Brier Hill Pizza Recipe In 2024

Introduction to Brier Hill Pizza Recipe In 2024

Pizza is a beloved dish worldwide, but did you know that some regional variations have unique histories and flavors that set them apart? One such example is the Brier Hill pizza, a specialty from Youngstown, Ohio. This pizza has deep roots in the Italian-American community of the area and stands out for its simplicity and rich taste. Whether you’re from Ohio or simply a pizza lover looking for something new, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients Needed for Brier Hill Pizza

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create an authentic Brier Hill pizza at home.

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 2-3 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup grated Romano cheese
• ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Brier Hill Pizza: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. Making Brier Hill pizza from scratch may take a bit of time, but the results are well worth the effort.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Cook the garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Make the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

1. Slice the bell peppers: While the dough is rising and the sauce is simmering, wash and thinly slice the green bell peppers. You can also roast them slightly if you prefer a softer texture, but traditionally, they are added raw.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.
2. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to your desired thickness. Brier Hill pizza typically has a thicker crust, so aim for about ½ inch thickness.
3. Assemble the pizza: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the sliced green bell peppers evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle the grated Romano cheese over the top, followed by the Pecorino Romano cheese.
4. Bake the pizza: If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the stone in the oven. If using a baking sheet, place it directly in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Finish the pizza: Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Slice and serve: Slice the pizza into squares or traditional wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Brier Hill pizza with a side salad or your favorite Italian side dish.

Nutrient Table: Brier Hill Pizza

Here’s a nutrient breakdown for one serving of Brier Hill pizza. Please note that the nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories	280
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	550mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	4g
Protein	10g
Calcium	180mg
Iron	2.5mg
Potassium	250mg

Tips for Making the Perfect Brier Hill Pizza

Use Fresh Ingredients

The key to a great pizza is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for ripe tomatoes for the sauce, fresh green bell peppers, and good-quality Romano cheese. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavors and give your pizza an authentic taste.

Don’t Skip the Rest Time for the Dough

Allowing the dough to rest and rise properly is crucial for achieving the perfect crust. It might be tempting to skip this step, but giving the dough time to develop will result in a better texture and flavor.

Experiment with Toppings

While green bell peppers and Romano cheese are traditional for Brier Hill pizza, don’t be afraid to experiment with other toppings. Some variations include adding onions, mushrooms, or even pepperoni. Just remember, the simplicity of Brier Hill pizza is what makes it unique, so try not to overpower the original flavors.

Consider a Pizza Stone

If you’re serious about making pizza at home, consider investing in a pizza stone. It helps distribute heat evenly and creates a crispy crust that’s hard to achieve with a regular baking sheet.

Serve with Traditional Italian Sides

To make your Brier Hill pizza experience even more authentic, serve it with traditional Italian sides like a Caprese salad, garlic bread, or a simple mixed greens salad. A glass of red wine or a cold beer also pairs perfectly with this flavorful pizza.

FAQs

Conclusion

Brier Hill pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a slice of history. With its roots in Youngstown, Ohio, this pizza reflects the traditions and tastes of the Italian-American community that created it. The combination of a thick, flavorful tomato sauce, tangy Romano cheese, and crunchy green bell peppers makes this pizza truly unique.

Making Brier Hill pizza at home allows you to experience a piece of regional culinary history and share it with your family and friends. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or put your spin on it, one thing is for sure: Brier Hill pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household.