New Haven Pizza Dough Recipe
In the realm of American pizza, New Haven, Connecticut, holds an iconic status all its own. New Haven Pizza Dough Recipe, or “apizza” as the locals fondly call it, has garnered a loyal following. The secret to this legendary pizza lies not only in the toppings but, most importantly, in the pizza dough itself.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making authentic New Haven pizza dough from scratch. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or just eager to explore the world of homemade pizza, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the Elm City.
So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your pizza stone, and let’s embark on a delicious journey to discover the heart and soul of New Haven pizza.
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Check another popular Pizza Recipe on our website, called Dominos Oreo Dessert Pizza Recipe.
The Magic of New Haven Pizza Dough
New Haven pizza dough is deceptively simple, consisting of just four basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. The real magic happens during the fermentation process and the high-heat cooking in the oven.
Ingredients Required for New Haven Pizza Dough Recipe
For Pizza Dough
- 3 grams fresh yeast
- 510 grams warm water
- 17 grams kosher salt
- 750 grams bread flour
- Olive oil (for coating the bowl)
For Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano tomatoes (whole, peeled)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
For Classic
- Tomato sauce (from above)
- Dried oregano
- Olive oil
- Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
Equipment & Tools Required
- Stand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Plastic wrap
- Food processor
- Pizza peel & stone
Preparation Time: 6-8 hours (fermentation)
Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes (per pizza)
Let’s Make New Haven Pizza Dough Step by Step
1. Add 3 grams of fresh yeast to 510 grams of warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow it to sit and activate for about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine 17 grams of kosher salt with 750 grams of bread flour.
3. After the yeast mixture bubbles, add the flour and salt, then attach the dough hook to the mixer. Mix for 15 seconds until a shaggy dough forms. Allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
4. Mix on medium-high until dough is smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in an olive oil-coated bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 5-7 hours, until it quadruples in size.
5. For New Haven-style pizza sauce, Begin with a 28-ounce can of San Marzano tomatoes. Transfer the tomatoes to a food processor, add 1 tbsp. of fresh oregano, and 1.5 tsp of kosher salt. Pulse until you reach a chunky, not pureed, texture.
6. Elevate your New Haven Pizza with these toppings:
- Margherita: Tomato sauce, dried oregano, olive oil, and optional Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Cheese Lover’s: Mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano, dried oregano, and olive oil.
- Clam and Garlic: Freshly shucked clams, chopped garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
7. Hand-shaping New Haven pizza is traditional but tricky. Use fingertips to flatten the dough; for a thinner crust, try a rolling pin or dough docking.
8. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or steel inside for at least an hour. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone using a pizza peel or inverted baking sheet. Bake for 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust and cheese achieve the desired level of char and crispiness. Finish with a quick broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Your New haven style pizza dough is ready to serve.
Please watch the provided video for a more comprehensive understanding.
Paring and Serving Ideas for New Haven Pizza Dough
Pairing Ideas
1. Classic Margherita Pizza: Pair your New Haven pizza dough with simple, fresh toppings like tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
2. Arugula and Prosciutto Salad: Serve a light arugula and prosciutto salad alongside your pizza. The peppery arugula and salty prosciutto complement the savory flavors of the pizza.
3. Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with marinated olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and a variety of Italian cheeses. It’s a delightful pre-pizza appetizer.
4. Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze is a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with pizza.
5. Garlic Knots: Make garlic knots using extra pizza dough. These soft, garlic-infused rolls are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce or enjoying with your pizza.
Serving Ideas
1. Pizza Party: Host a pizza party and let your guests customize their own pizzas with a variety of toppings, including the classic, cheese, and clam pie options. Provide a selection of sauces, cheeses, and toppings for everyone to enjoy.
2. Family Dinner: Serve your New Haven-style pizza as the centerpiece of a family dinner. Pair it with a fresh salad and some Italian red wine for an authentic experience.
3. Lunch Special: Cut your pizza into smaller squares and serve it as a lunch special with a side salad. It’s a great way to enjoy leftover pizza.
4. Outdoor Picnic: Pack your freshly baked pizza for an outdoor picnic. Enjoy it with some chilled beverages and a blanket under the sun.
5. Late-Night Snack: Satisfy late-night cravings with a slice of reheated New Haven pizza. It’s the perfect comfort food for those moments when hunger strikes.
