Thin And Crispy Nirvana: The Ultimate Brick Oven Crust Experience
What To Know
- Brick oven pizzas typically use a low to medium hydration dough, which contributes to a thicker crust.
- However, if you enjoy a thicker crust with a flavorful and crispy exterior, brick oven pizza is an excellent choice.
- Yes, you can use a pizza stone or baking steel in a conventional oven to achieve a similar effect.
Pizza lovers often debate the merits of different crust types, with brick oven crust being a popular choice. But if you’re looking for a thin, crispy crust, is brick oven the right way to go? This comprehensive guide will explore the factors that influence brick oven crust thickness and help you determine if it meets your preferences.
Factors Affecting Brick Oven Crust Thickness
1. Dough Hydration
The hydration level of the dough plays a crucial role in crust thickness. A higher hydration dough (more water relative to flour) will produce a thinner, crispier crust. Brick oven pizzas typically use a low to medium hydration dough, which contributes to a thicker crust.
2. Baking Temperature
The temperature of the brick oven is another key factor. Higher temperatures will result in a thinner crust as the dough cooks faster. However, brick ovens typically maintain lower temperatures compared to conventional ovens, around 700-800°F, which can lead to a thicker crust.
3. Cooking Time
The length of time the pizza cooks in the brick oven also impacts the thickness. A longer cooking time will allow the dough to dry out and become thinner. However, overcooking can result in a burnt crust.
4. Toppings
The weight of toppings can affect crust thickness. Heavy toppings, such as multiple cheeses or meats, can weigh down the dough and prevent it from becoming thin and crispy.
Is Brick Oven Crust Thinner Than Other Crust Types?
Compared to other popular crust types, brick oven crust tends to be thicker.
1. Thin Crust
Thin crust pizza has a crispy, cracker-like texture and is made with a highly hydrated dough. It is typically baked at high temperatures in a conventional oven.
2. Hand-Tossed Crust
Hand-tossed crust is thicker than thin crust but thinner than brick oven crust. It is made with a medium hydration dough and is stretched and tossed by hand before baking.
3. Pan Pizza Crust
Pan pizza crust is the thickest of the three types. It is made with a low hydration dough and baked in a greased pan.
Benefits of Brick Oven Crust
Even though it may not be the thinnest crust, brick oven crust offers several advantages:
1. Flavorful
The high heat of the brick oven caramelizes the dough, imparting a unique and flavorful crust.
2. Crispy Exterior, Soft Interior
Brick oven crusts have a crispy exterior with a soft and chewy interior, providing a satisfying textural contrast.
3. Heat Retention
Brick ovens retain heat well, allowing the pizza to stay warm for an extended period.
Summary: A Matter of Preference
Ultimately, the question of whether brick oven crust is thin is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a very thin, crispy crust, other options may be more suitable. However, if you enjoy a thicker crust with a flavorful and crispy exterior, brick oven pizza is an excellent choice.
What You Need to Learn
1. Can I make brick oven-style pizza at home?
Yes, you can use a pizza stone or baking steel in a conventional oven to achieve a similar effect.
2. How do I prevent my brick oven pizza from burning?
Rotate the pizza regularly during cooking and use a pizza peel to check the underside for doneness.
3. What toppings are best for brick oven pizza?
Light toppings, such as fresh vegetables, lean meats, and light cheeses, are ideal to avoid weighing down the crust.
