Seriously, Explain Jersey Style Pizza

Recently, at a food show, I overheard a group of people discussing pizza trends and how we should be on the lookout for "Jersey style pizza." Now, I wasn't unfamiliar with the term, but really didn't have a good grasp of what it meant. So, I asked.

What I received as response, aside from a hearty chuckle (inside joke I suppose), was "it depends on who you ask." That answer, I felt, was unsatisfactory, so I decided to investigate for myself. 

When I started researching Jersey style pizza, I came across quite a few differing opinions (many laced with sarcasm) of what it actually was. So, in retrospect, the depends on who you ask comment had some truth to it.

But, within those opinions, I was also able to stitch together the most common characteristics of the Jersey style of pie. 

1. It's All in the Name

While I was hearing and looking for "Jersey style pizza," that's not necessarily the moniker it goes by. This is probably the biggest reason why there are so many concepts of what the pizza is.

The more apt name for the Jersey style pizza  is "Tomato Pie," or, the "Trenton Tomato Pie." There's a very specific reason for this title.

2. Order of Ingredients

We're all familiar with the standard order of pizza ingredients, which goes like this: Crust - Sauce - Cheese - Toppings (of course there are variations, but for the sake of argument let's just follow this example). 

But for the Trenton Tomato Pie, the order is as follows: Crust - Cheese - Toppings - Sauce. Yep, sauce on top, which, for pizza aficionados everywhere, may sound familiar. 

Chicago Stuffed and Detroit style pizzas also tend to feature the sauce resting on top of the other ingredients. Which is why the crust becomes important.

3. It's What's Underneath that Counts

The last deciding factor for Jersey sty--err--Trenton Tomato Pies that matters is the crust. 

Unlike Chicago Stuffed and Detroit style pizzas, the Tomato Pie features a thin crust. Now, don't think of it as a crispy, wafer-like thin crust you might be accustomed to, but more of a pliable, chewy style, similar to a New York or Neapolitan style crust. 

And finally, the shape matters. Tomato Pies keep the classic round shape, rather than adopting the square shape of Sicilian or the oblong style of New Haven pies. These characteristics in combination are what makes the pie unique among its brethren. 

Put it all Together

Alright, so now that we have all the information let's put it together.

Q: What is New Jersey Style Pizza?

A:

• First, it's called a Trenton Tomato Pie or Tomato Pie. 
• Second, it's got the sauce on top.
• Third, it's a thin, chewy, round crust. 

And there you have it, at least, as far as I can tell. 

I want to hear from you though. If you are from Jersey, in Jersey, or just love Jersey and have some additional input on this subject leave a comment. I'd like to know if this amalgamation of information is an accurate representation of your state's pie. 

Cheers!