What is Utica Tomato Pie?
Utica tomato pie is a regional dish popular in Utica, New York, and surrounding areas. It is distinct from traditional pizza in that it typically lacks cheese or has only a minimal amount, and the sauce is spread on top of the crust rather than underneath any toppings. The crust is typically thicker and bread-like, with a crispy bottom, and the sauce is often seasoned with herbs and spices. It’s usually served at room temperature or cold, making it a popular choice for parties, picnics, and gatherings. Utica tomato pie has a unique taste and texture, making it a beloved local specialty in the Utica area.
What Makes Utica Different From Philly?
What is the difference between Philly and Utica tomato pies? Well, they are strikingly similar, except Philly uses a thick, pasty sauce that tends to be sweet and seasoned lightly with Italian seasoning. The Utica version I reviewed here used more of a hearty marinara sauce with fresh basil in it and virtually no sweetness.
Is this frozen version representative of a typical Utica tomato pie? I have no idea, but in comparing the Philly pies I’ve reviewed to this one, the sauce is the primary difference with the Utica using a richer, more flavorful pecorino romano than the Philly ones I’ve tried. The crusts are virtually the same bakery sheet bread-type sponges. The nuance is really in the sauce and cheeses used.
Overall, this was a pretty enjoyable pie to review. If you are yearning for some tomato pie, head to your local price chopper (like I did in the video below) and pick up a “It’s a Utica Thing” Utica Tomato Pie! I also see that the company sells “Chicken Riggie” sauce, which is another Utica food that I don’t know much about but definitely want to try!
Where to Find It’s a Utica Thing Tomato Pie
You can find this pizza at It’s a Utica Thing Kitchen and Bar in Utica New York. For those who aren’t in that area, you can find it in local grocery stores like Market 32 (see below). The company’s website also offers a variety of sauces including their pizza sauce, marinara sauce, and riggie sauces.
Want to know what the best pizza sauces that you can find in the grocery store are? Check out my pizza sauce taste tests where I ranked over 70 different pizza sauces!
Utica Tomato Pie Review Scores
- Restaurant: It’s a Utica Thing
- Location: 350 Leland Ave, Utica, NY 13502
- Purchase Location: Market 32 Dunmore, PA
- Eat In/Take Out: Frozen Pizza Baked at Home
- Date: February 2024
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 6.1 |
| Sauce | 6.8 |
| Cheese | 7.1 |
| Taste | 6.6 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 6.8 |
| Value | 5.8 |
| Overall Rating | 6.6 |
Pizza is Similar to: Corropolese, Catalano’s, Conshohocken Bakery
