How many calories are in a Brooklyn-style pizza?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single slice of large pepperoni Brooklyn-style pizza from a major chain like Domino's can contain approximately 290 calories. However, this number varies significantly depending on the specific ingredients, toppings, and portion size, making it essential to understand the full nutritional picture when considering how many calories are in a Brooklyn-style pizza.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Brooklyn-style pizza varies based on size and toppings. A plain cheese slice is typically lower, while adding meats or extra cheese increases the total. Understanding these factors is key to managing your intake.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a Brooklyn-style pizza changes significantly based on toppings, portion size, and the specific restaurant.
Base Calories: A plain cheese Brooklyn-style slice from a chain can range from 230 to 250 calories.
Toppings Increase Calories: High-fat meat toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon can add 50-100+ calories per slice.
Crust Type Matters: The thin, foldable Brooklyn crust is generally lower in calories than thick, traditional, or deep-dish options.
Portion Control is Key: An extra-large Brooklyn-style pizza, typically cut into 6 large slices, has a higher calorie count per slice compared to a standard-sized pie.

Decoding the Brooklyn-Style Pizza's Calorie Count

Unlike the standard hand-tossed pizza, the Brooklyn-style is known for its wide, thin, and slightly foldable crust, designed to be enjoyed like a true New York slice. While this lighter crust might suggest fewer calories, the actual total is influenced by a range of factors that need to be considered for an accurate assessment. The brand, the specific toppings chosen, and the size of the slice all play a significant role.

The Base Calorie Count

The most basic Brooklyn-style pizza is a cheese-only version. For example, a large (14-inch) cheese-only Brooklyn-style pizza from Domino's, cut into 6 slices, yields about 231 calories per slice. For an extra-large (16-inch) pizza, the calories per slice for a basic pie are slightly higher due to the larger surface area and portion. The calorie breakdown for this basic version typically shows a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, with carbs making up the largest percentage.

Impact of Toppings on Calorie Intake

Toppings are the primary variable that can dramatically alter the calorie content of any pizza. Lean vegetable toppings like onions, peppers, and mushrooms add minimal calories while providing extra fiber and nutrients. Conversely, opting for high-fat meats or extra cheese can quickly increase the total caloric load.

High-Calorie Toppings

Pepperoni and Sausage: These cured and processed meats are high in fat and can add 50-100 calories per slice, sometimes even more. For instance, a large pepperoni Brooklyn-style pizza from Domino's contains approximately 290 calories per slice, significantly more than the basic cheese version.
Meat Lover's Style: A combination of multiple fatty meats, like a Domino's MeatZZa Brooklyn-style pizza, can push the calorie count to 380 per slice or higher.
Extra Cheese: Ordering extra cheese adds a substantial amount of fat and calories. An extra cheese portion on a large Brooklyn-style pizza can add over 100 calories to the entire pie, which is then distributed across each slice.

Low-Calorie Toppings

Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach are excellent for adding flavor, texture, and nutrients with minimal caloric impact. A vegetarian Brooklyn-style pizza will generally be one of the healthier options.
Lighter Sauces: While most traditional tomato sauces are relatively low in calories, switching to a creamy Alfredo or BBQ sauce can add extra calories and sugar.

Comparison of Brooklyn-Style vs. Other Pizza Types

To put the Brooklyn-style pizza into perspective, it is useful to compare its calorie content with other popular pizza styles. This comparison highlights why the thin, foldable crust is a moderate option compared to some heavier alternatives.


Pizza Style	Typical Calories Per Slice (Large)	Primary Calorie Driver	Example Scenario
Brooklyn-Style	230-350+	Toppings and slice size	Cheese is lower, pepperoni adds significantly.
Traditional Hand-Tossed	250-350	Thicker, more dense dough	More carbohydrates from the crust.
Deep-Dish (Chicago)	400-600+	Very thick crust, excess cheese	High volume of dough and cheese.
Thin Crust (Crispy)	150-250	Minimal dough	Less dough, less surface area.

