Discover the secrets to creating the perfect South Shore bar pizza at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re a fan of the crispy crust, authentic flavors, or the traditional South Shore style, this homemade bar pizza recipe will exceed your expectations.
With a combination of homemade pizza dough, a delicious sauce, and the right cheese blend, you can recreate the unique flavors and textures that make South Shore bar pizza so beloved. Say goodbye to store-bought options and hello to the best bar pizza you’ve ever tasted.
Ready to dive into the world of South Shore bar pizza? Let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey.
What is South Shore Bar Pizza?
South Shore Bar Pizza is a distinct style of pizza that originated in the South Shore region of Massachusetts. It is known for its thin crust, crispy edges, and unique toppings. The pizza is typically cooked in a well-seasoned 10-inch pan, resulting in a flaky crust.
Traditional South Shore Bar Pizza typically features a crushed tomato sauce, cheddar cheese, and various additions like french fries, pickles, or mozzarella sticks. This Massachusetts pizza style offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the thin crust providing a satisfying crunch while still offering a chewy bite.
What sets South Shore Bar Pizza apart is its focus on simplicity and quality ingredients. The emphasis is on creating a delicious and satisfying pizza experience without overwhelming the palate. The toppings are carefully chosen to complement the flavors of the crust and cheese, creating a well-balanced and memorable pizza.
The Perfect Dough Recipe
To achieve the perfect South Shore bar pizza, you need to start with the perfect dough. The dough recipe provided here ensures a crispy and buttery crust that gives that classic bar pizza texture. It’s easy to make and requires minimal kneading, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced home cooks.
Here’s my recipe for the homemade pizza dough:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| High Gluten Bromated Flour | 450 Grams |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 Tablespoons |
| Melted salted butter | 3 Tablespoons |
| Warm Water (No more than 110 Degrees) | 1 Cup |
| 1 Fleishmans Active Yeast Packet | 1 Packet/ Or 2.25 teaspoons of yeast |
| Salt | 2 Teaspoons |
| Sugar | 2 Teaspoons |
Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast or 1 packet Fleishmans yeast. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 450 grams of high gluten bromated flour and 2 teaspoons of salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 3 tablespoons of melted butter to the flour mixture. Stir well to combine.
Form the Dough:
- Gradually mix the the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring continuously, until a sticky dough is formed. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Be sure to mix it on low until all ingredients are properly mixed. When the dough is done it will ride up the dough hook.
Storing the Dough:
- Transfer the dough into an oiled bowl. You can use 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to coat the bottom of dough. Next, drizzle some vegetable oil onto the top of the dough and rub it in.
First 3 Rises:
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Punch down dough ever 1-2 hours. The dough needs to rise a minimum of 3 times prior to panning the dough. This process takes approximately 6 hours.
Punch and Divide:
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Then, divide it into (4) 6.5 oz dough balls for four 10-inch pizzas.
Baking Tip:
- For the best results, use a well-seasoned 10-inch x 1-inch pizza pan for baking. This helps achieve the crispy crust that South Shore bar pizzas are famous for.
Note: For the best results, use a well-seasoned 10-inch x 1-inch pizza pan for baking your South Shore bar pizza. This helps achieve that crispy crust that bar pizzas are known for.
With this easy dough recipe, you’ll be able to create the perfect base for your South Shore bar pizza. Now, let’s move on to the next section to learn about the signature sauce, cheese, and toppings that make this style of pizza truly special.
Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
One of the key elements that sets South Shore bar pizza apart is its simple yet flavorful sauce. To make the perfect South Shore pizza sauce, you will need canned crushed tomatoes, a can of tomato puree, dried oregano, basil, parsley flakes, salt, sugar, and black pepper.
Please use this as a guide but adjust this recipe to your liking. Start off with the least amount of herbs and spices and adjust up. Let your taste buds guide you on this recipe. This is what I like but it may not be exactly what you like.
This recipe is for the giant-sized #10 cans of tomatoes. You can find these cans at Gordon’s Foods, Restaurant Depot, Amazon, or food vendors. You can substitute Red Gold Crushed and Tomato Puree for a different brand you like and even use the smaller tomato sauce cans that we use for everyday home cooking.
P.S. DO NOT COOK THE SAUCE.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Red Gold Crushed Tomatoes | (1 ) #10 can |
| Red Gold Puree Tomatoes | ( 1) #10 can |
| Sugar | 2 to 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | 3 tablespoons |
| Black Pepper | 2 tablespoons |
| Oregano | 4 tablespoons |
| Basil | 3 tablespoons |
| Parsley Flakes | 3 tablespoons |
Prepare the Sauce:
- Open both cans of Red Gold Crushed and Red Gold Tomato Puree, then pour them into a large bowl. This will result in a substantial amount of sauce. If you wish to save some for later use, you can freeze it in gallon-sized zip-lock bags before adding any seasonings.
