Original Italian Pizza: 52 Insights into its Authentic Evolution (2024)

Welcome to the delectable world of Italian pizza! Drawing from my two-decade-long immersion in Italy, this insightful article takes you on a journey through time, tracing the origins and evolution of this globally cherished dish.

From its humble beginnings in ancient cultures to the vibrant pizza stands of 18th-century Naples, we’ll explore the fascinating tale of how pizza became a symbol of Italian culinary heritage.

Join us as we unravel the secrets behind authentic pizza mastery, discover the magic of the Margherita, and explore the diverse flavors of traditional Italian pizzas.

7 Must-Try Traditional Italian Pizzas

1. Margherita

Begin your Italian pizza odyssey with the classic Margherita, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. A timeless Neapolitan delight.

2. Marinara

Experience the simplicity of the Marinara pizza, adorned with a vibrant tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil—a true taste of Naples.

3. Quattro Stagioni

Embrace variety with the Quattro Stagioni, representing the four seasons with distinct toppings in each quadrant. A flavorful and visually stunning creation.

4. Pizza Napoletana: Montanara Style

Try the Montanara, where the dough is fried before being baked with classic Neapolitan toppings, providing a delightful twist on tradition.

5. Roman Pinsa

Head to Rome for Pinsa, featuring an ancient Roman style of dough made with a mix of wheat, soy, and rice flour. Toppings vary but always promise a satisfying crunch.

6. Pizza Siciliana

Savor the bold flavors of Sicily with Pizza Siciliana, known for its thick crust and toppings like tomatoes, onions, olives, and anchovies, an explosion of Mediterranean taste.

7. Pizza Pugliese

Conclude your journey in Puglia with Pizza Pugliese, often topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and oregano. A delightful representation of Southern Italian flavors.

5 Key Turning Points of Original Italian Pizza

1. Ancient Roots: The journey of pizza began in ancient times, when various cultures experimented with flatbreads topped with an array of ingredients, laying the foundation for this globally beloved dish.
2. Naples’ Culinary Revolution: Naples, Italy, emerges as the birthplace of the modern pizza. In the 18th century, the city’s vibrant working-class community transformed pizza into an accessible and popular dish, setting the stage for its worldwide acclaim.
3. Margherita’s Legacy (1889): Enter Raffaele Esposito, a Neapolitan pizzaiolo who, in 1889, crafted the iconic Margherita pizza in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. This classic pizza, adorned with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, remains a symbol of Italian culinary heritage.
4. Italian Immigration and Global Spread: Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making traditions to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This migration marked the beginning of pizza’s evolution into a diverse and universally loved dish, with countless regional variations worldwide.
5. From Naples to the World: Today, pizza has transcended borders, with each culture adding its unique twist. Whether it’s the classic Neapolitan, New York-style, or innovative fusion creations, pizza continues to bring people together, celebrating its rich and flavorful history.

Authentic Pizza Mastery: 5 Vital Methods

1. The Cradle of Tradition: Naples, 18th Century
   • Origins: Neapolitan pizza originated in 18th-century Naples, evolving from simple, flatbread-like dishes.
   • Transformation: The vibrant working-class community in Naples turned pizza into a culinary sensation by experimenting with various toppings and creating a dish that gained popularity locally and eventually globally.
2. Dough Mastery: The Heart of Neapolitan Pizza
   • Crafted Dough: The dough is meticulously prepared using a specific blend of high-quality flour, water, salt, and yeast.
   • Fermentation Process: This dough undergoes a slow fermentation process, often lasting for hours or days. This slow rise results in a soft, elastic texture, providing the foundation for the pizza crust’s signature chewiness and slightly thickened edge.
3. Toppings, Simplified: The Margherita Magic
   • Margherita Pizza: Comprising San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity, paired with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
   • Minimalistic Perfection: The Margherita pizza’s simplicity encapsulates the essence of authentic Italian flavors, representing the culinary heritage of Naples.
4. Wood-Fired Alchemy: Cooking at High Temperatures
   • Wood-Fired Ovens: These traditional ovens, often made of brick or stone, reach extremely high temperatures, typically between 700-900°F (370-480°C).
   • Unique Cooking Style: The high heat of these ovens cooks the pizza quickly, resulting in a balance between charred spots and tender areas, infusing the pizza with a distinct smoky flavor that defines the Neapolitan culinary experience.
5. From Naples to the World: Preserving Tradition
   • Global Reach: Neapolitan pizza transcended its birthplace and gained popularity worldwide due to Italian immigration and cultural exchange.
   • Essence Preservation: Despite various regional adaptations and interpretations globally, the core principles of simplicity, reliance on quality ingredients, and artisanal craftsmanship remain integral to preserving the authenticity of the Italian pizza experience.

