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When it comes to pizza, each state has its own unique spin on how to make it and what it tastes like. Although, at the end of the day, everything starts with the crust. It might seem simple with just a few basic ingredients, but the way chefs prepare the dough can really change up the texture and flavor. For a lot of folks, there’s nothing better than a classic thin crust pizza—especially the NYC style.
Generally, pizza crust has a few basic ingredients: flour, water, salt and yeast. However, even basic ingredients can get a bit tricky.
For instance, American farmers grow around six different types of wheat. The choice between low and high protein content impacts whether your dough will be strong or soft. Likewise, it affects its elasticity and stretchiness. Additionally, hydration, which refers to how much water you add to the dough, plays a key role in flavor and texture. Using more water can speed up fermentation but might lead to a sticky and difficult dough to handle. On the other hand, using less water usually results in a denser crust.
Of course, factors like kneading techniques, how long the dough ferments, and the cooking method can also greatly influence both texture and taste. This is why there’s such a variety of thin crust pizzas out there.
Now, let’s break down some popular types of thin crust pizzas:
This is where it all began. Originating in Naples, Italy, Neapolitan pizza features hand-tossed dough that turns into a soft, pillowy crust—perfect for using a knife and fork. They usually cook it in a wood-fired oven. Thus, it gets a nice golden look with some charred spots for flavor.
Italian immigrants brought their pizza recipes to New York City in the 1800s. However, they had to make some tweaks to fit into their new surroundings. Instead of wood-fired ovens, they used hotter coal-fired ovens, which turned the soft Neapolitan crust into the deliciously crispy NYC style that we all love now.
The history behind this one is a little hazy, but it emerged sometime after prohibition. Tavern owners whipped up this pizza to keep people hanging out longer. Forget hand-tossed dough; they roll it out super thin, making a crunchy, cracker-like crust.
This style popped up in the 1940s, thanks to a local restaurant owner named Amedeo Fiore. He developed a new recipe that skipped the yeast altogether, resulting in a dense, crispy crust. Later on, someone else introduced Provel cheese to the mix. This results in the unique St. Louis pizza we know today.
While similar to NYC-style pizza, Brooklyn-style has its own flair. Supposedly, Domino’s actually started using this term as a marketing gimmick back in 2006. Generally, Brooklyn pizza has a thinner, crispier crust compared to NYC style and often features a blend of provolone and mozzarella for a creamy topping.
In the grand scheme of things, even though people might have their regional favorites, NYC-style thin crust pizza holds the crown as America’s favorite pie. Its crust has just the right texture and flavor, and you can fold it in half for an easy bite. Plus, many pizza joints serve it by the slice, making it a super convenient meal on the go.
At Tony’s Pizza, we really know our stuff when it comes to making pizza. Our owners grew up in a traditional Italian family in Brooklyn, NY. They moved to North Carolina back in 1981 to spread the love for authentic NYC-style pizza. Today, we continue that tradition, giving you hand-tossed pizzas in a variety of sizes: 10-inch, 15-inch, 17-inch, 19-inch, and even 24-inch.
To make sure everyone can find something they love, we’ve got over 30 toppings to pick from, including classics like pepperoni and mushrooms, as well as some unique options like Kalamata olives and feta cheese.
We also have a lineup of specialty pizzas that are definitely worth a try:
And if you’re in the mood for something beyond pizza, we’ve got a bunch of tasty Italian dishes as well:
Don’t forget about our stromboli, calzones, salads, subs, and delicious Italian desserts. Plus, we have a kids’ menu with favorites that won’t break the bank, all priced at $5 or less.
If you’re craving some NYC-style thin-crust pizza, Tony’s is a great choice in the Charlotte and Hickory area. To help you know us a little better, here are some answers to common questions:
We have a bunch of locations across the Charlotte and Hickory area, so you can easily find us:
Absolutely! We love rewarding our loyal customers with a fantastic loyalty program. You can rack up free food, cash back, and special deals just for enjoying our delicious pizza.
Our gift cards are perfect for gifting, especially for those friends and family members who are tough to shop for. You can get them in any amount either through our app or at any of our Italian restaurant locations.
When it comes down to it, pizza is more than just food; it’s an experience that varies from place to place. Whether you’re going for the best crispy NYC style thin crust pizza or another tasty tidbit, there’s definitely something waiting for you at Tony’s Pizza!