One of the most integral parts of the Italian lifestyle is pizza. If you are a pizza lover, the fascination will only increase with every bite of traditional Italian pizza. Italy has everything from Margherita pizza to thick and fluffy pizza dough!
In Italy, pizza is a serious matter. There is a huge difference between the pizza you eat in Italy and the American version of Italian pizza. In Italy, pizza making is an art; and a very intangible Italian cultural heritage.
This article will look at authentic Italian pizza that you must try at least once in your life. We are not just sampling the most popular traditional Italian pizza; you'll have a detailed breakdown of the ingredients.
What Makes an Authentic, Traditional Italian Pizza?
Pizza is universal, but pizza in Italy stands out, and it's not just the taste but also the way it's made. The attention to detail and the passion that goes into making one piece is why pizza is part of the Italian culture.
So, what makes Italian pizza different? The answer to this is in the sauce made from freshly peeled tomatoes. And it's not canned tomatoes or any sauce from stores; the tomatoes, San Marzano, are locally grown on rich Italian soil.
Image Credits: pizzarecipe.org
The sauce is not cooked with other toppings; instead, it's left fresh on the crust. Authentic Italian pizza also has a thin crust with a fluffy consistency. The crust offers a bust of rich flavor that is only synonymous with Italian pizza.
The TNPA (True Neapolitan Pizza Association) recognizes only two variations of Italian pizza as authentic and traditionally worthy - the Margherita and Marinara pizza. Both use good Italian tomato sauce, fresh herbs that are correctly portioned, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
What Are Some of the 15 Most Popular Italian Pizzas?
From Rome to Naples, there is pizza for everyone! Italy boasts of delicious pizza that is original and authentically Italian. Here is an overview of some of the most popular and delicious traditional Italian pizzas:
1. Pizza Quattro Formaggi
Pizza Quattro Formaggio is the epitome of cheesy pizza. This pizza has a light, crispy crust layered with an amazing Italian sauce. What makes it special are the four different kinds of cheese generously spread.
Traditionally the four kinds of cheese used are; gorgonzola, Mozzarella, fontina, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The cheese combination gives this pizza a unique flavor. It's heaven for any cheese lover!
Image Credits: en.wikipedia.org
To make this pizza at home Italian style, you must understand how authentic Italian pizza dough is made. This pizza dough will need at least 4 hours to prove. For the dough, always use the preferred Italian flour.
The following is what goes on a Pizza Quattro Formaggio:
Ingredients
- Dough (Italian Tipo 00 flour)
- mozzarella di bufala
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fontina cheese
- Olive oil
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Gorgonzola cheese
- tomato sauce
- Herbs
- Dry yeast
- Sugar
- ground Italian sausage
Another variation is pizza Bianca, which is served without tomato sauce on it. It's sometimes called white pizza and tastes amazing too!
2. Pizza Napoletana
Pizza Napoletana is one of the most popular Italian pizzas. It's known for having more sauce than cheese, with a soft crust. This classic pizza originated in Naples, Italy. Naples introduced their love of eating soft pizza and pasta al dente way back before foreigners corrupted it.
Image Credits: thespruceeats.com
Traditionally there is an uncompromised way of making Neapolitan pizza. The Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) certification protects pizza Napoletana to ensure the methods are properly followed.
Here is what a true pizza in Napoletana should have:
Ingredients
- Type 0 or 00 wheat flour
- Neapolitan yeast (not dry yeast)
- Pureed San Marzano tomatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil
- mozzarella cheese (Fior di latte or mozzarella di Bufala)
- Water and salt
Napoletana pizza dough is handmade and cooked in a wood-fired oven for strictly 90-sec max at a minimum of 800 F. As a result, the thin crust bubbles up and gets churred in some areas to give it an authentic look!
3. Pizza Margherita
Margherita is known globally as the true pizza. One of the best variations of Neapolitan pizza; is the Margherita. It is the most famous pizza in Italy and worldwide. It was first invented by a pizza chef in honor of Queen Margherita of Italy.
