New Haven-style pizza, also known as "apizza" (pronounced "ah-BEETs"), is a regional style of pizza that originated in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. It is characterized by thin, chewy, and charred crust, with a slightly charred and blistered exterior. Here are some key features that define New Haven-style pizza:
Thin Crust: New Haven-style pizza has a thin and crispy crust that is typically hand-tossed and stretched to create a slightly irregular shape. The dough is often made with high-gluten flour, resulting in a chewy texture.
Charred and Blistered Crust: The crust is cooked in a high-temperature oven, usually a coal-fired oven, resulting in a distinctive charred and blistered appearance. This imparts a smoky flavor and adds to the overall texture and character of the pizza.
Minimalist Toppings: New Haven-style pizza follows a minimalist approach to toppings. The focus is on high-quality ingredients and simplicity. The most traditional and iconic topping is a tomato sauce made with a blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. It is often spread in a thin layer over the dough.
Clam Pizza: One of the signature variations of New Haven-style pizza is the white clam pizza. It features a topping of fresh clams (typically littleneck or cherry stone clams), garlic, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, and sometimes a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The combination of briny clams and the charred crust is a unique and beloved flavor of this style.
Other Toppings: While the classic New Haven-style pizza is often enjoyed with just tomato sauce or white clam toppings, you can also find variations with additional toppings like mozzarella cheese, sausage, peppers, onions, and other traditional pizza toppings. However, purists tend to prefer the simplicity of the original style.
Cut into Rectangles: New Haven-style pizza is traditionally cut into rectangles, also known as "bar pies," rather than the typical triangular slices.
Popular Pizzerias: Some well-known pizzerias that have contributed to the fame of New Haven-style pizza include Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, and Modern Apizza. These establishments have been serving this style of pizza for several decades and have become institutions in the New Haven area.