We’ve always been captivated by the legendary L&B Pizza from Brooklyn’s Spumoni Gardens a true icon of Italian-American cuisine. Its thick square slices deliver that perfect blend of crispy crust gooey cheese and zesty sauce making it a favorite for pizza lovers everywhere.
Originating in the heart of New York we bring you our simplified version of this timeless recipe. You’ll recreate those authentic flavors right in your kitchen capturing the spirit that has made L&B a staple for generations. Let’s dive in and make pizza night unforgettable.
Ingredients
In our quest to recreate the iconic L&B Pizza at home, we begin with a carefully curated list of ingredients that capture the essence of its thick, crispy crust, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce. We’ve organized these by the order of use, from dough preparation to topping assembly, ensuring you achieve authentic flavors with straightforward steps.
Dough Ingredients
To build the foundation of our L&B Pizza, start with these essentials for a sturdy, crispy base:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture, sifted to ensure even mixing.
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: Proof this first in warm water to activate its rising power.
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F): Temperature is key—too hot and it kills the yeast; too cool and it won’t activate.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden crisp.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor; we recommend fine sea salt for even distribution.
Sauce Ingredients
Next, prepare the zesty sauce that defines the L&B Pizza experience, packed with vibrant, tangy notes:
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed San Marzano tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and acidity create the signature sauce base—drain slightly for thicker consistency.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced for a pungent, aromatic punch that infuses the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Rub between your palms to release oils and boost the herbaceous flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional for a subtle kick, balancing the sauce’s zestiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season after simmering to fine-tune the bold, savory profile.
Topping Ingredients
Finally, top your pizza for that irresistible, gooey melt and fresh finish, evoking the original’s hearty appeal:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Opt for low-moisture for optimal melt and stretch, creating layers of gooey goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp contrast that enhances the overall cheese blend.
- Fresh basil leaves, torn: About 10-12 leaves, added at the end for a burst of peppery aroma and vibrant green color.
With these ingredients, we’re confident you’ll craft a pizza that rivals the Brooklyn classic—stay tuned for the step-by-step assembly in the next section.
Equipment Needed
To bring our L&B Pizza recipe to life after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and authentic results. Below, we’ve listed the key equipment in the order we’ll use them, with brief notes for optimal use.
- Large mixing bowl: We start by using this for combining the dough ingredients, allowing for easy kneading and rising to achieve that signature thick, crispy crust.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Next, these help us accurately measure flour, water, and other components, preventing any imbalances in the dough for consistent texture.
- Stand mixer or wooden spoon: For mixing the dough thoroughly, we recommend a stand mixer with a dough hook for efficiency, or a sturdy wooden spoon if mixing by hand.
- Rolling pin: Once the dough is ready, we use this to roll it out evenly into thick square shapes, mimicking the iconic L&B style.
- Baking sheet or pizza stone: This is crucial for baking; we preheat it to lock in that gooey cheese and zesty sauce, with a pizza stone offering the best heat distribution for a professional finish.
- Oven: We need a standard oven capable of reaching 475°F (246°C) for the high heat required to crisp the crust without overcooking the toppings.
- Knife and cutting board: For prepping toppings like garlic and basil, we use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to keep everything fresh and precise.
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife: Finally, this allows us to slice the finished pizza into those thick, shareable squares, making serving effortless.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential equipment, let’s guide you through crafting our homemade L&B Pizza with its signature thick square slices, crispy crust, and zesty sauce. We promise these steps will help you achieve authentic Brooklyn flavors right in your kitchen.
Prepare the Dough
To start, we activate the yeast by combining 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast with 1 cup of warm water (around 110°F or 43°C) in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the yeast dissolves, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating it’s ready.
Next, we add 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything with a wooden spoon or stand mixer on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This step ensures our crust becomes perfectly crispy yet chewy, just like the original L&B Pizza.
Prepare the Toppings
First, we prepare the zesty sauce by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in a 28-ounce can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and optional 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a rich, flavorful sauce that captures the essence of L&B’s signature taste.
While the sauce simmers, we prep the cheese and herbs: Shred 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Chop a handful of fresh basil leaves for topping, ensuring they remain vibrant and aromatic to add that fresh, herbaceous note to our gooey, melted cheese layer.
Assemble the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, we punch it down gently to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into a thick square shape, about 12×12 inches, to mimic L&B’s iconic style.
Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread an even layer of our prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top, then add the chopped fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
For the final touch, we drizzle a little extra olive oil over the edges to promote a golden, crispy finish, ensuring our pizza assembles into a mouthwatering masterpiece with oozing cheese and zesty undertones.
Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) for at least 15 minutes, using the pizza stone or baking sheet for even heat distribution.
Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for uniform cooking. Watch as the crust turns golden and crispy, the cheese bubbles and browns to a gooey perfection, and the aromas of fresh basil and zesty sauce fill your kitchen.
Once baked, remove the pizza and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing into thick squares, allowing the flavors to settle for that authentic L&B experience.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this take on L&B Pizza, bringing Brooklyn’s magic straight to your kitchen. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a way to create lasting memories with family and friends over warm, crispy slices.
Trust us, once you’ve tried this homemade version, you’ll crave those thick squares again and again. Let’s keep the tradition alive and make every pizza night unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L&B Pizza?
L&B Pizza is an iconic Brooklyn-style pizza from Spumoni Gardens, known for its thick, square slices with a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce. It’s beloved by pizza enthusiasts for its authentic flavors, blending fresh ingredients like mozzarella, Parmesan, and San Marzano tomatoes.
What are the key ingredients for L&B Pizza?
The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water, olive oil, and salt for the dough; crushed San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for the sauce; and shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil for toppings. These create a homemade version of the classic Brooklyn pie.
What equipment do I need to make L&B Pizza at home?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a stand mixer or wooden spoon for kneading, a rolling pin for shaping the dough, and a baking sheet or pizza stone. A standard oven that reaches 475°F (246°C) is essential for achieving that crispy, authentic crust.
How do I prepare the dough for L&B Pizza?
Start by activating the yeast in warm water, then mix with flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, let it rise for about an hour, then roll it out. This simple process ensures a flavorful base that mimics the original Brooklyn recipe.
How long does it take to make L&B Pizza?
Preparation takes about 1-2 hours, including dough rising time, with baking around 10-15 minutes at 475°F. Total time is roughly 2-3 hours, making it a fun weekend project for a memorable pizza night at home.
Can I substitute ingredients in the L&B Pizza recipe?
Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour for bread flour if needed, or use regular tomatoes instead of San Marzano for the sauce. For toppings, substitute basil with oregano if fresh isn’t available, but stick to the basics for the most authentic taste—always adjust based on dietary preferences.
How should I store leftover L&B Pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust, keeping your homemade Brooklyn pizza as fresh as possible.