5 Steps Through History: The Origins of the First Italian Pizza

1. Ancient Flatbreads: The concept of flatbreads dates back to ancient civilizations, where various cultures crafted simple breads with minimal toppings. In the Mediterranean region, Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans are believed to have enjoyed variations of flatbreads with olive oil, herbs, and other basic ingredients.
2. Middle Ages in Naples: Naples, Italy, emerges as a crucial setting for the evolution of pizza. By the late 18th century, the city’s poorer residents frequented outdoor pizza stands, enjoying inexpensive, flatbreads topped with tomatoes—a newfound ingredient from the Americas. This precursor laid the groundwork for the pizza we know today.
3. The Margherita Legend: In 1889, the Margherita pizza gained fame during a royal visit by Queen Margherita of Savoy to Naples. Renowned pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito crafted a pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, symbolizing the colors of the Italian flag. The Margherita pizza became a patriotic sensation and solidified Naples as the pizza capital.
4. Globalization and Innovation: Italian immigrants introduced pizza to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pizzerias proliferated, adapting the dish to local tastes. The classic Margherita evolved into a plethora of styles, from New York to Chicago deep-dish, reflecting regional preferences and creativity.
5. Modern Pizza Culture: Today, pizza has transcended borders to become a global phenomenon. From traditional Neapolitan pizzerias to innovative topping combinations, the pizza landscape is diverse. The quest for the perfect slice continues worldwide, with enthusiasts celebrating the simplicity of a classic Margherita or experimenting with avant-garde flavors.

8 Interesting Facts About Pizza Margherita

1. Royal Inspiration: The Margherita pizza owes its name to Queen Margherita of Savoy. In 1889, she visited Naples, and Pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created a pizza in her honor. The red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil represented the colors of the Italian flag.
2. Symbol of Patriotism: The Margherita pizza’s color scheme wasn’t just a coincidence. Esposito aimed to celebrate Italy’s unification and convey a sense of patriotism through this simple yet symbolic dish.
3. Pioneering Simplicity: The Margherita pizza was a departure from the earlier, more complex toppings. It championed simplicity with just tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt. This uncomplicated combination remains a hallmark of traditional Neapolitan pizza.
4. Official Recognition: In 2009, the Margherita pizza received official recognition from the European Union as a Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) dish. This designation ensures that pizzas labeled as “Margherita” adhere to specific traditional standards.
5. Historical Documentation: A letter from 1889, held at the National Museum of Naples, provides historical documentation of the Margherita Pizza’s creation. The letter, written by Esposito himself, details the ingredients and the queen’s enthusiastic response.
6. Queen’s Praise: Queen Margherita reportedly favored the simple and flavorful Margherita pizza over other extravagant dishes. Her endorsem*nt played a significant role in popularizing this particular pizza style both in Italy and abroad.
7. Culinary Legacy: The Margherita Pizza’s legacy extends beyond Naples. It’s considered the archetype of Neapolitan pizza and has inspired countless variations worldwide. Its enduring popularity attests to the timeless appeal of this classic combination.
8. World Pizza Day: The Margherita pizza’s influence is so profound that February 9th is celebrated as World Pizza Day, marking the anniversary of the queen’s visit and the birth of this iconic pizza.

