on your radar. This beloved pizza, often referred to as “apizza” (pronounced “ah-beetz”), has a rich history in Connecticut and continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its thin, crispy crust and unique coal-fired oven baking method, New Haven-style pizza is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a good pie.
What Is New Haven Style Pizza and Why Is It So Popular?
New Haven-style pizza, with its iconic thin crust and deliciously charred edges, stands out from other pizza varieties. What makes it so special is the traditional method of cooking in a coal-fired oven, which creates an extra crispy crust and distinctive smoky flavor. New Haven’s famous pizzerias like Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria and Sally’s Apizza have made this style a Connecticut staple.
The pizza’s toppings are simple yet flavorful, and the combination of the crispy crust, high-quality cheese, and fresh ingredients is what keeps people coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it in New Haven or making it at home, this pizza will impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients for New Haven Style Pizza Recipe
Making New Haven-style pizza at home is easier than you might think. Here’s what you’ll need to create this pizza masterpiece:
For the Toppings:
- ¾ Cup Fresh Clams: Fresh clams are a signature topping for New Haven-style pizza, adding a savory oceanic flavor.
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley: A touch of fresh parsley brings brightness and color to the pizza.
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano: Adds that quintessential herby pizza flavor.
- 4 Cloves Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and aroma to the pizza.
- 2 Tbsp Cornmeal: Used for dusting the pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- ½ Cup Parmesan: This hard cheese adds an extra layer of flavor on top of the mozzarella.
- 1 Tbsp Crushed Red Chili: A little kick of heat from the chili flakes is a perfect balance to the other toppings.
- ½ Tsp Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
- ¾ Cup Shredded Mozzarella: The gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cheese that binds everything together.
- ½ Cup Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps bring out all the flavors in the toppings.
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ Cups All-Purpose Flour: The base for your pizza dough.
- 1 ½ Tsp Dry Yeast: Activates the dough for the perfect rise.
- 1 Tsp Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough.
- 1 Tsp Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the dough.
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil: For making the dough soft and pliable.
- ¾ Cup Warm Water: Warm water activates the yeast and helps the dough rise.
Utensils Required for New Haven Style Pizza Recipe
To make your pizza, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large Mixing Bowls: For combining your dough and toppings.
- Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet: For transferring the pizza into the oven.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the pizza dough evenly.
- Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For slicing your pizza after it’s baked.
- Dough Scraper (optional): To help handle and shape the dough easily.
- Oven Mitts: For handling the hot pizza when it comes out of the oven.
How to Make New Haven Style Pizza Recipe at Home
Making your own New Haven Style Pizza Recipe is a fun and rewarding experience! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you craft your perfect pizza at home:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 650°F or its highest setting. If you’re using a pizza stone or steel, make sure it’s preheated as well.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine sugar, yeast, and warm water. Whisk the mixture for about a minute to activate the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to foam up.
Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the flour and kosher salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until everything is combined.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead it for 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough texture. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, this step is even easier.
Step 5: Grease another bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: While the dough is rising, prepare the toppings. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, and chopped clams with their juice. Stir the mixture and refrigerate until needed.
Step 7: Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a flour-dusted surface and roll it out into a 14-inch circle. Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
Step 8: Start assembling the pizza. First, spread the shredded mozzarella on the dough. Then, add the clam mixture evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with parmesan, kosher salt, crushed red chili, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley.
Step 9: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, drizzle the pizza with a bit of olive oil for extra flavor.
Step 10: Once the pizza is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with New Haven Style Pizza Recipe
Pairing your New Haven Style Pizza Recipe with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Buffalo Wings: The spicy and crispy wings complement the savory flavors of the pizza.
- Jalapeño Poppers: Add a bit of heat and crunch alongside your pizza.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Because who doesn’t love more cheese?
- Green Beans: A light, crisp vegetable to balance the richness of the pizza.
- Spicy Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings with a spicy kick are a perfect side.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, creamy salad to pair with the pizza’s bold flavors.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy dip for a satisfying side dish.
- Baked Potato Salad: A comforting, hearty side that pairs beautifully with pizza.
When to Serve New Haven Style Pizza Recipe
The New Haven Style Pizza Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering. Here are some great times to enjoy this delicious pizza:
- Super Bowl Sunday: Gather your friends and serve up this pizza for the big game!
- Family Dinners: A fun and tasty dinner that everyone will enjoy.
- Pizza Parties: Make your own pizza night by letting everyone top their pizzas with their favorites.
- Holiday Gatherings: Serve it up for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any festive occasion.
- Birthdays: Everyone loves pizza at birthday parties, and this New Haven-style pie will definitely impress.
Simple to Make New Haven Style Pizza Recipe – A Slice of Connecticut Tradition
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowls
- Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet
- Rolling Pin
- Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter
- Dough Scraper optional
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
For Toppings
- ¾ cup fresh clams
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsps cornmeal
- ½ cup parmesan
- 1 tbsp crushed red chili
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup mozzarella shredded
- ½ cup olive oil
For Dough
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose
- 1 ½ tsps dry yeast
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 650°F or its highest setting. If you’re using a pizza stone or steel, make sure it’s preheated as well.
- In a bowl, combine sugar, yeast, and warm water. Whisk the mixture for about a minute to activate the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to foam up.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour and kosher salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until everything is combined.
- Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead it for 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough texture. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, this step is even easier.
- Grease another bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the toppings. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, and chopped clams with their juice. Stir the mixture and refrigerate until needed.
- Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a flour-dusted surface and roll it out into a 14-inch circle. Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
- Start assembling the pizza. First, spread the shredded mozzarella on the dough. Then, add the clam mixture evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with parmesan, kosher salt, crushed red chili, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, drizzle the pizza with a bit of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Once the pizza is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Use high-quality flour for the best dough texture and flavor.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking. A super-hot oven is key to achieving that crispy, charred crust.
- Roll the dough thin to get that signature New Haven-style crispy texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the dough. Letting it rise properly ensures the perfect crust.
- Experiment with toppings—while clams are traditional, you can add pepperoni, sausage, or veggies for your own twist.
Nutrition
Wrap-Up: Enjoy a Slice of a Connecticut Classic with this New Haven Style Pizza Recipe!
The New Haven Style Pizza Recipe is a true Connecticut classic that’s deliciously crispy and full of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it at a family gathering or serving it up for a Super Bowl party, this pizza is sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this iconic pizza at home and enjoy a taste of New Haven wherever you are!
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