Indianapolis, a city known for its burgeoning food scene, offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Among these, the quest for the perfect pizza often leads to passionate debates. While deep-dish and New York-style slices have their devotees, there’s a dedicated contingent of pizza lovers who crave the satisfying crunch and lightness of a well-made thin crust. If you’re tired of overly doughy pizzas that leave you feeling sluggish, and are yearning for a crispy, flavorful slice that allows the toppings to truly shine, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will navigate you through the Indianapolis pizza landscape, revealing the hidden gems and well-established favorites that serve the absolute best thin crust pizza Indianapolis has to offer.
Defining the Perfect Thin Crust: What to Look For
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s important to understand what qualities define a truly exceptional thin crust pizza. It’s more than just a thin base; it’s a delicate balance of texture, flavor, and structural integrity. The ideal thin crust should possess a satisfying crispness, almost a crackle, with each bite. It shouldn’t be soggy or limp, even when loaded with toppings. The crust itself should have a subtle flavor, perhaps a hint of char from the oven or a touch of herbs, complementing rather than overpowering the other ingredients. And, most importantly, it needs to be strong enough to support the sauce, cheese, and toppings without crumbling or collapsing. Let’s delve deeper into the key components:
The Art of the Crust
The foundation of any great pizza, the thin crust demands precision. The dough, typically made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, needs to be properly fermented and stretched thin. Achieving the perfect crispness often involves baking at high temperatures, sometimes in wood-fired ovens, which impart a unique smoky flavor. The texture is paramount – think of a delicate cracker, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The best thin crusts are not just thin; they’re structurally sound, capable of holding up to a generous layering of toppings.
Sauce: The Flavorful Backbone
The sauce is the heart of the pizza, binding all the elements together. For thin crust, a sauce that’s fresh, vibrant, and not too heavy is essential. Many pizzerias use San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity, as the base for their sauce. The sauce should be balanced, with a hint of sweetness to complement the savory toppings and a touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese. Too much sauce can lead to a soggy crust, so the application needs to be judicious and even.
Cheese: The Melty Marvel
Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, prized for its meltability and mild flavor. However, some pizzerias experiment with different cheeses or blends, such as provolone, which adds a sharper, more complex flavor. The cheese should be of high quality, melting evenly and creating a delicious, gooey layer that binds the toppings together. The perfect cheese pull, that satisfying stretch when you take a slice, is a sign of perfectly melted, high-quality cheese.
Toppings: A Symphony of Flavors
The possibilities for toppings are endless, from classic pepperoni and mushrooms to more adventurous combinations. Freshness and quality are key. Whether it’s locally sourced vegetables, artisanal meats, or imported cheeses, the toppings should complement each other and enhance the overall flavor of the pizza. The toppings should be balanced in proportion to the crust, sauce, and cheese, ensuring that no single element overpowers the others. Consider the balance between salty, sweet, savory, and spicy to create a truly memorable pizza experience.
Indianapolis Thin Crust Champions: Pizzerias You Must Try
Now that we’ve established the criteria for a great thin crust pizza, let’s explore some of the best pizzerias in Indianapolis that excel in this art form. These establishments have earned their reputation for crafting pizzas that are both delicious and satisfying, using high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Brozinni Pizzeria
A long time favorite in Indianapolis, Brozinni Pizzeria brings a taste of New York to the Midwest with their thin crust pies. What makes their thin crust stand out is its impressive crispness and the quality of the ingredients they use. Their sauce is rich and flavorful, and the cheese is always perfectly melted. They offer both classic and unique topping combinations that are always fresh. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great place for a relaxed meal. Definitely try the classic pepperoni or build your own with their wide selection of toppings. Price: Moderate. Website
King Dough
King Dough boasts a dedicated following thanks to its creative and high-quality pizzas. They are well known for their playful topping combinations and their beautifully charred crust. The key to their success lies in the exceptional quality of their ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail in their pizza-making process. The vibrant atmosphere adds to the dining experience. Recommended pizzas include the “Piggy Smalls” and the “Hot Mess.” Price: Moderate to High. Website
Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza
Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza is a local favorite known for its lively atmosphere and creative pizza toppings. While they offer a variety of styles, their thin crust is a standout. The crust is always perfectly crisp, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. They offer a wide selection of craft beers to pair with your pizza. Try the “Sputnik” or the “Maui Wowie” for a unique and delicious pizza experience. Price: Moderate. Website
Bazbeaux Pizza
Bazbeaux Pizza, a beloved Indianapolis institution, has been serving up delicious pies since 1986. Known for its gourmet toppings and carefully crafted recipes, Bazbeaux is a top contender for best thin crust pizza. The quality of their ingredients is apparent from the first bite, each slice bursting with flavor. While the atmosphere is warm and inviting, Bazbeaux is also a great option for takeout or delivery. Be sure to try one of their specialty pizzas like the “Quatro Formaggio” or the “Pesto Primavera.” Price: Moderate. Website
Some Guys Pizza
Despite the simple name, Some Guys Pizza offers a truly outstanding thin crust pizza experience. Their pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and a special dough recipe to give a great flavor. This local spot is great for family and friends. Price : Budget Friendly. Website
Tips for Ordering and Enjoying the Ultimate Thin Crust Experience
To fully appreciate the best thin crust pizza Indianapolis has to offer, consider these tips when ordering and enjoying your pie:
* Order Ahead: Especially on weekends, popular pizzerias can get busy. Ordering ahead will save you time and ensure you get your pizza when you want it.
* Eat it Fresh: Thin crust pizza is best enjoyed immediately after it comes out of the oven. The crust will be at its crispiest and the toppings will be at their freshest.
* Consider Extra Sauce: If you like a saucier pizza, ask for extra sauce on the side for dipping. This will allow you to control the amount of sauce and prevent the crust from getting soggy.
* Pair with the Perfect Beverage: Pizza and beer are a classic pairing, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other beverages. A crisp white wine or a refreshing soft drink can also complement the flavors of the pizza.
* Reheating Pizza: To revive leftover pizza, bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This will help to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese. Alternatively, use a skillet on the stovetop for a crispy bottom.
Your Thin Crust Adventure Awaits
Indianapolis offers a wealth of fantastic pizza options, but for those who crave the lightness and crispness of a thin crust, these pizzerias stand out from the crowd. From classic combinations to inventive creations, there’s a thin crust pizza in Indianapolis to suit every taste. We encourage you to explore this list, try out the suggested pizzerias, and discover your own favorite thin crust pizza in Indianapolis. Pizza is a dish best enjoyed when shared, so take a friend or family member with you and let us know in the comments which restaurants serve your favorite thin crust pizza Indianapolis has to offer!
