Brick oven pizza has been a beloved food item for many years. The unique cooking method of brick ovens creates a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings that many people prefer over other types of pizza. But where can you find the best brick oven pizza?
One popular option is the Brick Oven Pizza Company, which has locations across the United States. Their pizzas are made with fresh dough and cooked in a stone hearth oven, resulting in a delicious thin crust. The company offers a variety of toppings and dipping sauces, making it a great option for those who want to customize their pizza.
Another option for brick oven pizza is Bertucci’s, which originated in Somerville, Massachusetts in 1981. The restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine and their brick oven pizza is a standout item on their menu. Bertucci’s uses a unique blend of flour in their dough and cooks their pizza in a brick oven for an authentic taste. With locations across the East Coast, it’s a great option for those looking for delicious brick oven pizza.
What is Brick Oven Pizza
Brick oven pizza is a type of pizza that is cooked in a brick oven. Unlike regular oven pizzas, brick oven pizzas are cooked at very high temperatures, usually around 800-1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The pizza is placed on a baking stone or a baking sheet and then it is cooked for about 60-90 seconds. This results in a pizza that has a crispy crust and is cooked all the way through.
The high heat of the brick oven also gives the pizza a unique flavor that is hard to replicate in a regular oven. The intense heat causes the crust to caramelize, creating a slightly charred and smoky flavor. This flavor is complemented by the toppings, which are cooked quickly and evenly in the high heat of the oven.
Brick oven pizzas are often made with simple, high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh basil. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through and the high heat of the oven enhances their natural flavors.
Overall, brick oven pizza is a delicious and unique type of pizza that is enjoyed by many pizza lovers around the world. Its crispy crust, smoky flavor, and simple ingredients make it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.
History of Brick Oven Pizza
Brick oven pizza has a long and storied history that dates back thousands of years. In fact, the brick oven has been used by various cultures and civilizations throughout history, and its design and use have evolved over time.
One of the earliest known examples of brick oven pizza comes from ancient Egypt, where large, dome-shaped ovens were used to cook bread and other baked goods. These ovens were made from mud and straw, and they were heated by burning wood or other combustible materials.
Over time, the design of brick ovens evolved, with different cultures and regions developing their own unique styles and techniques. In Italy, for example, brick ovens were used to cook a wide variety of foods, including bread, meats, and of course, pizza.
In the 18th century, the different cooking requirements between a commercial bakery, pizzeria, and homeowner created a split in brick oven design. The French, or Scottish oven, also known as a White Oven, features a low barrel vault, rectangular footprint and separate firing chamber below the cooking chamber. The Neapolitan oven, also known as a Black Oven, is a high dome oven with a round footprint and a single opening for both the fire and the food.
Today, brick oven pizza is enjoyed all over the world, with countless variations and styles to choose from. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita pizza, a spicy pepperoni pie, or something a little more exotic, there’s a brick oven pizza out there that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Geographical Distribution of Brick Oven Pizza
Brick oven pizza is a popular type of pizza that is cooked in a brick oven. It is known for its crispy, thin crust and well-done toppings. Brick oven pizza is widely available in many countries, but it is most popular in Italy, the United States, and Australia.
Italy
Italy is the birthplace of pizza, and brick oven pizza is a staple of Italian cuisine. In fact, the Neapolitan pizza, which is cooked in a wood-fired brick oven, is protected by the European Union’s Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) label. This means that only pizza made according to certain specifications can be called Neapolitan pizza.
United States
Brick oven pizza has become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago. Many pizzerias in the US use brick ovens to cook their pizzas because they believe it gives the pizza a unique flavor and texture. Some pizzerias even import their brick ovens from Italy to ensure authenticity.
Australia
Brick oven pizza is also popular in Australia, where it is often served in Italian restaurants and pizzerias. In fact, many of the best pizzerias in Australia use brick ovens to cook their pizzas. Brick oven pizza has become so popular in Australia that there are even pizza festivals dedicated to this type of pizza.
Overall, brick oven pizza is a popular type of pizza that is enjoyed in many countries around the world. Whether you are in Italy, the United States, or Australia, you can find delicious brick oven pizza at many pizzerias and Italian restaurants.
How Brick Oven Pizza is Made
Brick oven pizza is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made with simple ingredients, but the cooking process is what sets it apart from other types of pizza. In this section, we will discuss how brick oven pizza is made.
Ingredients
The ingredients used to make brick oven pizza are simple and include flour, water, yeast, salt, and toppings. The dough is made by mixing flour, water, yeast, and salt together. The dough is then left to rise for several hours before being rolled out into a thin crust. The crust is then topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and any other toppings desired.
Cooking Process
The cooking process is what makes brick oven pizza unique. The pizza is cooked in a brick oven that is heated to a very high temperature, usually around 800-1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The pizza is then placed on a baking stone or a baking sheet and cooked for about 60-90 seconds. This results in a pizza that has a crispy crust and is cooked all the way through.
Benefits
Cooking pizza in a brick oven has several benefits. First, the high temperature of the oven cooks the pizza quickly, resulting in a crispy crust and a perfectly cooked pizza. Second, the brick oven adds a unique flavor to the pizza that cannot be replicated in a regular home oven. Finally, brick ovens are more energy-efficient than regular ovens, which can save money on energy bills.
In conclusion, brick oven pizza is a classic dish that is made with simple ingredients but cooked in a unique way. The high temperature of the brick oven results in a crispy crust and a perfectly cooked pizza that cannot be replicated in a regular oven.
