Jersey, known by most of the world as New Jersey, is on the East coast of the United States. People in Jersey know their pizza. Today we are sharing all about the pizza that originated in this state. Are you wondering, “What is Jersey Pizza?” Without a doubt, get the scope on this pie right here!
Jersey pizza is a pizza that has the sauce on top of the cheese and toppings. Jersey pizza also tends to feature a sweeter variant of pizza sauce as well as a thicker crust than you may be used to with other kinds of pizza.
You can always grab a hot gooey slice of Jersey pizza when you are at the shore. The focus is on all the yummy ingredients under the sauce. Cheese is the most popular topping in Jersey, and you have a variety of pizza joints selling on the boardwalk. There is nothing better than summertime on the boardwalk.
What is Jersey Pizza?
Jersey pizza is a delicious pie you need to try. Here are some of the things that make Jersey Pizza distinct. This pizza has specific characteristics, so it stands out when discussing pizza in the USA.
- The crust is chewy with a crisp bottom. There are no worries about it being soggy since the cheese creates a barrier between the crust and the other ingredients.
- The trick is to cook these pizzas in a stone oven.
- The cheese is often greasy and gooey, yet always a hit.
- The order of ingredients is unique. It is not your average pie.
- dough
- mozzarella cheese
- toppings
- red sauce (Find out more about “tomato sauce and pizza sauce here.”)
Trenton Tomato Pie aka Jersey Pizza
New Jersey tomato pie, a thin crust-shaped circle, got its name after Trenton’s capital. Its unique style is a bit upside down since the pizzaiolo (Italian for pizza maker) first puts on mozzarella and toppings on the dough. Then it is topped with tomato sauce.
This pizza is red on top. Therefore, all the goodness is hidden under the saucy top layer.
What is New York-style Pizza?
In 1905, an Italian opened the first pizzeria in the United States. It opened in Little Italy, in New York City, by immigrants from Naples, Italy, where this dish originated. Of course, the Empire State prides itself on this fact.
The New York hand-tossed slices are large, and therefore many prefer folding them in half as they devour the portion. Just like Jersey pizzas, they contain marinara sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella. New York slices are thinner than the neighboring Jersey ones.
The Origin of Jersey Pizza
The first New Jersey tomato pie was served in 1910 at Joe’s Tomato Pie in Trenton. Two years later, a person who worked at the first restaurant decided to open his own place called Papa’s Tomato Pie.
Papa’s Tomato Pie is now the oldest family-owned pizzeria that has been continually serving food in the USA. Learn more about this place here.
Most Ordered Toppings in Jersey
Meat is the top choice for a topping when in Jersey.
Which of the most popular toppings in Jersey do you like to order on your pie?
- pepperoni
- sausage
- mushrooms
- anchovies
- meatballs
- onions
- pineapple
- bacon
More about Pizza
Here are the most popular cheeses people put on pizzas. Which ones do you prefer?
- Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella is always the favorite to use.
- Provolone: The second most popular cheese is often on pizzas along with mozzarella.
- Cheddar: Some pizzas, like a BBQ chicken, go well with a cheddar and mozzarella mix.
- Parmesan: Instead of using this hard, aged cheese, many choose the generic imitation version.
- Romano: Pecorino Romano is another hard, aged cheese made from sheep milk.
- Ricotta: People put this cheese on white pizzas and in calzones. It is a substitute for red sauce and usually comes with mozzarella too.
Apart from this, nowadays, there are many vegan, non-dairy options.
- pesto
- cashew cheese
- tofu with a dash of lemon juice (a great substitute for ricotta)
Learn more
Do you like adding “sausage on your pizza?” Read more about this here.
Along with sausage, maybe you want to add “chicken.” Find out more about the best chicken for pizza here.
Do you know if “pizza is a heterogeneous mixture?” If not, click here to find out more.
If you are looking to make your own pizza, check out the “best pizza oven kits here.”