Buffalo-style pizza is an underappreciated gem in the world of regional pizzas, offering a unique combination of thick dough, sweet sauce, and cup-and-char pepperoni. This style, originating in Buffalo, New York, is a hybrid of several pizza traditions, yet it stands apart due to its one-of-a-kind characteristics. If you’ve never tried pizza, you’re missing out on a flavorful experience that’s both distinct and deeply satisfying.
Origins of Buffalo-Style Pizza
Buffalo pizza’s roots trace back to Buffalo’s Italian-American communities. This pizza style began emerging in the 1950s, evolving as pizzerias sought to differentiate themselves from the more widely known New York and Chicago styles. Among the most famous is Bocce Club Pizza, a pizzeria that helped define the hallmarks of what makes Buffalo pizza stand out.
- Bocce Club Pizza is renowned for its dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The pizzeria is a cultural landmark, pivotal in shaping the evolution of Buffalo-style pizza.
- For those interested in more history, this piece on the history of Buffalo pizza offers an in-depth look at how this pizza became so integral to Buffalo’s food scene.
What Sets Buffalo Pizza Apart?
So what exactly differentiates Buffalo-style pizza from its more famous cousins like New York or Chicago pizza? Several key components set it apart, each adding to its rich and unique flavor profile.
1. Thick, Fluffy Dough
One of the most defining characteristics of Buffalo pizza is its dough. This pizza uses a thick, fluffy dough that is chewy inside but perfectly crispy on the outside.
- The dough is neither too thick nor too thin, occupying a sweet spot between New York-style pizza and the heavier Chicago deep dish.
- A well-made Buffalo pizza has a crust that is both substantial and airy, providing a satisfying bite that isn’t too heavy or overly filling.
Unlike the crisp, almost cracker-like quality of a New York slice, Buffalo pizza’s crust is a significant part of the overall eating experience, bringing texture and weight to each bite.
Learn more about the dough differences between Buffalo and New York pizzas, and you’ll see why Buffalo’s dough is celebrated.
2. Sweeter Tomato Sauce
Another defining feature of Buffalo pizza is its sauce. While most regional pizzas, like New York or even Detroit, tend to focus on a tangy or acidic tomato sauce, Buffalo-style sauce leans toward a slightly sweeter profile.
- The sauce typically contains a higher amount of sugar than traditional pizza sauces, balancing the natural acidity of tomatoes.
- This sweetness helps to create a contrast with the savory, melted cheese and the often salty cup-and-char pepperoni topping.
Buffalo pizza is all about balance, and the sauce plays a key role in ensuring that the pie isn’t too heavy or overly rich.
3. The Cheese: Triple Layered and Flavorful
Cheese is essential to any pizza, but Buffalo-style pizza takes it to another level. Unlike the light scattering of cheese seen in other regional styles, Buffalo pizza often has a thick, gooey layer of cheese, typically a blend of mozzarella with other varieties.
- The triple-layered cheese approach is what makes Buffalo pizza especially indulgent.
- A thick, bubbly layer of cheese stretches across the entire pie, ensuring that every bite is as rich as the last.
The blend of mozzarella is often accompanied by sharper, more flavorful cheeses that enhance the overall experience. This heavy cheese layer creates a distinct contrast with the crispy, chewy crust, making Buffalo pizza a sensory delight.
The Famous Cup-and-Char Pepperoni
One of the most beloved toppings for Buffalo-style pizza is *cup-and-char
that lies flat on the pizza, cup-and-char pepperoni curls up as it cooks, forming crispy, smoky-edged cups that are packed with flavor. These small cups of pepperoni not only add a textural crunch but also trap small pools of oil, making them even more delicious.
- The charring on the edges of the pepperoni brings an added depth of flavor, with a slight smokiness and crispiness that complements the soft, chewy dough.
- Cup-and-char pepperoni is unique to Buffalo pizza and is often one of the most distinguishing factors for pizza lovers when comparing it to other regional styles.
How Buffalo Pizza Compares to Other Regional Styles
Buffalo vs. New York-Style Pizza
The most immediate comparison many people make when they first try Buffalo pizza is to New York-style pizza, given their proximity and the overlap in customer base. However, several key differences set the two apart:
- Dough: Buffalo pizza has a thicker, more substantial dough, while New York pizza is famous for its thin, floppy crust.
