The world of pizza is a vast and wondrous place, full of different styles, toppings, and cooking techniques. From the classic Neapolitan to the modern artisanal, there’s a type of pizza out there for everyone. But have you ever heard of the Brooklyn upside-down pizza? This unique and delicious style of pizza has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Brooklyn upside-down pizza, its history, and what makes it so special.
A Brief History of the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza
The Brooklyn upside-down pizza has its roots in the classic Sicilian-style pizza that originated in, you guessed it, Sicily. This style of pizza was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century and quickly gained popularity in cities like New York and Chicago. The Brooklyn upside-down pizza is a variation of this style, with a few key differences that set it apart from its Sicilian cousin.
The Origins of the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza
The Brooklyn upside-down pizza is said to have originated in the 1960s in Brooklyn, New York. At the time, pizzerias in the area were looking for ways to differentiate themselves from the competition and create a unique selling point. One pizzeria, in particular, is credited with inventing the Brooklyn upside-down pizza: the famous Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitana.
Totonno’s was founded in 1924 by Anthony Totonno, a Sicilian immigrant who brought his pizza-making skills with him to the United States. Over the years, Totonno’s became famous for its classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, but it was the Brooklyn upside-down pizza that really put the pizzeria on the map.
How the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza Was Born
According to legend, the Brooklyn upside-down pizza was born out of necessity. One day, a customer came into Totonno’s and asked for a pizza with a thick crust, but without the sauce on top. The pizzaiolo (pizza maker) at the time, a man named Jerry, decided to try something new. He placed the cheese on the bottom of the crust, followed by the sauce, and then the toppings. The result was a pizza that was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before.
The customer loved the pizza, and soon, word began to spread about the unique new style of pizza at Totonno’s. Before long, the Brooklyn upside-down pizza was born, and it quickly became a staple of the pizzeria’s menu.
What Makes the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza So Special?
So, what makes the Brooklyn upside-down pizza so special? For starters, the crust is thicker and crunchier than a traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. This is because the crust is cooked in a pan, rather than on a stone, which gives it a crispy texture on the bottom.
The cheese is also a key component of the Brooklyn upside-down pizza. Instead of being placed on top of the sauce, the cheese is placed on the bottom of the crust, where it melts and becomes gooey. This creates a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before.
But the real magic happens when you add the sauce. Instead of being spread on top of the cheese, the sauce is placed on top of the toppings. This creates a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the cheese and toppings perfectly.
The Toppings: A Key Component of the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza
The toppings are also a key component of the Brooklyn upside-down pizza. Because the sauce is on top, the toppings need to be able to hold their own. That’s why you’ll often find hearty toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms on a Brooklyn upside-down pizza.
But the toppings aren’t just limited to meats and vegetables. You’ll also find a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta. And of course, no Brooklyn upside-down pizza would be complete without a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.
A Closer Look at the Toppings
Here are a few of the most popular toppings you’ll find on a Brooklyn upside-down pizza:
- Sausage: A classic topping, sausage adds a spicy kick to the pizza.
- Pepperoni: Another classic topping, pepperoni adds a smoky flavor to the pizza.
- Mushrooms: A hearty topping, mushrooms add an earthy flavor to the pizza.
- Onions: Whether you prefer raw or caramelized onions, they add a sweet and tangy flavor to the pizza.
- Bell Peppers: Green or red, bell peppers add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the pizza.
How to Make a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza at Home
While it’s always best to try a Brooklyn upside-down pizza at a pizzeria, you can also make one at home. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Toppings of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Place the dough in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust.
- Add your toppings of choice.
- Spread the tomato sauce on top of the toppings.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Brooklyn upside-down pizza at home:
- Use a high-quality pizza dough that’s been allowed to rise for at least 24 hours.
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings. Remember, the sauce is on top, so you want to be able to taste all the flavors.
- Use a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. The Brooklyn upside-down pizza is all about experimentation and trying new things.
A Few Variations to Try
Here are a few variations to try when making a Brooklyn upside-down pizza at home:
- The “Meat Lover’s” Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza: Load up on the meats, including sausage, pepperoni, and bacon.
- The “Veggie Lover’s” Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza: Load up on the vegetables, including mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
- The “White” Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza: Omit the tomato sauce and load up on the cheese and toppings.
Conclusion
The Brooklyn upside-down pizza is a unique and delicious twist on the classic favorite. With its thick crust, gooey cheese, and sweet and tangy sauce, it’s a pizza that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you try it at a pizzeria or make it at home, the Brooklyn upside-down pizza is a must-try for any pizza lover. So next time you’re in the mood for something new and exciting, give the Brooklyn upside-down pizza a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
What is the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza?
The Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza is a unique twist on the classic favorite, originating from Brooklyn, New York. This style of pizza flips the traditional pizza-making process on its head by placing the toppings at the bottom of the crust, followed by a thick layer of cheese and then the sauce on top.
This innovative approach to pizza-making creates a distinctive flavor profile and texture that sets it apart from traditional pizzas. The toppings, which are usually placed on top of the cheese, are instead cooked into the crust, creating a crispy, caramelized crust that complements the gooey cheese and tangy sauce.
How did the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza originate?
The Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza is believed to have originated in the 1930s in Brooklyn, New York, where Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making traditions with them. Over time, local pizzerias began experimenting with different techniques, leading to the creation of this unique style.
The exact origin of the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza is unclear, but it’s thought to have been popularized by local pizzerias in Brooklyn, such as Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitana, which has been serving this style of pizza since 1924. Today, the Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza remains a beloved favorite among locals and visitors alike.
What are the key ingredients of a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza?
A traditional Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza typically consists of a thick, crispy crust, a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses, and a variety of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions. The sauce, made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes, is spread on top of the cheese, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
The key to a great Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza is the quality of the ingredients, particularly the cheese and sauce. A good pizzeria will use high-quality, fresh ingredients to create a pizza that’s both flavorful and textured.
How is a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza cooked?
A Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza is typically cooked in a brick oven at high temperatures, usually between 500°F to 600°F. The pizza is cooked for a short amount of time, usually around 10-15 minutes, to create a crispy crust and a well-cooked topping.
The cooking process is crucial to creating the distinctive flavor and texture of a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza. The high heat and short cooking time help to caramelize the crust and create a crispy texture that complements the gooey cheese and tangy sauce.
What are the benefits of a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza?
One of the benefits of a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza is its unique flavor profile, which is created by the reversal of the traditional pizza-making process. The toppings, which are usually placed on top of the cheese, are instead cooked into the crust, creating a crispy, caramelized crust that complements the gooey cheese and tangy sauce.
Another benefit of a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza is its texture, which is both crispy and gooey at the same time. The crust is crispy on the bottom and chewy on the inside, while the cheese is melted and gooey. This combination of textures creates a pizza that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Can I make a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza at home?
Yes, you can make a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza at home, but it may require some experimentation and practice to get it right. To start, you’ll need a pizza dough that’s specifically designed for this style of pizza, as well as a variety of toppings and a good quality cheese.
To cook the pizza, you’ll need a brick oven or a domestic oven that can reach high temperatures. You’ll also need to cook the pizza for a short amount of time to create a crispy crust and a well-cooked topping. With practice and patience, you can create a delicious Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza at home.
Where can I find a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza?
You can find a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza at many pizzerias in Brooklyn, New York, as well as in other cities around the world. Some popular pizzerias that serve this style of pizza include Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitana, Grimaldi’s, and Lombardi’s.
If you can’t find a pizzeria that serves a Brooklyn Upside-Down Pizza, you can also try making one at home. There are many recipes and tutorials available online that can help you create this unique and delicious style of pizza.