Some tips for New Haven Pizza Dough Recipe
1. Use Fresh Yeast: Whenever possible, use fresh yeast for the dough. It contributes to a better flavor and texture.
2. Accurate Measuring: Use a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Precision in measurements is crucial for consistent dough texture.
3. Quality Ingredients: Invest in high-quality ingredients, especially for the sauce. San Marzano tomatoes and genuine Pecorino Romano cheese can make a significant difference in taste.
4. Temperature Control: Maintain the water temperature at the right level for yeast activation. It should be comfortably warm but not too hot or cold.
5. Gentle Mixing: When combining the yeast, water, flour, and salt, be gentle in your mixing. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust.
6. Patience with Fermentation: Allow the dough to ferment for the recommended 5-7 hours or until it quadruples in size. This extended fermentation period enhances flavor and texture.
7. Dough Handling: Use plenty of flour when shaping the dough to prevent sticking. Remember, New Haven dough is wet, so don’t be shy with the flour.
8. Oven Preheating: Preheat your oven (with a pizza stone or steel) well in advance to ensure it’s as hot as possible. A properly heated oven is essential for achieving the characteristic charred crust.
9. Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet: If you don’t have a pizza peel, a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or semolina can be a handy alternative for transferring your pizza into the oven.
10. Turning the Pizza: For outdoor oven baking, rotate the pizza every 30 seconds to achieve even charring. Indoors, use a pizza peel or oven-safe spatula to turn the pizza during cooking.
FAQs on New Haven Pizza Dough Recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions and their short answers on New Haven Pizza Dough Recipe
1. What is the secret to New Haven pizza?
The secret to New Haven pizza lies in using high-quality ingredients, including high-gluten flour, fresh tomatoes, and pecorino romano cheese. The coal or wood-fired oven also imparts a unique smoky flavor.
2. What is the trick to good pizza dough?
The key to good pizza dough is a balance of high-quality flour, proper kneading for gluten development, adequate resting time for fermentation, and the right hydration level, typically around 60-65% water.
3. How to make pizza dough taste like a restaurant?
To make pizza dough taste like it’s from a restaurant, use high-quality flour, let it ferment in the fridge for at least 24 hours, and ensure proper kneading and stretching techniques. A hot pizza stone or pizza oven also helps achieve that restaurant-quality crust.
4. How does Gordon Ramsay make the perfect pizza dough?
Gordon Ramsay’s perfect pizza dough recipe includes strong bread flour, salt, yeast, olive oil, and water. He emphasizes using a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet in a very hot oven to achieve a crispy and flavorful crust.
5. What type of flour is best for New Haven pizza dough?
New Haven pizza dough is traditionally made with high-gluten bread flour, which contributes to its chewy and crisp texture.
6. Can I make New Haven pizza dough without a pizza stone or oven?
While a pizza stone and a hot oven are ideal for New Haven-style pizza, you can still make a delicious version in a regular home oven by using a preheated baking sheet or a cast-iron skillet.
7. How long should I knead pizza dough for the best results?
Knead pizza dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Proper kneading ensures good gluten development, resulting in a better texture.
8. What is the best way to store pizza dough for later use?
Store pizza dough in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
9. Can I make a gluten-free New Haven-style pizza dough?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of New Haven pizza dough using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may differ slightly from traditional dough.
10. What are some popular toppings for New Haven pizza?
Popular toppings for New Haven pizza include clams, garlic, mozzarella cheese, oregano, and bacon, creating a distinct white clam pie known as “apizza” in New Haven. Traditional tomato-based toppings like pepperoni and sausage are also enjoyed.
In our culinary journey through the streets of New Haven, we’ve discovered the heart and soul of the city’s iconic pizza culture. From its humble origins at the Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana to the diverse creations of modern pizzerias, New Haven pizza has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide.
So, roll up your sleeves, dust your hands with flour, and embark on your own pizza-making adventure. Share it with friends and family, and relish in the satisfaction of creating a slice of New Haven’s culinary history right at home. As they say in New Haven, “Apizza” has never tasted so good.
We always appreciate you taking the time to read this article, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for more culinary explorations. Stay Connected with celebrateandhavefun. Happy Cooking!