Why Brick Oven Pizza is Unique
Brick oven pizza is unique because of the way it is cooked. Unlike other types of pizza that are cooked in a conventional oven, brick oven pizza is cooked in a wood-fired brick oven. The high temperatures and unique cooking process of a brick oven result in a pizza that is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
One of the main reasons why brick oven pizza is unique is because of the way it is heated. A wood-fired brick oven can reach temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much higher than a conventional oven. The high temperatures of a brick oven cook the pizza quickly, resulting in a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.
Another reason why brick oven pizza is unique is because of the way it is cooked. The pizza is placed directly on the oven floor, which is made of bricks. The bricks absorb the heat from the fire and radiate it back to the pizza, cooking it evenly. The heat also creates a smoky flavor that is unique to brick oven pizza.
Finally, brick oven pizza is unique because of the ingredients that are used. Brick oven pizza is typically made with high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh basil. The high temperatures of the oven cook the pizza quickly, allowing the flavors of the ingredients to meld together and create a delicious and unique taste.
In summary, brick oven pizza is unique because of the way it is heated, cooked, and the ingredients that are used. The high temperatures of a wood-fired brick oven result in a pizza that is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, with a smoky flavor that is unique to brick oven pizza.
Popular Brick Oven Pizza Varieties
Brick oven pizza is a beloved dish that has been around for centuries. It is a type of pizza that is cooked in a brick oven, which gives it a unique flavor and texture. There are many different varieties of brick oven pizza, each with its own distinct characteristics. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular brick oven pizza varieties.
Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza is a classic brick oven pizza variety that originated in Naples, Italy. It is made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil. The pizza is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was visiting Naples in 1889. Legend has it that the pizza was created in her honor and was designed to represent the colors of the Italian flag. Margherita pizza is simple yet delicious, and it is a favorite among pizza lovers worldwide.
Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza is another popular brick oven pizza variety. It is made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and slices of pepperoni. Pepperoni is a type of sausage that is made from beef and pork. It is spicy and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in the pizza. Pepperoni pizza is a staple at many pizza restaurants, and it is a favorite among children and adults alike.
Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian pizza is a controversial brick oven pizza variety that has sparked many debates among pizza lovers. It is made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, and pineapple. Some people love the sweet and savory combination of flavors, while others find it to be a strange and unappetizing combination. Regardless of your opinion on Hawaiian pizza, it is a popular brick oven pizza variety that is widely available at pizza restaurants around the world.
White Pizza
White pizza is a unique brick oven pizza variety that is made without tomato sauce. Instead, it is made with a combination of mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and garlic. Some variations of white pizza may also include spinach, mushrooms, or other toppings. White pizza is a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based pizzas, and it is a favorite among pizza lovers who prefer a lighter and more delicate pizza.
In summary, brick oven pizza is a delicious and unique type of pizza that has many different varieties. From classic Margherita pizza to controversial Hawaiian pizza, there is a brick oven pizza variety for every taste and preference.
Where to Find the Best Brick Oven Pizza
If you are a pizza lover, then you know that brick oven pizza is the gold standard of pizza. The high heat of a brick oven creates a crispy crust, perfectly melted cheese, and toppings that are cooked to perfection. But where can you find the best brick oven pizza? Here are some of the top destinations for pizza lovers:
New York
New York City is known for its pizza, and for good reason. The city is home to some of the best brick oven pizza in the world. One of the most famous places to get pizza in New York is Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn. This pizzeria has been around since 1965 and is known for its thin crust pizza, fresh ingredients, and long lines. Another great option is Patsy’s Pizzeria in Harlem, which has been serving up pizza since 1933.
Naples
Naples, Italy is the birthplace of pizza, so it’s no surprise that some of the best brick oven pizza in the world can be found here. One of the most famous pizzerias in Naples is L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which has been serving up pizza since 1870. The restaurant only serves two types of pizza – margherita and marinara – but they are both delicious. Another popular option is Sorbillo, which has been around since 1935 and is known for its delicious, chewy crust.
Chicago
Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza, but the city also has some great options for brick oven pizza. One of the most popular places to get pizza in Chicago is Spacca Napoli, which serves up Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh ingredients and a crispy crust. Another great option is Coalfire Pizza, which uses coal-fired ovens to create a unique, smoky flavor.
No matter where you go, you’re sure to find delicious brick oven pizza. So why not plan a pizza tour and try some of the best pizza in the world?
Conclusion
In conclusion, brick oven pizza is a type of pizza that is cooked in a brick oven at high temperatures. The high heat from the oven gives the pizza a crispy crust and a unique flavor that cannot be replicated with other types of ovens.
Brick oven pizza has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in Italy. It has become a popular type of pizza all around the world, with many pizzerias specializing in this type of pizza.
One of the key advantages of brick oven pizza is the speed at which it is cooked. The pizza is typically cooked in just 60-90 seconds, which means that it can be served quickly and efficiently. This makes it a great option for busy restaurants or for people who are in a hurry.
Another advantage of brick oven pizza is the ability to customize it to your liking. You can choose from a wide range of toppings, sauces, and cheeses to create a pizza that is tailored to your tastes.
Overall, brick oven pizza is a delicious and unique type of pizza that is enjoyed by people all around the world. Whether you are a fan of classic Margherita pizza or you prefer something with more toppings, there is sure to be a brick oven pizza that will satisfy your cravings.