5 Ingredients of Margherita Pizza

1. San Marzano Tomatoes: The foundation of a Margherita pizza lies in the vibrant, flavorful San Marzano tomatoes, which contribute the essential red hue to this iconic dish.
2. Fresh Mozzarella: The hallmark of authenticity, fresh mozzarella provides a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds the perfect touch of white to the pizza’s tricolor palette.
3. Basil Leaves: Green basil leaves not only infuse the Margherita with a burst of aromatic freshness but also symbolize the green stripe on the Italian flag.
4. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil enhances the overall richness of the Margherita, adding a subtle yet crucial layer of flavor.
5. Simple Dough: The canvas for these exquisite ingredients, the pizza dough is crafted from basic elements—flour, water, salt, and yeast—resulting in a thin, chewy crust that complements the toppings.

5 Rules for a Delicious Experience

1. No Cutting Corners: Eat with Utensils In Italy, it’s customary to use a knife and fork when indulging in pizza. Ditch the American-style slice-holding method and embrace the European utensil approach.
2. Order Whole Pies, Share the Experience Opt for a whole pizza, especially when dining with others. Sharing the various flavors and textures is part of the communal joy of enjoying pizza in Italy.
3. Savor, Don’t Rush: Appreciate Each Bite Italian dining is a leisurely affair, and pizza is no exception. Take your time, savor each bite, and appreciate the flavors and craftsmanship that went into creating your pizza.
4. Keep it Simple: Respect Traditional Toppings Respect the traditional toppings that define each regional style. Don’t overload your pizza with excessive ingredients—simplicity is key to savoring authentic flavors.
5. Save Room for Dessert: Pizza Comes First In Italy, pizza is typically considered a main course. Save room for dessert afterward; ordering pizza as an appetizer is not the Italian way. Embrace the sequence of a traditional Italian meal.

6 Key Elements of Italian Pizza

1. Thin, Chewy Crust: The crust is a crucial component, known for its thinness, softness, and slightly thicker edge (cornicione). It is crafted from a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and yeast.
2. Minimalistic Toppings: Authentic Italian pizza embraces simplicity. A classic Margherita, for instance, features San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
3. Wood-Fired Cooking: Traditionally, Neapolitan pizzas are cooked in wood-fired ovens at high temperatures. This method imparts a unique smokiness and char to the crust, contributing to the overall flavor profile.
4. Quality Ingredients: The use of high-quality, fresh ingredients is a hallmark of authentic Italian pizza. From the tomatoes to the cheese and olive oil, each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and delicious culinary experience.
5. Craftsmanship: The art of making authentic Italian pizza involves skill and precision, from kneading the dough to the careful assembly of toppings. This craftsmanship contributes to the pizza’s distinctive texture and taste.

5 Best Spots for Authentic Margherita Pizza in Italy

1. Naples: The Authentic Birthplace Immerse yourself in the original Margherita pizza experience at Naples, where the classic dish was first created. Explore historic pizzerias for a taste of tradition.
2. Rome: Capital of Culinary Mastery Indulge in Rome’s interpretation of the Margherita pizza, where renowned pizzerias showcase their unique take on this iconic Italian delight.
3. Florence: Tuscan Elegance on a Plate Discover the Margherita pizza in Florence, where Tuscan culinary excellence meets the simplicity of this classic dish.
4. Milan: Urban Sophistication, Traditional Flavor Experience the Margherita pizza in Milan, where innovative chefs blend urban sophistication with the timeless appeal of Italian tradition.
5. Sorrento: Coastal Charm and Culinary Delights Savor the Margherita pizza in Sorrento, a coastal gem that adds a touch of Mediterranean charm to this beloved Italian classic.