- If you choose to freeze a portion before adding ingredients, remember to adjust the seasonings accordingly when you’re ready to use it.
Next Season the Sauce:
- Begin seasoning the sauce with the ingredients mentioned above. Start with a small amount, and as you mix the sauce, taste it periodically and adjust the flavoring to your liking.
Bar Pizza Cheese
When it comes to cheese, grating your own blocks of mild white cheddar and very sharp cheddar is highly recommended. This allows you to control the texture and flavor profile of the cheese, resulting in a truly delicious pizza. By using freshly grated cheese, you can ensure that it melts perfectly and adds a wonderful richness to each bite. Most local bar pie locations use Wisconsin Cheddar for their pizzas. Some other locations cut their cheese blend with cheddar and Grande Cheese Mozzarella.
Prepare the Cheese:
- Grate one pound of sharp cheddar cheese and one pound of very sharp cheddar cheese into a bowl.
- While Wisconsin cheddar can be both expensive and occasionally challenging to find, a suitable substitute is Cabot Vermont Cheddar, which is readily available and eliminates the need to wait for shipping.
As for toppings, South Shore bar pizza offers a variety of unique options to suit every taste. Traditional choices include pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. However, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings, including unconventional ones like pickles or French fries. The key is to choose toppings that complement the flavors of the sauce and cheese, making each slice a delightful experience. You can make literally hundreds of different variations of toppings.
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Ground Linguica | Add a punch of flavor by sprinkling some cooked and crumbled ground linguica over the pizza. The smoky and slightly spicy taste of this Portuguese sausage pairs perfectly with the crispy crust. |
| French Fries | For a unique twist, top your bar pizza with french fries. They add a satisfying crunch and a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of enjoying a slice with a side of crispy fries at a local bar. |
| Pickles | If you’re a pickle lover, try adding sliced pickles to your South Shore Bar Pizza. The tangy and briny flavor adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy pizza. |
| Mozzarella Sticks | Take indulgence to the next level by placing mozzarella sticks on top of your pizza. The melted cheese inside the sticks creates a gooey and cheesy experience with every bite. |
| Pepperoni | Adds a spicy, slightly smoky flavor with a rich, oily texture. |
| Mushrooms | They contribute an earthy flavor and a meaty texture, especially when sautéed before topping |
| Onions | Adds sweetness (especially when caramelized) and a bit of crunch, enhancing the overall savoriness. |
| Bell Peppers | Provides a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a crunchy texture. |
| Black Olives | Adds a unique briny, salty flavor and a firm texture. |
| Pineapple | Offers a sweet and tangy flavor, creating a contrast with savory ingredients. |
| Sausage | Brings a spicy, hearty flavor and a juicy texture. |
| Bacon | Adds a rich, smoky flavor and a crispy texture. |
| Ham | Ham is a popular meat topping for pizza, especially when used on Hawaiian-style pizzas. It provides a slightly sweet and savory flavor with a tender and juicy texture. |
| Broccoli | Broccoli is a unique and nutritious topping for pizza. When added to pizza, broccoli florets bring a fresh and slightly crunchy texture to each slice. |
Essential Tools and Equipment
To create authentic South Shore bar pizza, certain tools and equipment are essential. These tools will help you achieve the perfect homemade bar pizza that captures the true essence of this beloved Massachusetts style.
Pizza Pan
A well-seasoned 10-inch pizza pan is crucial for achieving that signature crispy crust. The pan’s seasoning enhances the flavor and texture of the dough, resulting in a perfectly cooked pizza.
Pizza Peel
A pizza peel is a long-handled paddle used to transfer the pizza in and out of the oven. It allows for easy handling and prevents any sticking or tearing of the dough during the baking process.
Cheese Grater
Investing in a quality cheese grater is important for grating your own cheese. This ensures the freshest and most flavorful cheese for your South Shore bar pizza. Grating the cheese yourself also allows for more control over the texture and consistency.
Dough Cutter
A dough cutter is a versatile tool that helps with dividing and portioning the dough. It ensures that each pizza is of consistent size and thickness, resulting in even cooking and a professional presentation.
Dough Docker
A dough docker is a handy tool that helps prevent bubbles from forming on the dough during baking. It consists of numerous small pins that are rolled over the dough, creating evenly spaced holes. These holes allow air to escape, preventing any unwanted bubbles from forming.
Other Essential Items
In addition to the above tools, there are a few other items that are useful for making South Shore bar pizza:
- Storage containers for storing the pizza dough, allowing it to rise properly and be conveniently stored until ready for use.