How to Calculate Your Own Brooklyn-Style Pizza Calories

Since the number of calories can vary, a simple calculation method can help you estimate your own intake:

Find a reliable nutrition source: Many pizza chains, like Domino's, provide nutrition calculators or detailed fact sheets on their websites. Websites like Nutritionix or CalorieKing also offer comprehensive nutritional data.
Start with the base: Look up the calories for a plain cheese pizza of your chosen size (large or extra-large) and crust type (Brooklyn-style).
Add toppings: Add the calories for each topping you plan to include. Meat toppings will increase the count more than vegetables.
Consider portion size: Divide the total number of calories by the number of slices your pizza is cut into. For example, a 16-inch Brooklyn-style is typically cut into 6 slices.

For example, if an extra-large Brooklyn-style cheese pizza has a total of 1386 calories and you add pepperoni (approx. 50 calories per slice), the calculation would be:

$$(1386 + (6 * 50)) / 6 = (1386 + 300) / 6 = 1686 / 6 = 281$$ calories per slice.

Conclusion

The calorie content of a Brooklyn-style pizza is not a static number but a spectrum influenced by several key factors. While its thin crust offers a moderate starting point, the ultimate caloric impact depends heavily on your choice of toppings and the portion size you consume. The best approach for those monitoring their intake is to be mindful of these variables, utilize online nutritional tools, and opt for lighter toppings like vegetables. Enjoying Brooklyn-style pizza in moderation and with informed choices allows you to indulge without derailing your dietary goals.

A list of ways to control your pizza calories:

Select a thin crust: This reduces the base carbohydrate and calorie count. The Brooklyn-style's naturally thinner crust is a good starting point.
Load up on vegetables: Add a variety of veggie toppings for flavor, fiber, and nutrients with minimal added calories.
Request less cheese or use a lighter variety: Extra cheese significantly boosts the calorie count. Ask for less or opt for a lower-fat cheese if possible.
Choose lean protein: Instead of high-fat sausage or bacon, opt for lean protein sources like grilled chicken.
Blot away excess oil: Using a paper towel to blot the top of your slice can remove some of the surface oil and fat from the cheese and meats.
Pair with a salad: Balance your meal by enjoying a side salad. This adds volume and nutrients without piling on more calories.
Control your portion size: Stick to one or two slices rather than eating an entire pizza. Large Brooklyn-style slices make it easy to overindulge if not careful.

Sources

Domino's Pizza Nutrition: For specific nutritional information for their Brooklyn-style pizzas.
USDA FoodData Central: A comprehensive database for nutritional information on various food items.
CalorieKing: A useful resource for comparing the caloric and nutritional information of many restaurant and fast-food items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brooklyn-style pizza is often a healthier option than regular hand-tossed or thick-crust varieties because its thinner crust reduces the overall carbohydrate and calorie count. However, the healthiness ultimately depends on the toppings selected; choosing vegetable toppings keeps it light, while heavy meats and extra cheese can make it high in calories and fat.

A slice of a large pepperoni Brooklyn-style pizza from a major chain like Domino's contains approximately 290 calories. This can vary slightly based on the specific brand and how the pizza is prepared, so it is always best to check the nutritional information from the source.

For a Brooklyn-style pizza, the extra-large version (typically 16 inches) will have more calories per slice than the large version (14 inches) because the slices are larger. For example, a large pepperoni slice is around 290 calories, while an extra-large pepperoni slice can be around 380 calories.

Yes, making a Brooklyn-style pizza at home gives you full control over the ingredients. You can reduce calories by using a thin, whole-wheat crust, a light layer of tomato sauce, reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, and plenty of fresh vegetable toppings.

Toppings have a major effect on calorie count. Lean vegetable toppings like peppers and onions add minimal calories. In contrast, high-fat meats like pepperoni and sausage, or an extra serving of cheese, can significantly increase the total calories and fat per slice.

The most accurate way is to use the nutritional information provided by the restaurant or chain where you purchased the pizza. Many major chains, like Domino's, have nutritional calculators on their websites. You can also use third-party nutrition databases like CalorieKing or MyFoodDiary.

Yes, blotting the surface of your pizza with a paper towel can remove excess oil and fat. While this won't eliminate all the fat, it can slightly reduce the overall calorie content, particularly with greasy toppings like pepperoni or sausage.