The main difference between New Jersey and New York pizza is the crust and the toppings. New York style is a large, thin, foldable slice with a light coat of sauce and low moisture mozzarella. New Jersey style leans a little heartier, with a slightly thicker, well done crust and more generous, fresh toppings. Both grew from the same Italian American roots, and at Bella Pizza in Hasbrouck Heights we hand stretch pies in that North Jersey tradition. Here is how the two compare.
What is New York style pizza?
New York style pizza is defined by the slice. It is baked as a large, wide pie, cut into big triangular slices that are thin and flexible enough to fold in half and eat on the go. The crust is thin in the middle with a slightly puffed, crisp edge, the sauce is a simple cooked tomato sauce applied lightly, and the cheese is low moisture mozzarella that browns without going watery. Read more on our New York style pizza page.
What is New Jersey style pizza?
New Jersey pizza is less about one strict recipe and more about a style of eating. Across the state you find everything from thin, crispy bar pies to hearty, well loaded slices, but the common thread is fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a generous hand with the toppings. In North Jersey, where Bella Pizza sits, the slice looks a lot like its New York cousin but tends to run a touch thicker and more topping forward. See what makes New Jersey pizza special.
New Jersey vs New York pizza: the key differences
| New York style | New Jersey style | |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | Thin, foldable, crisp edge | Slightly thicker, well done |
| Sauce | Light, simple cooked tomato | A bit more sauce, fresh tomato flavor |
| Cheese | Low moisture mozzarella | Fresh and low moisture mozzarella |
| Toppings | Classic and restrained | Generous, fresh, local |
| The slice | Big, fold it and go | Hearty, a little more to hold |
Which one is better?
It comes down to taste. If you want a classic fold and go slice, New York style wins. If you like a heartier bite with more topping in every mouthful, New Jersey style is for you. The good news in Hasbrouck Heights is that you do not have to choose. Bella Pizza hand stretches every pie, makes the sauce fresh daily, and uses 100 percent olive oil, so you get the best of both traditions. See the full menu or order online for 5 percent off.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between New Jersey and New York pizza?
New York style is a large, thin, foldable slice with light sauce and low moisture mozzarella. New Jersey style runs slightly thicker and more topping forward, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Is New Jersey pizza the same as New York pizza?
They are close cousins from the same Italian American roots, especially in North Jersey, but New Jersey pizza tends to be a touch heartier and more generous with toppings.
What makes New York style pizza foldable?
The thin, evenly stretched crust and the light layer of sauce and cheese keep the slice flexible, so it folds in half without cracking.
Where can I get New Jersey and New York style pizza near me?
Bella Pizza in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ hand stretches pies in the North Jersey tradition and delivers across Bergen County and the Meadowlands.