Image Credits: cookingitaly.de
The colors of the Italian national flag inspired the colors on Margherita's pizza - red, green, and white. Traditional pizza ingredients are combined the right way by Italian pizzaiolo. The mozzarella cheese in this pizza still has its milk, giving it a unique but delicious taste. The dough is chewy with the Neapolitan-Esque burnt bubbles that are so much loved by many.
So, what goes on a Margherita pizza? Here's the list:
Ingredients
- Italian pizza dough (00 Flour)
- Fresh brewer's yeast
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Salt
- San Marzano tomatoes
- Parmigiano-reggiano cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
4. Pizza Alla Pala
Image Credits: tasteatlas.com
The slice serves Pizza Alla Pala on a wooden paddle. This pizza combines a crispy exterior and a fluffy, flavorful interior. The dough is very hydrated, and unlike Neapolitan-type pizza, it's cooked in an electric oven.
The dough is half-inch thick or more and soft with various fresh toppings. To make this delicious pizza Alla Pala, you'll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- Burrito flour
- Cold water
- Fresh Prosciutto crudo
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh Arugula
- Olive oil
- Fresh Stracciatella cheese
5. Pizza Marinara
Image Credits: en.wikipedia.org
Marinara is the only other variation of Neapolitan pizza that meets traditional standards. However, this pizza is not for cheese lovers; it is more about tomatoes. The sauce is made traditionally to ensure a more authentic taste.
Cheese aficionados may not understand the fascination over this piece, but popular in Italy. Unlike the pizza romana, which has a thinner crust, this cheeseless pie isn't thin. After enjoying this, try out the Best Cheeseless Pizza Recipes You Can Try At Home.
Ingredients
- All-purpose Flour Semolina
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic cloves
- Dried Oregano
- Kosher salt
- Virgin olive oil
The chef has to get the sauce right; otherwise, the true taste of marinara pizza is not brought forth.
6. Roman Al Taglio
Image Credits: theperfectloaf.com
Pizza Al Taglio is popularly known as street food in Italy. The best thing about this pizza is that you can ask for any additional toppings with your slice. Pizza Al Taglio is sold in most Italian pizzerias and on the street; it's sold in slices depending on your preferred size.
Ingredients
- 00 Flour
- Warm water
- Fresh Brewers Yeast
- Salt and Sugar
- Olive oil
- Pepperoni
- garlic
The best part of this pizza is the endless possibilities for toppings. Toppings can be anything from Artichoke hearts, Zucchini, potatoes, Spinach, Mushrooms, Salami, Onion, Prosciutto Crudo, and more.
Pizza Diavola
Diavola is famous in Italy and other places like the UK and the United States. Best known as pepperoni pizza, it's the best option for those who love spicy flavors. The main ingredient in Diavola pizza is spicy salami and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Image Credits: tasteatlas.com
The base is similar to the one used to make Margherita pizza. If you want to satisfy your spicy taste buds, then Diavola is bound to do the job. Here is a list of what you can find on a pepperoni pizza:
Ingredients
- Flour (same as Margherita base)
- Pepperoni
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh Yeast
- Sugar
- chili peppers
- Salami
- Spicy sausage
- Kalamata olives
Pizza Capricciosa
Pizza Capricciosa is an amazing combination of different flavors that merge to offer a mouthwatering taste. This classic Italian pizza was first invented in Rome in a known pizzeria called LA Capricciosa.
Image Credits: italianstylecooking.net
Here's a list of the delicious toppings of Capricciosa:
Ingredients
- San Marzano tomatoes
- Mozzarella
- Funghi champignon mushrooms
- Prosciutto cotto (Italian cooked ham)
- Artichoke heart wedges in olive oil
- Black olives, like Gaeta, or Kalamata
This pizza is known for its delicious sauce made of San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, Evo oil, and fresh basils.