- Cheese: Buffalo-style uses more cheese, often a blend, while New York pizza sticks to lighter mozzarella.
- Sauce: Buffalo’s sauce is sweeter, compared to the tangy, more acidic sauce typical of New York slices.
Buffalo vs. Chicago Deep Dish
Though both are known for being substantial, Buffalo pizza and Chicago deep-dish pizza are quite different in their execution.
- Dough: Chicago deep dish is much thicker, with a pastry-like crust that’s almost pie-like in texture, whereas Buffalo pizza keeps the balance between a crisp outer crust and soft inner dough.
- Cheese and toppings: Chicago pizzas are built in reverse, with cheese on the bottom and sauce on top. Buffalo pizza sticks to the traditional layer of sauce, cheese, and then toppings.
Buffalo vs. Detroit-Style Pizza
While Buffalo-style pizza and Detroit-style pizza are both popular regional variations, they are quite distinct in their preparation, appearance, and flavor. Let’s break down the differences between the two styles.
1. Shape and Baking Method
- Buffalo Pizza:
Buffalo pizza maintains the traditional round shape, similar to New York or Chicago pizzas. It’s typically baked in a standard pizza oven with the dough forming the base for the toppings, sauce, and cheese. - Detroit Pizza:
Detroit-style pizza is known for its rectangular or square shape. It’s baked in deep, square pans, traditionally steel automotive parts trays, which give the pizza its signature shape. This unique method of baking creates a thick, crispy crust along the edges.
2. Crust and Dough
- Buffalo Pizza:
The Buffalo pizza crust is thick but not too heavy. It’s fluffy and chewy inside with a crispy outer layer. The dough has a lightness to it, making it substantial but not overwhelming. Unlike New York’s thin, foldable slices or Chicago’s dense deep dish, Buffalo pizza finds a balance between crisp and soft textures. - Detroit Pizza:
The crust of Detroit pizza is much thicker and airier. It’s famous for its crispy, caramelized edges, created by the cheese that melts and cooks up the sides of the pan during baking. This caramelized cheese crust is a defining characteristic of Detroit pizza and gives it a distinct texture and flavor not found in other styles. The dough itself is more bread-like, with a soft, spongy interior.
3. Cheese and Toppings
- Buffalo Pizza:
Buffalo pizza is known for its generous use of cheese, often a blend of mozzarella and other more flavorful cheeses. This creates a gooey, rich layer of cheese that covers the entire pizza. Common toppings include cup-and-char pepperoni, which curls up and chars on the edges, adding both texture and flavor. - Detroit Pizza:
Detroit-style pizza also uses a lot of cheese, but it applies the cheese differently. The cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the pizza, where it melts against the sides of the pan and caramelizes. Typically, a mild brick cheese (local to Detroit) is used, which contributes to the creamy texture and crispy edges. Toppings are often placed under the cheese, with the sauce ladled on top in stripes after baking.
4. Sauce
- Buffalo Pizza:
The sauce on Buffalo pizza is usually sweet, tomato-forward, and applied underneath the cheese. The sauce is well-balanced, adding just the right amount of sweetness to offset the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. - Detroit Pizza:
Detroit-style pizza has a unique “sauce on top” method. The sauce is typically spooned over the cheese in two or three stripes after baking, giving it the nickname “red-top pizza.” The sauce itself is more savory and tangy compared to Buffalo’s sweeter sauce, complementing the richness of the caramelized cheese and thick crust.
5. Texture and Flavor Profile
- Buffalo Pizza:
Buffalo pizza offers a combination of crispy and chewy textures. The dough has a satisfying bite to it, with a balance of sweet sauce and rich cheese. The cup-and-char pepperoni adds a smoky, crisp texture on top of the gooey cheese. - Detroit Pizza:
Detroit pizza stands out for its crispy, cheesy edges and light, fluffy interior. The sauce applied after baking ensures the pizza stays moist and flavorful, while the caramelized cheese crust delivers a crunchy, almost fried taste on the outer edges.
