Pizza is one of the most popular dishes worldwide, with its roots in Italy where the first pizzeria opened in Naples in the 18th century. Over time, pizza has evolved, with multiple countries putting their own spin on it. The two most well-known types of pizza are Italian and American. Italian pizza features a thin, crispy crust made with flour, water, yeast, and salt cooked in a wood-fired oven, while American pizza crust is thicker and breadier, made with white flour, yeast, water, and salt, often baked in a conventional oven. Additionally, Italian pizza sauce contains fresh ingredients while American pizza sauce contains seasonings with sugar and canned tomatoes.
Italian Pizza vs. American Pizza: The Classic Dish and its Many Variations
Pizza has become one of the most popular dishes worldwide, but its roots lie in Italy, where the first pizzeria opened in Naples in the 18th century. Over time, the dish has evolved, with various countries putting their own spin on it. Two of the most well-known types are Italian pizza and American pizza. Here, we will compare and contrast the two and explore the many variations of this classic dish.
Crust
The crust is arguably the most essential part of a pizza. Italian pizza crust is thin and crispy, with a chewy texture that complements the toppings. It is traditionally made from flour, water, yeast, and salt and cooked in a wood-fired oven. The high heat of the oven gives the crust its crispy texture, and the brief cooking time ensures the toppings do not become too soggy.
On the other hand, American pizza crust is thicker and breadier, with a softer texture. It is typically made from a blend of white flour, yeast, water, and salt and is often baked in a conventional oven. The thicker crust is ideal for holding lots of toppings and influences the taste and texture of the overall pizza.
Sauce
Both Italian and American pizza have tomato sauce as a base. However, the difference lies in how the sauce is made. Italian pizza sauce is typically made from fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. It is cooked briefly before being added to the pizza, giving the sauce a fresh and tangy flavor.
American pizza sauce, on the other hand, is often made from canned tomatoes and seasoned with sugar, salt, and garlic. The sauce is cooked for longer, which results in a sweeter and thicker consistency compared to Italian pizza sauce.
Toppings
Toppings are where pizza truly shines, and every country and region has their own unique combinations. Italian pizza toppings are often simple and classic, with a focus on quality ingredients. Popular Italian toppings include buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, prosciutto, and mushrooms.
American pizza toppings tend to be more varied, with a wider range of options catering to different tastes. Pizza toppings in America include pepperoni, sausage, barbecue chicken, pineapple, and even macaroni and cheese. These toppings often take inspiration from other types of American cuisine, such as barbecue and Tex-Mex.
Variations
Pizza variations are endless, and both Italian and American pizza have their share of unique twists. In Italy, there is Neapolitan pizza, which is made with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil. Roman-style pizza is thin and crispy, and Sicilian pizza is made with a thick crust and chunky tomato sauce.
American pizza has its own regional variations, such as Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, which has a buttery, flaky crust and plenty of tomato sauce and cheese. New York-style pizza is large and thin, with a crispy crust and a generous serving of toppings. California-style pizza is a West Coast trend that is usually made with gourmet toppings, such as arugula, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Conclusion
Italian pizza and American pizza may have their differences, but both have contributed to the evolution of this beloved dish. Whether you prefer a thin, crispy crust topped with classic Italian ingredients or a thick, doughy crust piled high with sausages, peppers, and onions, there is a slice of pizza for everyone. The variations of pizza have no limits, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, and there is a particular combination out there that is perfect for you.