A regional style of pizza generally gets known for one defining characteristic. Some are known for thin, floppy slices, while others are known for a thick crust or an excessive amount of mozzarella. Baltimore Style Pizza is familiar with its own name in a different way. It mirrors the city‘s eating traditions, where dishes have grown over years in the local eateries instead of from a consistent method.
Which is also why you‘ll notice there are various types when trying it out. One gyp may be known for its square pizza cuts, another one offers a heartier batter, and some give the customers options for a tiny twist of Old Bay. Those minor variations do not ruin the style. If anything, they‘ve contributed to its makeover over the years.
It’s More Than Just Pizza: What Makes Baltimore Style Pizza So Memorable?
At first this may seem like any regional pizza, but if you take a close look the attributes are not that common. Rather than going for an eclectic mix of toppings, it is the many aspects that do not need to be paired down that make the style unique; the shape of its signature rectangular pizza (rectangular) and easily shareable sections of its square cut square pizza slices all are representative of a style near to Baltimore‘s local cuisine.
Part of the reason people never tire of it is because it hits all the right spots on the texture/flavor spectrum. The crust is firm enough for the toppings to rest comfortably without adding weight, and the cheese and sauce work as a team producing a well-rounded, hearty mouthful. It‘s neither trendy nor self-consciously unique; it just sticks to basic recipes and neighborhood customs.
While other pizzas tend to come in big triangles, this Baltimore Style Pizza is often cut into more manageable little squares great for family night dinners, office lanches, and neighborhood gatherings. Those little squares are also quite convenient to share, which is why they seem to turn up at every local tailgate party and post-game gathering. It‘s that combination of flavor and community that has gained this square pizza slices a fan base statewide.
The Local Tradition That Turned This Into a Neighborhood Favorite
Certain recipes may be popular for a few years, just like a passing fad, but others are accepted into the identity of a city. Baltimore Style Pizza belongs in that second category. Its recipes were not in the hands of the “hot” new eateries or the own celebrity chef coaches, but rather gained recognition in private family owned pizzerias, the customers returning for a taste.
As small areas of Baltimore expanded, residents began experimenting with traditional pizza recipes at local restaurants and pizzerias. Many of these locations were owned and operated by Italian-American families who combined time honored traditions with local flavors. Through a combination of this sort of practice, a style of pizza began to emerge that was “familiar, hearty and easily shared.”.
Why continues to be a hit with the locals?
Now they had a family run restaurant. The family would pass their recipes down the family in order to run such a career.
- A good Baltimore pizzeria was more interested in consistency than in following fads.
- Large servings which were the hallmark of many family dinners, game nights and parties.
- Using local ingredients and keeping the preparation simple made for a flavor people could always rely on.
That commitment to quality quality also continues today at many neighborhood pizza shops, as the centuries of tradition in that recipe are kept alive. Every shop has its own special twist on it, but it all goes back to one thing: the pizza is something meant for friends and family. That‘s one of the things that keep Baltimore Style Pizza the favorites of this town!
From the Crust to the Seasoning: Here’s What Makes Every Bite Stand Out
The first thing I notice about my Pizza is not only the taste, but the fact that every ingredient I can taste from the base of the crust to the bottom of the cheeses has a function. But not for example a stand out filling, rather the way the taste of the whole pizza balances so everyone keeps coming back for more.
Here‘s what gives it its signature character:
- A good tasting pizza base which is slightly hard at the edges but still soft enough to eat easily.
- A thick tomato based sauce to be used purely as a “flavour-ing” sauce that doesn‘t detract from the toppings.
- A thick blanket of ooey gooey melty cheese that hits the sweet spot with smoothness in mouth.
- A rectangular pizza neat, and functional for feeding groups and grabbing a slice.
- New toppings that go with the pizza and don‘t make it seem overloaded.
A final nuance that never goes unnoticed is the regionality of the seasonings. Old Bay, much beloved Maryland spice and seasoning, sometimes is dusted on Old Bay pizza and give them the signature salty-spicy-bite that makes Old Bay such a staple in regional cuisine. It is not on every pizza, but when it is as with anything Old Bay people understand the flavor immediately.
Additionally, this style of pizza is very consistent, which contributes to its appeal. A quality crust style Internals USA will have appropriate support for each topping, and will not have a soggy or flaccid crust at any point, right down to the crust on the edge. Coupled with its solid portion sizes and unique presentation, it‘s no wonder that this Pizza has been liked for so long.
The kind of pizza makers want, or the type that people want at a party, whether it is a cheese one, or one with all the different toppings, is a pizza that is filling, can be easily cut and shared, and has a good taste without it being over-complicated. This is what keeps people wanting to go back for more.
Choosing the Right Baltimore Pizzeria Can Make All the Difference
Wonderful pizza is not impossible to find, but I think finding a pizza that accurately describes Baltimore Style Pizza takes a little more research. As with any restaurant, they all have there own recipes, however the restaurants that really stay with you have one thing in common, they concentrate on quality before quantity.
Fresh Dough
The dough is the foundation of any good pizza. Made fresh it makes a crisp outer crust that is soft beneath and ready to support all the tasty toppings without becoming soggy.
Balanced Flavors
Pizza that makes an impression isn’t about the toppings. After you‘ve had pizza from the best pizzerias, you‘ll realize they know how to have the sauce, cheese and (whatever toppings they decide to use) in perfect harmony and every slice is full of flavor, fill and structure.
Consistent Quality
It‘s easy for anyone to throw a good pizza together. However, one that tastes just as good, with the same texture, day after day, is what people rely on. Consistent dining experience at a trusted Baltimore Pizzeria is what people are looking for.
Warm Service
The ambiance of the place is also a factor that can enhance the experience. Tip: Staff who are pleasant, a place which is tidy, and an attention to detail can make ordering something as simple as a burger into a destination you‘ll go back to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baltimore Style Pizza
What sets this pizza apart from other regional pizzas?
Perhaps the most defining feature is its local flavor. Several versions have a thick, rustic crust, rectangular pizza shape and flavors brewed from the city‘s signature eats, resulting in a down home, convenient style.
Is Old Bay always added to Baltimore Style Pizza?
No. It is a well-trusted guest, but not all of pizzerias utilize this magical mixture. Others adhere to standard recipes, but there are a few that add Old bay to Maryland a signature taste.
What is the reason behind Baltimore Style Pizza being offered in square slices?
This pizza is often sliced into squares (sometimes called “party cut”) as they are more manageable to serve and share. This style is not only favored for family dinners but also for parties and larger gatherings.
Does the Baltimore Style Pizza have a thick crust?
A common favorite at many local pizzerias is the thick crust thick crust pizza, but most recipes are different and some prefer a much lighter crust with the same hefty toppings as well as the satisfaction of the original.
Where can you locate a good Baltimore pizzeria?
Choose a Baltimore pizzeria that uses good ingredients, makes its own dough every day and has good reviews. It can be more reassuring to find a place with a simple menu that is consistent than one with a long menu.
One Slice Is Never Enough
Certain foods are in season and others have become part of a city. Thanks to its comforting flavors, large portions, and its traditions of building communities over good food, this rectangular pizza has earned that title. Perhaps it‘s the thick crust pizza rectangular shape or its thick catering to the cravings for a pizza, whatever it is, each piece tells a Baltimorean story.
If you‘ve never experienced Baltimore Style Pizza let me suggest that you get out there and try it because it‘s a regional favorite for a reason. Whether ordering from a neighborhood pizza shop or a staple local restaurant you‘ll realize why it‘s a regional favorite in no time.
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