New England Beach Pizza: A Taste of Summer, All Year Round

New England, renowned for its picturesque coastlines, historic charm, and delectable seafood, boasts another culinary treasure often overlooked: Beach Pizza. This isn’t your typical Neapolitan or New York slice; Beach Pizza is a regional specialty, a unique and surprisingly addictive treat that encapsulates the essence of summer in every bite. Characterized by its sweet sauce, generous blanket of provolone cheese, and often, a sprinkling of seafood, it’s a pizza experience unlike any other. Forget the fancy wood-fired ovens and artisanal toppings; Beach Pizza is all about simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a nostalgic connection to sun-soaked days by the ocean.

This article delves into the history, ingredients, preparation, and variations of New England Beach Pizza. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza aficionado or a curious foodie looking for a new adventure, prepare to be captivated by the quirky charm and unforgettable taste of this coastal classic. We’ll cover everything from sourcing the perfect ingredients to mastering the techniques that make Beach Pizza so unique. Get ready to recreate this taste of New England in your own kitchen!

## What Exactly IS Beach Pizza?

Beach Pizza isn’t just a pizza; it’s an experience. Imagine this: you’re strolling along the boardwalk, the salty air is whipping through your hair, and the sound of crashing waves fills the air. You stop at a no-frills pizza shop, grab a slice of Beach Pizza, and take a bite. The sweetness of the sauce, the gooeyness of the provolone, and the slight tang of the seafood (if you opt for it) combine to create a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the seaside atmosphere. That’s Beach Pizza.

Here’s what typically defines it:

* **Sweet Sauce:** This is the defining characteristic. Forget the herbaceous, savory tomato sauces of Italy; Beach Pizza sauce is unapologetically sweet, often with a noticeable addition of sugar or other sweeteners. This sweetness provides a counterpoint to the saltiness of the cheese and any seafood toppings.
* **Provolone Cheese:** While mozzarella reigns supreme in many pizza styles, Beach Pizza almost exclusively uses provolone. Its mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting properties make it ideal for creating a generous, gooey layer of cheese that stretches with every bite.
* **Thin, Crispy Crust:** The crust is typically thin and slightly crispy, providing a sturdy base for the generous toppings without being overly chewy or doughy. It’s not quite cracker-thin, but it’s definitely thinner than a traditional Neapolitan crust.
* **Optional Seafood Toppings:** While not always present, many Beach Pizza variations include seafood toppings, such as shrimp, clams, or even lobster. These additions add a briny, savory element that perfectly complements the sweet sauce and provolone.
* **Simple Presentation:** Beach Pizza is not about fancy plating or artistic arrangements. It’s often served on paper plates or in simple boxes, reflecting its no-frills, casual nature.

## A Brief History: Where Did Beach Pizza Come From?

The exact origins of Beach Pizza are shrouded in a bit of mystery, but the most popular story points to the seaside towns of the North Shore of Massachusetts, particularly Salisbury Beach and Revere Beach. These beaches were bustling destinations in the early to mid-20th century, attracting crowds with their amusement parks, arcades, and of course, the ocean.

Several family-owned pizza shops emerged during this time, each vying for the attention of hungry beachgoers. While the exact innovator is debated, it’s believed that one or more of these shops began experimenting with sweeter sauces and provolone cheese, possibly as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. The addition of seafood toppings likely came later, as a natural extension of the coastal environment.

Over time, Beach Pizza became a local institution, a beloved tradition passed down through generations. While it hasn’t achieved widespread national recognition, it remains a cherished culinary symbol of New England’s coastal communities.

## The Essential Ingredients for Authentic Beach Pizza

To recreate the authentic taste of New England Beach Pizza at home, you’ll need to gather the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

* **Pizza Dough:** You can either make your own pizza dough from scratch or purchase pre-made dough from a local pizzeria or grocery store. If making your own, aim for a recipe that produces a relatively thin and crispy crust. A simple dough recipe with flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of olive oil will work perfectly.

**Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe (Yields 2 Pizza Crusts)**

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a ball. You can use one immediately, and freeze the other one for later use.
6. Proceed to rolling out the dough for your pizza!

* **Sweet Pizza Sauce:** This is where the magic happens. You can make your own sweet sauce from scratch or adapt a store-bought sauce. The key is to add sweetness, either with sugar, honey, or even a touch of corn syrup. Start with a base of canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

**Homemade Sweet Pizza Sauce Recipe**

* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1/4 cup tomato paste
* 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
4. Let the sauce cool slightly before using on your pizza.

* **Provolone Cheese:** Look for a block of provolone cheese and shred it yourself for the best flavor and melting properties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
* **Optional Seafood:** If you’re adding seafood, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Shrimp, clams, and lobster are all popular choices. Make sure the seafood is cooked before adding it to the pizza.

**Seafood Preparation Suggestions:**

* **Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp. Sauté them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until pink and cooked through.
* **Clams:** Steam the clams until they open. Remove the meat from the shells and chop it into smaller pieces.
* **Lobster:** Cooked lobster meat can be purchased pre-cooked or you can steam a whole lobster yourself. Remove the meat from the shell and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

* **Other Optional Toppings:** While the sweet sauce, provolone, and seafood are the key components, you can also add other toppings to your Beach Pizza. Some popular options include onions, peppers, and bacon.

## Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Own Beach Pizza

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start making your own Beach Pizza. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a delicious and authentic result:

1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, ideally 500-550°F (260-290°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a crispy crust.
2. **Prepare the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Beach Pizza typically has a thin crust, so aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. **Transfer the Dough:** Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour. This will make it easier to slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone.
4. **Add the Sauce:** Spread a generous layer of sweet pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
5. **Add the Cheese:** Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded provolone cheese over the sauce, covering it completely. Don’t be shy; Beach Pizza is known for its gooey, cheesy topping.
6. **Add the Toppings (Optional):** If you’re adding seafood or other toppings, arrange them evenly over the cheese. Make sure the seafood is already cooked before adding it.
7. **Bake the Pizza:** Carefully slide the pizza from the pizza peel onto the hot pizza stone in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Beach Pizza is best enjoyed hot and fresh.

## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Beach Pizza

Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve pizza perfection:

* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** While Beach Pizza is known for its generous toppings, it’s important not to overload the pizza. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy and prevent it from cooking evenly.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your Beach Pizza. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
* **Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce:** The sweetness of the sauce is a matter of personal preference. Start with the suggested amount of sugar and adjust it to your liking. Some people prefer a very sweet sauce, while others prefer a more subtle sweetness.
* **Experiment with Different Toppings:** While seafood is a classic Beach Pizza topping, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. Onions, peppers, bacon, and even pineapple can be delicious additions.
* **Get Creative with the Cheese:** While provolone is the traditional choice, you can also experiment with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or a blend of provolone and mozzarella.
* **Use a Pizza Stone:** A pizza stone is essential for creating a crispy crust. It helps to distribute heat evenly and absorb moisture from the dough.
* **Preheat the Pizza Stone:** Make sure to preheat the pizza stone for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza. This will ensure that the stone is hot enough to cook the crust properly.
* **Use a Pizza Peel:** A pizza peel is a flat, wide tool used to transfer pizzas to and from the oven. It makes it much easier to handle the pizza without burning yourself.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different flavors and techniques. There’s no right or wrong way to make Beach Pizza, so find what works best for you.

## Variations on the Classic Beach Pizza

While the basic recipe for Beach Pizza remains fairly consistent, there are many variations that you can try. Here are a few ideas:

* **Clam Pizza:** This is a classic variation that features chopped clams as the main topping. The clams add a briny, savory flavor that perfectly complements the sweet sauce and provolone.
* **Shrimp Pizza:** Another popular variation, shrimp pizza features cooked shrimp as the main topping. The shrimp add a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
* **Lobster Pizza:** For a truly decadent experience, try making lobster pizza. The lobster adds a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the pizza to a whole new level.
* **Bacon Pizza:** If you’re not a fan of seafood, try adding bacon to your Beach Pizza. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the sweet sauce and provolone.
* **Vegetarian Pizza:** For a vegetarian option, try adding onions, peppers, mushrooms, and other vegetables to your Beach Pizza. The vegetables add a variety of flavors and textures that make the pizza more interesting.
* **Spicy Pizza:** If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or topping the pizza with jalapeños. The spice adds a kick that balances out the sweetness of the sauce.

## Serving Suggestions: Completing the Beach Pizza Experience

Beach Pizza is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but there are a few things you can do to enhance the experience:

* **Serve it with a Cold Drink:** A cold beer, soda, or iced tea is the perfect accompaniment to Beach Pizza. The cold drink helps to cleanse the palate and refresh you after each bite.
* **Serve it with a Side Salad:** A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza.
* **Serve it Outdoors:** If possible, enjoy your Beach Pizza outdoors, preferably near the beach. The fresh air and sunshine will only enhance the experience.
* **Share it with Friends and Family:** Beach Pizza is best enjoyed with friends and family. Sharing a pizza is a great way to bond and create memories.

## Where to Find Authentic Beach Pizza (If You’re Not Making It Yourself)

If you’re lucky enough to be in New England, you can find authentic Beach Pizza at many local pizza shops, particularly in the coastal towns of Massachusetts, such as Salisbury Beach and Revere Beach. Some of the most popular and highly-regarded Beach Pizza establishments include:

* **Tripoli Bakery & Pizza (Lawrence, MA):** While not directly on the beach, Tripoli is a legendary institution known for its thick, square slices of sweet-sauced pizza. It’s a must-try for any Beach Pizza enthusiast.
* **Salisbury Beach Pizza (Salisbury, MA):** As the name suggests, this pizzeria is located right on Salisbury Beach and is a classic spot for grabbing a slice of Beach Pizza.
* **Bill’s Pizza (Laconia, NH):** While located in New Hampshire, Bill’s Pizza offers a similar style of sweet-sauced pizza that resonates with the Beach Pizza aesthetic.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other great pizza shops in New England that serve their own variations of Beach Pizza. Do some research and explore the local options in your area to find your favorite.

## Conclusion: A Culinary Journey to the New England Coast

New England Beach Pizza is more than just a pizza; it’s a culinary experience that embodies the spirit of summer, the charm of coastal towns, and the joy of simple pleasures. With its sweet sauce, generous provolone cheese, and optional seafood toppings, it’s a unique and unforgettable treat that will transport you to the sun-soaked beaches of New England with every bite.

Whether you choose to recreate this classic at home or seek out an authentic slice in a New England pizzeria, prepare to be captivated by the quirky charm and irresistible flavor of Beach Pizza. It’s a taste of summer that you can enjoy all year round!

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the New England coast. Your taste buds will thank you for it!