Brier Hill Pizza Recipe
Brier Hill Pizza is a classic, unique pizza that originated in the Brier Hill neighborhood of Youngstown, Ohio. Unlike traditional pizza, it has a special sauce made from sweet bell peppers and is topped with Romano cheese instead of mozzarella. This recipe has an old-school charm and bold flavor that will win over anyone who tries it. The crust is slightly thick and chewy, and the pizza sauce is loaded with rich tomato flavor and topped with roasted bell peppers. It’s simple yet packed with authentic taste.
🍕 Brier Hill Pizza Recipe
  • Cuisine: Italian-American (Youngstown style)
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Resting Time (Dough): 1.5 - 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Keywords: Brier Hill Pizza, Youngstown pizza, bell pepper pizza, Romano cheese, authentic pizza
🥄 Equipment Needed
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Dough hook or hands for kneading
  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Rolling pin
  • Small saucepan
  • Spoon or ladle for sauce spreading
🍅 Ingredients
For the Dough
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 ½ - 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 2-3 large green bell peppers (sliced thinly)
  • Olive oil for drizzling
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
  • In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it foams.
  • Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 ½ cups of flour. Mix until a dough forms, adding a little more flour if it’s too sticky.
  • Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the Sauce:
  • While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside.
Prepare the Peppers:
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the bell pepper slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly with salt.
  • Roast in the oven for about 10 minutes until slightly softened, then set aside.
Assemble the Pizza:
  • Increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone in the oven if you have one.
  • Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to fit your pizza stone or baking sheet, about ¼ inch thick for a slightly thicker crust.
  • Spread a generous layer of sauce over the dough, then sprinkle with the grated Romano cheese.
  • Top with roasted bell pepper slices, arranging them evenly across the pizza.
Bake the Pizza:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is slightly bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
🍽️ Nutrition Information (per slice, if sliced into 8)
  • Calories: 180
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
🌟 Additional Notes
  • Variations: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or scatter some over the pizza before baking.
  • Cheese Options: Brier Hill pizza traditionally uses only Romano cheese, but you can add a mix of Romano and Parmesan if you want a little more depth.
  • Storage: Leftover pizza can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven.
0
0 comments
Craig Tuttle
2
Brier Hill Pizza Recipe
Recipes
skool.com/recipes
Community of folks who love to cook and share their favorite recipes!
powered by