When it comes to making pizza, the type of bread used can make all the difference in the world. A good crust can elevate a pizza from mediocre to magnificent, while a bad crust can leave it tasting bland and unappetizing. But with so many different types of bread out there, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of bread that are commonly used for pizza, and explore the characteristics that make them well-suited for this popular dish.
What Makes a Good Pizza Crust?
Before we dive into the different types of bread that can be used for pizza, it’s worth taking a moment to consider what makes a good pizza crust in the first place. Here are a few key characteristics to look for:
- Crispiness: A good pizza crust should be crispy on the outside, with a satisfying crunch that gives way to a soft interior.
- Chewiness: A good pizza crust should also be chewy, with a texture that’s similar to bread but slightly more dense.
- Flavor: A good pizza crust should have a rich, slightly sweet flavor that complements the toppings without overpowering them.
- Texture: A good pizza crust should have a texture that’s slightly crispy on the outside, with a soft interior that’s not too dense or too airy.
Types of Bread for Pizza
Now that we’ve covered the characteristics of a good pizza crust, let’s take a look at some of the different types of bread that can be used for pizza. Here are a few popular options:
Neapolitan-Style Pizza Dough
Neapolitan-style pizza dough is a classic choice for pizza, and for good reason. This type of dough is made with type “00” flour, water, salt, and yeast, and is characterized by its soft, chewy texture and delicate flavor. Neapolitan-style pizza dough is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a distinctive char and crispiness.
Characteristics of Neapolitan-Style Pizza Dough
- Soft, chewy texture
- Delicate flavor
- Traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven
- Made with type “00” flour, water, salt, and yeast
New York-Style Pizza Dough
New York-style pizza dough is another popular choice for pizza, and is known for its thin, crispy crust and foldable texture. This type of dough is made with a high-gluten flour, water, salt, and yeast, and is traditionally cooked in a brick oven or deck oven.
Characteristics of New York-Style Pizza Dough
- Thin, crispy crust
- Foldable texture
- Traditionally cooked in a brick oven or deck oven
- Made with high-gluten flour, water, salt, and yeast
Sicilian-Style Pizza Dough
Sicilian-style pizza dough is a thick, square-cut crust that’s topped with a thick layer of sauce, cheese, and various meats or vegetables. This type of dough is made with a high-gluten flour, water, salt, and yeast, and is traditionally cooked in a square pan.
Characteristics of Sicilian-Style Pizza Dough
- Thick, square-cut crust
- Topped with a thick layer of sauce, cheese, and various meats or vegetables
- Traditionally cooked in a square pan
- Made with high-gluten flour, water, salt, and yeast
Flatbread
Flatbread is a type of bread that’s made with a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and yeast. It’s traditionally cooked in a skillet or oven, and is often topped with olive oil, herbs, and various meats or cheeses.
Characteristics of Flatbread
- Thin, crispy crust
- Simple dough made with flour, water, salt, and yeast
- Traditionally cooked in a skillet or oven
- Often topped with olive oil, herbs, and various meats or cheeses
Focaccia
Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that’s made with a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and yeast. It’s traditionally cooked in a skillet or oven, and is often topped with olive oil, herbs, and various meats or cheeses.
Characteristics of Focaccia
- Thick, soft crust
- Simple dough made with flour, water, salt, and yeast
- Traditionally cooked in a skillet or oven
- Often topped with olive oil, herbs, and various meats or cheeses
How to Choose the Right Bread for Your Pizza
With so many different types of bread to choose from, it can be hard to know which one to use for your pizza. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- Consider the type of toppings you’re using: If you’re using a lot of heavy toppings, such as meats or vegetables, you may want to choose a thicker crust that can hold up to the weight. If you’re using lighter toppings, such as herbs or cheese, a thinner crust may be a better choice.
- Think about the texture you’re looking for: If you want a crispy crust, you may want to choose a bread that’s high in gluten, such as Neapolitan-style pizza dough or New York-style pizza dough. If you want a chewier crust, you may want to choose a bread that’s lower in gluten, such as Sicilian-style pizza dough or flatbread.
