The next time you order a slice of cheese pizza–remember how amazing cheese really.
On top of being crave-worthy, cheese also has all sorts of health benefits. It’s full of calcium, protein, and zinc, and can even lower blood pressure.
Of course, plain cheese pizza can get a little bit boring though. If you’d like to take your pizza-eating experience to the next level, this article’s for you. We’ll be talking about New York Style Pizza, and how to make them taste better than ever before.
What should go on top of your next slice? Read on to find out.
1. Bring On the Meats
If you’re a meat-lover, there are many tasty combos you can take advantage of.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite meats for New York style pizza:
- Pepperoni
- Buffalo chicken
- Prosciutto
- Sausage
- Barbecue chicken
- Canadian bacon
- Hot soppressata
- Salami
Almost any meat you can think of goes excellent on pizza, but the ones on the list above pack the best flavorful punch. Pepperoni is, of course, the pizza classic, and it pairs well with the thin crust of New York style slices.
Hot soppressata is a close runner-up for pepperoni. The deep profile flavors of the Southern Italian pepperoni can help bring the cheeses alive. If you want something with an extra kick to it, then we suggest using some type of Buffalo-flavored meat.
Buffalo chicken is one of our favorites since it’s soft, spicy, and pears perfectly with cheese. If chicken isn’t your style, you could always go with an excellent spicy salami too.
You’ll want to narrow down your meat choices to 1-3 at the very most. Since New York pizzas have a light crust, you have to avoid overloading them with toppings.
In other words, you can’t make into a supreme or meat lover. New york style pizza dough is thin and delicate, not hearty. To enjoy the delicacy that New York pie has to offer, we suggest picking one meat and then moving on to the next topping.
However, you know you’re on taste buds the best.
If meat is the main attraction for you when it comes to pizza, don’t be afraid to pick out your favorite triple dipper combo like pepperoni, ham, and sausage— you know, all of the favorites.
2. Perfect Vegetable Pairings
Do you want to add in veggies? You can use any veggies you want, but some will pair better with the mozzarella cheeses than others.
Here’s a shortlist of some of the best veggies to add to New York pizza:
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Artichoke hearts
- Black olives
- Peppers
- Roasted red peppers
Don’t worry about pre-cooking your veggies before tossing them onto the pizza. They’ll get plenty of bake time while the dough is cooking in the oven. When choosing veggies, remember to go easy.
Again, since the crust is light, you don’t want to weigh it down with too many toppings. We suggest getting a blend of colors when it comes to your vegetables.
For instance, spinach, roasted red peppers, and black olives give you 3 different flavor profiles and colors. The splash of colors makes the pizza look even tastier, and it’s good for your health. Nutritionists recommend eating a blend of vegetable colors to get the most nutrients.
3. Low Moisture Mozzarella
Mozzarella is hands down the best cheese for New York style, especially from Wiseguy Pizza. Low moisture mozzarella cheese works well since it has low water content. This type of cheese is aged, extended, and it keeps the crust from getting soggy.
You’ll also find that low moisture mozzarella has an enjoyable flavor that’s a combination of salty and almost spicy. If you want a different taste, you can break away from tradition.
Here’s a list of other cheeses that you should consider baking with:
- White cheddar
- Havarti
- Monterey jack
- Provolone
You want to steer clear of any cheeses that have overly spicy flavors, such as having habanero. Strong cheeses are going to draw too much attention to themselves. Instead, you want to cheese that’s a team player–one that’s willing to pull its weight, without stealing the show.
Monterey jack, white cheddar, provolone, and havarti are beautiful substitutes for dry mozzarella. These cheeses will pair well with your pizza crust and sauce.
4. More Cheese Blends
Why not go with a yellow cheddar? It’s all just about appearance.
New York pizza isn’t supposed to look like traditional pizza; the cheese should be lighter. A white cheddar will give you the same flavor as a yellow one, and the pie will still look classic.
Did you want to go for a more creamy, rich pie? If you want the pie to be a bit heartier and cheesier, consider doing a blend.
You could blend Colby, Monterey Jack, white cheddar, and even Gouda for a super-rich pie. If you want the pizza to have a slightly pungent taste, consider adding a contrasting cheese like goat cheese or sharp parmesan. Asiago and gorgonzola can also shine, but it’s going to change the profile of your pizza completely.
Keep in mind the more you veer away from traditional mozzarella, the more your pizza is going to transform. If you’re looking for a classic New York style pizza experience, stick with the low moisture mozzarella cheese.
Temperature Tip
When it comes time to cook your pie, make sure you don’t set the oven temperature too low. If the temperature is too low, you’ll wind up with a soggy crust and overcooked toppings. The cheese will melt just fine, but the overall slice will leave a lot to be desired.
Where’s the oven sweet spot? The best temperature for New York pizza tends to be 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Start Making New York Style Pizza
Are you ready to start making your very own New York style pizza? Or maybe you’re going to search for a pizza joint nearby that can deliver! Whatever the case may be, it’s time to start picking your toppings.
Since the crust is thin on a New York pie, you’ll want to narrow down your toppings to 3 items (not including cheese). Will you go all-in on the meats? What about the veggies?
Make your choice now so that your next meal can be a tasty one. For more tasty tips, explore the rest of our blog.