- Oven gloves for safely handling hot pans and pizza during the baking process.
- A stand mixer for mixing larger batches of dough, making the process more efficient and ensuring consistent results.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Pizza Pan | A well-seasoned 10-inch pizza pan for achieving a crispy crust. |
| Pizza Peel | A long-handled paddle for transferring the pizza in and out of the oven. |
| Cheese Grater | A quality cheese grater for grating your own cheese. |
| Dough Cutter | A tool for dividing and portioning the dough. |
| Dough Docker | A tool for creating even holes in the dough to prevent bubbles. |
| Storage Containers | Containers for storing pizza dough and allowing it to rise. |
| Oven Gloves | Gloves for safely handling hot pans and pizza. |
| Stand Mixer | A mixer for efficiently mixing larger batches of dough. |
The Art of Assembly and Baking
Proper assembly and baking techniques are crucial for achieving the perfect South Shore bar pizza. Follow these steps to create a delicious crispy crust and bubbly cheese topping.
Step 1: Stretch and Press the Dough
Begin by stretching and pressing the dough into a well oiled 10-inch pizza pan. Ensure that the dough reaches the edges of the pan to create that characteristic crispy crust. This step is essential for achieving the authentic South Shore bar pizza experience.
Step 2: Spread the Sauce and Add the Cheese
Now, spread the sauce evenly over the stretched dough, covering the entire surface. Use a spoon or ladle to distribute the sauce, making sure it reaches the edges. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the sauce. The combination of the sauce and cheese is what gives South Shore bar pizza its unique flavor.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled pizza in a preheated oven at a high temperature. For best results, use a baking steel or stone, which helps achieve optimal heat distribution and a crispy crust. Bake the pizza until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is browned to your liking.
Remember, oven temperatures and baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the pizza throughout the baking process to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Baking Tips for Bar Pizza
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a baking steel or stone | A baking steel or stone helps create a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat. |
| Preheat the oven | Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature before baking the pizza. |
| Watch the cheese | Keep an eye on the cheese while baking to prevent it from burning. Adjust the baking time if necessary. |
| Let it cool | Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving to avoid burning yourself. |
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bar Pizza
To elevate your South Shore bar pizza game, here are some expert tips and tricks:
1. Grease pan with Vegetable Oil
For a crispy bottom crust, use vegetable oil to grease the pizza pans. The fat has a higher smoke point than butter or olive oil, allowing the crust to crisp up nicely during baking.
2. Let the Dough Rest at Room Temperature
Before assembling the pizzas, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to stretch without springing back. You’ll achieve a more uniform and even crust this way.
3. Grate Your Own Cheese
For the best flavor and texture, grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-packaged shredded cheese. This way, you can control the size of the shreds and ensure a proper melt on top of the pizza. Opt for a blend of mild white cheddar and sharp cheddar for a traditional South Shore bar pizza taste.
4. Use a Well-Seasoned Pan
Invest in a well-seasoned 10-inch pizza pan for baking your bar pizzas. Over time, the pan develops a natural non-stick surface that adds flavor and prevents sticking. The seasoned pan also helps create that classic crispy crust that South Shore bar pizza is known for.
5. Experiment with Different Toppings
While the classic South Shore bar pizza toppings are delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations. Try adding your favorite meats, vegetables, or even unconventional toppings like pickles or mozzarella sticks. The possibilities are endless!
6. Bake on a Baking Steel or Stone
For optimal results, place a baking steel or stone in your oven and preheat it along with the oven. This helps create a hot and evenly heated surface for baking the pizza, resulting in a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
By following these expert tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect South Shore bar pizza right in your own kitchen.
Conclusion
Recreating the nostalgic flavors of South Shore bar pizza in the comfort of your own kitchen is an experience that brings delight and satisfaction. By following the right dough recipe, using authentic sauce, and selecting quality ingredients, you can successfully recreate the crispy and flavorful South Shore bar pizza. Don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity by experimenting with different toppings and techniques to find your perfect homemade bar pizza recipe.
Enjoy the taste of tradition and share the joy of South Shore bar pizza with your family and friends. With each crispy bite, you’ll be transported back to the beloved pizzerias of Massachusetts. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, homemade bar pizza is a guaranteed success that will leave everyone craving for more.
So, roll up your sleeves, dust off the pizza pan, and embark on the journey of recreating a South Shore bar pizza masterpiece. With the right combination of love, passion, and attention to detail, you’ll proudly present a homemade bar pizza that is sure to impress. Relish the pride of accomplishment as you savor the flavors that make South Shore bar pizza a cherished tradition.