Neapolitan Vs. Brick Oven Pizza: A Taste Test With Surprising Results

Pizza, a culinary wonder that has captivated taste buds worldwide, comes in various styles, each with its unique charm. Among the most popular are Neapolitan and brick oven pizzas, both offering distinct experiences that leave pizza lovers enthralled. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of Neapolitan vs. brick oven pizza, exploring their differences, similarities, and the factors that make them both exceptional choices for pizza enthusiasts.

Neapolitan Pizza: A Culinary Masterpiece

Neapolitan pizza, originating from the vibrant city of Naples, Italy, holds a special place in the culinary world. Its history dates back centuries, and its preparation adheres to strict guidelines set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), an organization dedicated to preserving the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza.

Key Characteristics of Neapolitan Pizza:

• Dough: Neapolitan pizza dough is made from a simple mixture of flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is kneaded by hand and left to rise for at least 24 hours, resulting in a light, airy texture.

• Sauce: The sauce for Neapolitan pizza is made from fresh San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Vesuvius. The tomatoes are crushed by hand and seasoned with salt, basil, and oregano.

• Cheese: Traditional Neapolitan pizza uses only fresh mozzarella cheese made from cow’s milk. The cheese is thinly sliced and evenly distributed over the pizza.

• Cooking Method: Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures (around 900°F) for 60 to 90 seconds. This rapid cooking method results in a pizza with a crispy crust and a soft, chewy center.

Brick Oven Pizza: A Culinary Delight

Brick oven pizza, also known as American-style pizza, has its roots in the early 20th century when Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the United States. Brick oven pizzas are typically cooked in ovens made from firebrick, which retains heat exceptionally well, resulting in a crispy, evenly cooked pizza.

Key Characteristics of Brick Oven Pizza:

• Dough: Brick oven pizza dough is similar to Neapolitan pizza dough, but it may contain additional ingredients like sugar, oil, or herbs. The dough is kneaded by hand or machine and left to rise for a shorter period, resulting in a thicker, chewier crust.

• Sauce: Brick oven pizza sauce can vary widely, from classic tomato sauce to more creative options like pesto, Alfredo, or barbecue sauce.

• Cheese: Brick oven pizzas can use various cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses. The cheese is typically shredded and sprinkled over the pizza.

• Cooking Method: Brick oven pizzas are cooked in a brick oven at temperatures ranging from 600°F to 800°F for several minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the crust and the desired level of doneness.

Similarities Between Neapolitan and Brick Oven Pizza

Despite their differences, Neapolitan and brick oven pizzas share some commonalities:

• Fresh Ingredients: Both styles of pizza emphasize the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a flavorful and authentic taste.

• Wood-Fired or Brick Oven Cooking: Both Neapolitan and brick oven pizzas are traditionally cooked in wood-fired or brick ovens, which impart a unique smoky flavor to the pizza.

• Versatile Toppings: Both styles of pizza can be topped with a wide variety of ingredients, allowing for endless flavor combinations and customization.

Differences Between Neapolitan and Brick Oven Pizza

The key differences between Neapolitan and brick oven pizza lie in their dough, sauce, cheese, and cooking methods:

• Dough: Neapolitan pizza dough is thinner and more delicate, while brick oven pizza dough is thicker and chewier.

• Sauce: Neapolitan pizza sauce is made from fresh San Marzano tomatoes and seasoned with a few simple ingredients, while brick oven pizza sauce can vary widely in terms of ingredients and flavors.

• Cheese: Neapolitan pizza traditionally uses fresh mozzarella cheese, while brick oven pizzas can use various cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses.

• Cooking Method: Neapolitan pizza is cooked at extremely high temperatures for a short period, resulting in a crispy crust and a soft, chewy center, while brick oven pizza is cooked at lower temperatures for a longer period, resulting in a thicker, crispier crust.

Which Pizza Is Better: Neapolitan or Brick Oven?

The question of which pizza is better, Neapolitan or brick oven, is a matter of personal preference. Both styles offer unique experiences and cater to different tastes. Neapolitan pizza is known for its light, airy crust and simple, yet flavorful toppings, while brick oven pizza offers a thicker, chewier crust and a wider variety of toppings and flavors. Ultimately, the best pizza is the one that satisfies your taste buds and brings you the most enjoyment.

Key Points: A Culinary Journey of Discovery

Neapolitan and brick oven pizzas represent two distinct culinary traditions that have captivated pizza lovers worldwide. While they differ in their dough, sauce, cheese, and cooking methods, they both offer exceptional flavor experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity and authenticity of Neapolitan pizza or the versatility and variety of brick oven pizza, there is a pizza out there to satisfy your cravings. So, embark on a culinary journey of discovery and explore the world of Neapolitan vs. brick oven pizza, savoring the unique flavors and textures that each style has to offer.

What You Need to Learn

1. What is the main difference between Neapolitan and brick oven pizza?

The main difference between Neapolitan and brick oven pizza lies in their dough, sauce, cheese, and cooking methods. Neapolitan pizza has a thinner, more delicate crust, while brick oven pizza has a thicker, chewier crust. Neapolitan pizza sauce is made from fresh San Marzano tomatoes and seasoned with a few simple ingredients, while brick oven pizza sauce can vary widely in terms of ingredients and flavors. Neapolitan pizza traditionally uses fresh mozzarella cheese, while brick oven pizzas can use various cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses. Neapolitan pizza is cooked at extremely high temperatures for a short period, resulting in a crispy crust and a soft, chewy center, while brick oven pizza is cooked at lower temperatures for a longer period, resulting in a thicker, crispier crust.

2. Which pizza is healthier: Neapolitan or brick oven?

Both Neapolitan and brick oven pizzas can be healthy choices, depending on the ingredients used. Neapolitan pizza is generally considered to be healthier due to its thinner crust and simpler toppings, which result in lower calories and fat content. However, brick oven pizza can also be made healthy by using whole-wheat dough, fresh vegetables, and lean protein toppings.

3. What are some popular toppings for Neapolitan and brick oven pizza?

Neapolitan pizza is typically topped with simple, yet flavorful ingredients such as fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Brick oven pizza offers a wider variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and various cheeses. The possibilities are endless, allowing for endless flavor combinations and customization.