- Consider the cooking method: If you’re cooking your pizza in a wood-fired oven, you may want to choose a bread that’s traditionally cooked in this type of oven, such as Neapolitan-style pizza dough. If you’re cooking your pizza in a brick oven or deck oven, you may want to choose a bread that’s traditionally cooked in this type of oven, such as New York-style pizza dough.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bread for your pizza can be a daunting task, but by considering the type of toppings you’re using, the texture you’re looking for, and the cooking method, you can make an informed decision. Whether you choose a classic Neapolitan-style pizza dough, a crispy New York-style pizza dough, or a thick and chewy Sicilian-style pizza dough, the right bread can make all the difference in the world. So next time you’re making pizza, be sure to choose a bread that’s worthy of your toppings – your taste buds will thank you!
What types of bread are best suited for pizza?
The best types of bread for pizza are those that have a good balance of crunch, chew, and flavor. Some popular options include Neapolitan-style pizza dough, Sicilian-style pizza dough, and Focaccia bread. Neapolitan-style pizza dough is made with type “00” flour, water, salt, and yeast, and is known for its soft, delicate crust. Sicilian-style pizza dough is made with a mixture of all-purpose and bread flour, and is known for its thick, crispy crust.
When choosing a bread for pizza, consider the type of toppings you plan to use. If you’re using a lot of heavy toppings, such as meat or thick vegetables, a thicker crust like Sicilian-style may be a better choice. If you’re using lighter toppings, such as fresh vegetables or herbs, a thinner crust like Neapolitan-style may be a better choice.
What is the difference between a Neapolitan-style crust and a Sicilian-style crust?
A Neapolitan-style crust is made with type “00” flour, water, salt, and yeast, and is known for its soft, delicate texture. It is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures for a short amount of time, which gives it a characteristic char and crispiness. A Sicilian-style crust, on the other hand, is made with a mixture of all-purpose and bread flour, and is known for its thick, crispy texture. It is typically cooked in a slower oven for a longer amount of time, which gives it a more golden-brown color and a crunchier texture.
The main difference between the two crusts is the type of flour used and the cooking method. Neapolitan-style crusts are made with a finer, more delicate flour, while Sicilian-style crusts are made with a coarser, more robust flour. This gives the two crusts distinct textures and flavors.
Can I use a pre-made pizza crust or dough?
Yes, you can use a pre-made pizza crust or dough. Many grocery stores sell pre-made pizza crusts or dough that can be found in the bakery or freezer section. These crusts can be a convenient option if you’re short on time or don’t feel like making your own dough from scratch. However, keep in mind that pre-made crusts may not have the same flavor or texture as a homemade crust.
When using a pre-made crust, be sure to follow the package instructions for thawing and cooking. Some pre-made crusts may require you to pre-bake them before adding toppings, while others may be ready to go straight into the oven. Be sure to check the package for specific instructions to ensure the best results.
How do I choose the right flour for my pizza dough?
Choosing the right flour for your pizza dough can be a bit overwhelming, as there are many different types of flour to choose from. However, the type of flour you choose will depend on the type of crust you’re trying to make. For a Neapolitan-style crust, you’ll want to use a type “00” flour, which is a finely milled flour that produces a soft, delicate crust. For a Sicilian-style crust, you’ll want to use a mixture of all-purpose and bread flour, which will give you a thicker, crunchier crust.
When choosing a flour, be sure to read the label and look for the protein content. A higher protein content will result in a chewier crust, while a lower protein content will result in a more delicate crust. You’ll also want to consider the flavor of the flour, as some flours may have a more robust or nutty flavor than others.
What is the best way to store leftover pizza dough?
The best way to store leftover pizza dough is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use the dough, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
When storing leftover pizza dough, be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause the yeast to activate and the dough to rise. You’ll also want to keep the dough away from strong-smelling foods, as the dough can absorb odors easily.
Can I make pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pizza dough ahead of time. In fact, making the dough ahead of time can be beneficial, as it allows the yeast to ferment and the dough to develop a more complex flavor. You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
When making pizza dough ahead of time, be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and topping it. This will help the dough to relax and become easier to shape. You’ll also want to make sure the dough is at room temperature before baking, as this will help it to cook evenly.
How do I achieve a crispy crust on my pizza?
Achieving a crispy crust on your pizza can be a bit tricky, but there are a few tips to help you get it right. First, make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature. A hot oven is essential for achieving a crispy crust. You’ll also want to make sure your crust is cooked for the right amount of time. A good rule of thumb is to cook the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy.
Another tip for achieving a crispy crust is to use a pizza stone in the oven. A pizza stone can help to absorb moisture from the crust and distribute heat evenly, resulting in a crisper crust. You’ll also want to make sure your crust is not overloaded with toppings, as this can make it difficult for the crust to cook evenly and become crispy.