Where is The Pizza Capital of the World?

Old Forge, Pennsylvania: The Unlikely Pizza Capital of the World

Move over, New York and Chicago! There's a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania that claims the title of "Pizza Capital of the World," and it's not serving up the deep-dish or thin-crust pies you might expect. Old Forge, Pennsylvania, a town with deep roots in the coal mining industry, boasts a unique and fiercely beloved pizza style all its own. This article explores the history, the characteristics, and the enduring appeal of Old Forge pizza.

From Coal Mines to Pizza Ovens: The Origins of Old Forge Style

Old Forge's pizza tradition is a product of its history. In the early 20th century, Italian immigrants flocked to the area to work in the anthracite coal mines. After long, grueling shifts, these workers would gather at local taverns, where resourceful cooks began serving a simple but satisfying meal: pizza. This wasn't the round, thin-crust pizza of Naples, however. It was something different.

The Old Forge Difference: Defining a Unique Style

Old Forge pizza has several defining characteristics that set it apart:

• Rectangular Shape: Unlike the round pies of Naples or New York, Old Forge pizza is typically baked in rectangular pans, resulting in square or rectangular "cuts" (not "slices").
• Light and Chewy Crust: The crust is thin, but not cracker-thin like a New York-style pizza. It's described as lighter and chewier than a typical thick-crust pizza.
• Sweet Sauce: The sauce is often sweeter than traditional pizza sauce, and frequently contains diced onions, adding a distinctive flavor.
• Cheese Blend: While mozzarella is used, it's often blended with other cheeses, such as Cooper Sharp American, for a unique flavor and texture.
• Red or White: Two types, red and white.

A Pizza Powerhouse: 160+ Establishments and Counting

Old Forge's claim as the "Pizza Capital of the World" is backed up by the sheer density of pizzerias within its borders. The town boasts over 160 pizza shops and restaurants, most concentrated within a three-square-mile area of downtown Old Forge. This remarkable concentration of pizzerias is a testament to the enduring popularity of the local style.

Family Recipes and Local Pride

While many Old Forge pizzerias share similar characteristics, each establishment has its own unique recipe and subtle variations, often passed down through generations of family ownership. This creates a friendly rivalry and a sense of local pride, with residents fiercely loyal to their favorite pizza spots.

Old Forge, Pennsylvania, offers a unique and compelling pizza experience that goes beyond the usual styles found in larger cities. Its distinctive rectangular shape, its light and chewy crust, its sweet onion-infused sauce, and its blend of cheeses create a pizza that's both familiar and surprisingly different. The town's claim as the "Pizza Capital of the World" may be bold, but the sheer density of pizzerias, the passionate local following, and the unique style of pizza make it a worthy contender. If you're a pizza lover seeking a new culinary adventure, a trip to Old Forge is a must.

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