Summary of Key Differences:
| Feature | Buffalo-Style Pizza | Detroit-Style Pizza |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round | Rectangular/square |
| Crust | Thick, chewy inside, crispy outside | Thick, light, with crispy caramelized edges |
| Cheese | Generous amount, typically mozzarella | Spread to the edges, caramelized at the crust |
| Toppings | Traditional on top, |
pepperoni* | Toppings on top of the cheese | Toppings often placed under the cheese, with sauce applied on top | | Sauce | Sweeter, tomato-forward, under the cheese | Savory, tangy, applied after baking in stripes | | Texture | Crispy and chewy, balanced bite | Crispy edges, soft and fluffy interior, caramelized cheese crust |
Buffalo vs. Detroit-Style Pizza
Both Buffalo-style pizza and Detroit-style pizza offer unique, mouthwatering experiences, but they cater to different tastes and preferences. pizza is all about balance: a thick yet airy crust, a sweet tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese with the added crunch of cup-and-char pepperoni. It’s a perfect choice for those who love a more traditional pizza style with a focus on flavor balance.
Detroit pizza, on the other hand, is a bold, crunchy delight. The caramelized cheese crust combined with its thick, airy dough and tangy red-top sauce creates a pizza that stands out not just for its flavor but for its texture as well. The crispy, cheesy edges are a hallmark that appeals to those who enjoy a more robust, layered pizza experience.
Whether you prefer the balanced sweetness of Buffalo pizza or the crunchy, savory bite of Detroit pizza, both styles are worth trying for any pizza enthusiast looking to explore America’s rich regional pizza traditions.
Modern Variations: Buffalo Chicken Pizza and More
While traditional Buffalo-style pizza sticks to its iconic dough, sauce, and cheese combination, modern variations have emerged that offer exciting new flavors. One of the most popular variations is Buffalo chicken pizza, which merges the flavors of Buffalo wings with the classic pizza format.
- Spicy buffalo sauce replaces the traditional sweet tomato sauce.
- Grilled or fried chicken, often coated in hot sauce, is the main topping.
- It’s commonly topped with a blend of mozzarella and blue cheese or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Other variations include creative spins like white garlic pizza or even specialty pizzas topped with various meats and vegetables, but all of them stick to the thick dough and heavy cheese that define Buffalo pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Buffalo pizza:
What Makes Buffalo Pizza Different from Other Types of Pizza?
Buffalo pizza is distinguished by its thick, fluffy dough, sweeter tomato sauce, and heavy use of cheese. The cup-and-char pepperoni is also a signature topping unique to this style.
Is Buffalo-Style Pizza Spicy?
No, Buffalo pizza is not inherently spicy. However, variations like Buffalo chicken pizza often use hot sauce to add spice.
What is the History Behind Buffalo-Style Pizza?
Buffalo-style pizza has roots in the Italian-American communities of Buffalo, New York. Pizzerias like Bocce Club Pizza have been instrumental in creating and popularizing this unique style.
Why is the Pepperoni Called “Cup-and-Char”?
During the baking process, the pepperoni slices curl up into small cups, with the edges becoming charred and crispy. This is known as cup-and-char pepperoni, and it adds both flavor and texture to the pizza.
Where Can I Find Authentic Buffalo-Style Pizza Outside Buffalo?
While there are a few pizzerias outside Buffalo that offer Buffalo-style pizza, the most authentic experience is found in Buffalo, where local pizzerias still use traditional recipes and methods.
Conclusion: Why Buffalo Pizza is a Must-Try
If you consider yourself a pizza enthusiast, Buffalo-style pizza is a must-try for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The balance of the thick, chewy dough, sweet sauce, and generous cheese layers, along with the signature cup-and-char pepperoni, makes it a delicious and memorable experience. Whether you’re in Buffalo or looking to try something new at a pizzeria offering regional styles, don’t pass up the chance to taste a slice of this rich, flavorful pizza.
With its growing popularity and distinctive taste, Buffalo pizza is earning its place as a top contender among America’s regional pizza varieties. Give it a try and discover why so many people are raving about this delicious style of pizza!