Italian-style pizza, also known as Neapolitan pizza, is one of the most popular pizza styles in the world. While it originated in Naples, Italy, and is characterized by its thin, crispy crust, fresh ingredients, and simple toppings – some of the best pizza shops in Westford, MA, are serving up this global favorite, too!
What is the big deal about Italian-style pizza at Shirley Sub Shoppe? Read on to find out!
Wood-Fired Crust
An Italian-style pizza’s crust is made from flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is typically left to rise for several hours before being rolled into a thin, circular shape. More often than not, the crust is then baked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature, which gives it a crispy texture and a slightly charred flavor.
Simple and Fresh
The toppings on Italian-style pizza are typically simple and fresh, often consisting of just a few ingredients. The most common toppings include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Other popular toppings include olives, mushrooms, artichokes, and prosciutto.
Sweet Sauce
One of the most essential aspects of Italian-style pizza is the quality of the ingredients. The tomatoes used in the tomato sauce are typically San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius. These tomatoes are known for their sweet flavor and low acidity, which makes them ideal for pizza sauce.
Cheese Please
The mozzarella cheese used on Italian-style pizza is typically made from buffalo milk, which gives it a creamy texture and a rich flavor. The cheese is often sliced and placed on the pizza in small pieces rather than being grated and spread evenly across the pizza.
Proper Etiquette
Unlike the tradition of many pizza shops in Westford, MA – and across America- Italian-style pizza is commonly served uncut. As strange as this may seem, this pizza is meant to be eaten with a knife and fork because the crust is so thin that it cannot support the weight of the toppings if cut into slices.
Furthermore, in Italy, there are strict rules regarding the preparation of Neapolitan pizza. These rules specify the type of flour that must be used, the thickness of the crust, the type of oven that must be used, and even the temperature at which the pizza must be baked. This attention to detail makes Italian-style pizza so unique and has helped to make it one of the most beloved dishes in the world.
We stand out from other pizza shops in Westford, MA.
Enjoyed worldwide, Italian-style pizza is a delicious and unique experience when properly prepared. From the fresh ingredients to the thin crust and sweet sauce, Shirley Sub Shoppe is proud to stand out from other pizza shops in Westford, MA.