Pizza v. Pizza - Exploring the differences between New Jersey Style Pizza & Traditional Neapolitan Pizza

by Sebastian Falvo March 22, 2024

In the vast universe of pizza, there exists a rich tapestry of regional styles, each with its own distinctive flavors, techniques, and cultural significance. Two such styles that stand out prominently are New Jersey Style Pizza and Traditional Neapolitan Pizza. While both are beloved by pizza aficionados worldwide, they each boast unique characteristics that set them apart. Let’s dive into the delicious world of these two iconic pizzas and explore their differences.

New Jersey Style Pizza: A Slice of American Ingenuity

New Jersey Style Pizza, often referred to as "Jersey Style" or "New York Style" due to its close proximity to New York City, embodies the quintessential American pizza experience. Characterized by its large, thin, and foldable slices, New Jersey Style Pizza is renowned for its crispy crust, generous toppings, and gooey cheese. Certainly!

One cannot delve into the world of New Jersey pizza without paying homage to the iconic Jersey Tomato Pie. A culinary gem synonymous with the Garden State's rich agricultural heritage, the Jersey Tomato Pie holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Unlike traditional pizzas, the Jersey Tomato Pie features a unique composition, with a thin, crispy crust topped with a generous layer of fresh, vibrant tomato sauce seasoned with a hint of basil and garlic. The tomatoes, often sourced from local farms at the peak of ripeness, infuse the pie with a burst of flavor that encapsulates the essence of summer. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, each bite is a celebration of simplicity and quality ingredients—a true testament to the culinary prowess of the Garden State.

The crust of a New Jersey Style Pizza is typically hand-tossed and stretched to achieve a thin, yet sturdy base that provides the perfect canvas for an array of toppings. Common toppings include classic favorites such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers, but the possibilities are endless, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of the United States.

One defining feature of New Jersey Style Pizza is its cooking method. Traditionally baked in gas-fired or deck ovens at high temperatures, this results in a crispy crust with a slight chewiness, offering a delightful contrast of textures with every bite. It’s often enjoyed on the go, folded in half for easy consumption while navigating the bustling streets of cities like Newark, Trenton, or Jersey City.

Traditional Neapolitan Pizza:

On the other side of the culinary spectrum lies Traditional Neapolitan Pizza, a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure that traces its roots back to the bustling streets of Naples, Italy. This pizza is a testament to simplicity, relying on a handful of high-quality ingredients to create an unparalleled gastronomic experience.

Neapolitan Pizza starts with a soft and elastic dough made from highly refined Italian flour, natural yeast, salt, and water. This dough is hand-kneaded and left to rise for hours, resulting in a light and airy crust with a puffy edge, known as the cornicione. Unlike its American counterpart, Neapolitan Pizza is smaller in size, typically around 10-12 inches in diameter, and features a soft and slightly wet center.

When it comes to toppings, less is more in the world of Neapolitan Pizza. The classic Margherita pizza, adorned with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt, exemplifies the simplicity and elegance of Neapolitan cuisine. Across the diverse culinary landscape of Italy, the variations in pizza toppings are as plentiful as the regions themselves, each offering a unique glimpse into the local flavors and traditions. In Naples, the birthplace of pizza, simplicity reigns supreme with classics like the Margherita, adorned with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Traveling north to Rome, pizza toppings take on a heartier and more robust character, with favorites like the Pizza Romana featuring savory combinations of prosciutto, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives. In Sicily, the influence of Mediterranean cuisine shines through with toppings such as anchovies, capers, and locally-grown vegetables like eggplant and zucchini, adding a burst of bold flavors to each slice. As one ventures further across the Italian peninsula, from the sun-drenched shores of Puglia to the picturesque hills of Tuscany, regional specialties such as fresh seafood, wild mushrooms, truffles, and cured meats make their mark on pizza toppings, offering a tantalizing array of culinary experiences that reflect the diverse landscapes and culinary traditions of Italy.

The pizza is then baked in a wood-fired oven at temperatures reaching over 800°F, resulting in a blistered crust and a burst of flavors that pay homage to the rich culinary heritage of Naples.

While New Jersey Style Pizza and Traditional Neapolitan Pizza may seem worlds apart, they both share a common thread—their ability to bring people together through the universal language of food. Whether you find yourself savoring a slice of Jersey Style Pizza at a bustling pizzeria in Hoboken or indulging in the authentic flavors of Neapolitan Pizza on the streets of Naples, each bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the enduring power of culinary craftsmanship.

In the end, whether you prefer the crispy crunch of a New Jersey Style slice or the delicate simplicity of a Traditional Neapolitan pie, one thing remains certain—pizza has the remarkable ability to transcend borders, cultures, and palates, uniting us all in a shared love for one of the world’s most beloved culinary creations. So, the next time you find yourself pondering the age-old question of New Jersey Style vs. Neapolitan Pizza, remember that no matter which side of the culinary divide you fall on, you’re bound to embark on a delicious journey that celebrates the artistry of pizza-making in all its forms. Buon appetito!