Baltimore style pizza is a unique twist on the traditional New York-style pizza that has become a staple in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.
This style of pizza is characterised by its crispy, slightly sweet crust and tangy sauce. To help you out, we have a curated guide covering everything you need to know about Baltimore Style Pizza.
Origins of Baltimore Style Pizza
The origins of Baltimore style pizza can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants settled in the city. These immigrants brought with them their traditional pizza-making techniques but adapted them to suit the local palate. Over time, Baltimore-style pizza evolved to become a distinct style of its own.
In Adelphi, Maryland, Ledo Pizza established its first restaurant in 1955. The establishment served Baltimore-style pizza, which went by the name Ledo Restaurant at the time. Ledo Pizza is still in business, and it serves delicious Baltimore Style Pizza even to this day.
One of the defining characteristics of Baltimore style pizza is the crust. Unlike traditional New York-style pizza, Baltimore style pizza has a thicker, bread-like crust. This crust is achieved by using a dough that has a higher hydration level, resulting in a lighter, airier texture. Additionally, the crust is often brushed with a mixture of olive oil and sugar before baking, giving it a slightly sweet flavour.
Another distinguishing feature of Baltimore style pizza is the sauce. This sauce is typically made with canned tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices, giving it a tangy flavour that balances well with the sweetness of the crust. The cheese used on Baltimore style pizza is usually a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
How to make Baltimore Style Pizza
Baltimore style pizza distinctive and mouthwatering variation of traditional Italian pizza. This kind of pizza is renowned for its hefty toppings and thick, soft crust.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (one pound)
- Tomato sauce (one cup)
- Sliced mushrooms (one cup)
- Sliced bell peppers (one cup)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (one cup)
- Sliced black olives (one cup)
- Sliced onions (one cup)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper as desired
Instructions
- First of all, set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Then roll out the pizza dough upon a floured surface
- Roll the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/2 inch
- Place the dough on a buttered baking sheet
- Leave a 1/2 inch margin around the edge of the dough as you equally distribute the tomato sauce over it
- Smear the mozzarella cheese over the sauce
- After that, arrange the cheese on top of the sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives
- Add some olive oil to the pizza and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes
- Keep baking until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the dough is golden brown
Take out the pizza and let it cool for a few minutes. Cutting and serve as per your liking and enjoy your tasty Baltimore Style Pizza!
Difference between Baltimore Style Pizza and Neapolitan Pizza
Pizza is a beloved dish worldwide, and it comes in various styles depending on the region, the ingredients, and the cooking method. Baltimore Style Pizza and Neapolitan Pizza may look similar at first glance, but they have distinct differences in terms of crust, toppings, and flavours.
Baltimore Style Pizza is a unique and lesser-known pizza style that originated in Baltimore, Maryland. This pizza has a thin and crispy crust that is slightly sweet and seasoned with a sprinkle of oregano. The crust is made using a blend of flour, water, yeast, and vegetable oil, which gives it a unique flavour and texture.
Additionally, the cheese used in Baltimore Style Pizza is usually a blend of mozzarella and provolone, which gives it a creamy and tangy taste. The sauce is made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and spices, and it has a sweet and slightly tangy taste that complements the crust and cheese.
In contrast, Neapolitan Pizza originated in Naples, Italy, and is considered classic. The crust of Neapolitan Pizza is thick and chewy, with a slightly charred and blistered exterior that results from being cooked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature. The crust is made using simple ingredients, such as flour, water, salt, and yeast, and it has a mild and slightly sour taste.
The cheese used in Neapolitan Pizza is mozzarella, which has a soft and silky texture. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, known for their tangy and sweet taste. Additionally, it is usually seasoned with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Another significant difference between Baltimore Style Pizza and Neapolitan Pizza is the toppings. Baltimore Style Pizza offers a variety of toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions. However, the most popular topping is crab meat, which is a nod to Maryland’s seafood culture. The crab meat is usually seasoned with Old Bay, a blend of spices that is popular in the region.
On the other hand, Neapolitan Pizza has a limited selection of toppings, and they focus on the quality of the ingredients rather than the quantity. The most popular topping is Margherita, which is made with fresh basil, mozzarella, and San Marzano tomato sauce.
Baltimore Style Pizza and Neapolitan Pizza are two distinct pizza styles that offer different tastes and experiences. Baltimore Style Pizza is known for its thin and crispy crust, creamy cheese blend, sweet and tangy sauce, and unique crab meat topping. On the other hand, Neapolitan Pizza is known for its thick and chewy crust. It also features fresh mozzarella cheese, sweet and tangy San Marzano tomato sauce, and simple yet delicious Margherita topping. Whether you prefer one over the other, both pizza styles are worth trying and enjoying for their unique flavours and cultural significance.
Conclusion
Thus, Baltimore style pizza is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza. With its sweet, crispy crust and tangy sauce, it’s no wonder this pizza style has become a beloved choice for pizza lovers.
We hope our article has helped you out by informing you of everything you need to know about Baltimore Style Pizza.