Pizza Siciliana
Siciliana is a thick pizza with a sponge-like consistency to it. Originally Italian, it boasts of its popularity as Italian street food. It's locally known as Sfincione and is made of a hard cow's milk cheese. This pizza uses different milk cheeses except for buffalo mozzarella.
Image Credits: thespruceeats.com
When in Italy, you'll find Sfincione in most bakeries but rarely in pizzerias. To make this authentic Italian pizza, you'll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- Tomato sauce
- Oregano
- Goat cheese
- Anchovies
- Onions
Traditionally, this pizza's final touch is usually breadcrumbs dust. The dusting is because the breadcrumbs help absorb some of the oil that melts from the ingredients.
Pizza Fritta
Also known as fried pizza dough, it was invented after World War II in Naples. It is available in savory and sweet versions with a doughnut-like texture on the outside. Pizza Fritta is probably the oldest pizza in Italy, but it's quickly becoming popular in places like New York.
Image Credits: theshortlists.com
Instead of baking, the dough is deep-fried in oil. It puffs up like a doughnut, and toppings are added. An example of this variation is the round and the calzone, which is shaped like a half-moon.
Ingredients
- Ricotta
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Basil
- Provolone cheese
- Salami
Another variation of this classic Pizza Fritta is the Panzerotti. The dough is usually stuffed with different ingredients, then deep-fried.
Pizza Ortolana/Vegetariana
Vegetarians can also smile in Italy when it comes to ordering pizza. Ortolana is made of grilled vegetables, Mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Omit the Mozzarella, and it can be vegan friendly. It's a relatively healthy option for those looking for a bite without too many calories.
Image Credits: tasteatls.com
The ingredients you would typically find in a vegetarian include:
Ingredients
- Tomato Puree
- 00 Flour
- zucchini
- bocconcini
- Red bell peppers
- mushrooms
- Eggplant roasted
- basil leaves
- Artichoke hearts
- capers
- Oregano
Every pizza chef will tell you the final touch to this rich pizza is a drizzle of some virgin Olive oil. This greengrocer's pizza will get you loving vegetable-packed pie just the more!
Pizza AI Funghi
Image Credits: tasteatlas.com
From vegetable lovers to mushroom enthusiasts, Italy is about serving pizza like none other. Ai Funghi is a variety of popular pizzas with mushrooms as the main ingredient. To make it yourself, first learn about the best mushrooms for pizza.
Pizza ai Funghi is traditionally made with the following ingredients for it to be considered authentic:
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Champignons
- Parsley
- Porcini mushrooms
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
Pinsa pizza
Pinsa is probably one of the best definitions of true Italian pizza. However, it is famously called a flatbread in Italy. When it comes to pizza, this is by far one of the healthiest you'll find in any pizzeria. Pinsa's crust is rich in protein and low on the glycemic index.
Image Credits: finedininglovers.com
Pinsa is traditionally white, with no sauce used as a pizza base. Making an authentic Pinsa is complicated; the art is best done by a pizzaiolo who understands Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- Rice flour
- Wheat flour
- Rosemary
- Natural dry yeast
- Soy flour
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Coldwater
- Sea salt for the dough
This pizza has low gluten, low calories, and low cholesterol; compared to regular pizza, it's a healthier choice. In addition, the dough is highly-hydrated, with close to 80% of it being water.
Quattro Stagioni
Images Credits: en.wikipedia.org
Quattro Stagioni, which means "four seasons," is one of the most popular pizzas in Italy. It's famous because of its four sections, each with different ingredients. Each section explodes with strong flavors that will make your taste buds feel in various ways.
Quattro Stagioni is like eating different pizzas at the same time. Here are some of the ingredients on the pizza:
Ingredients
- Flours
- Mozzarella
- Dried Yeast
- Salt and sugar
- Semolina Flours for dusting
- Tomato and basil (summer section)
- Artichokes (spring section)
- Mushrooms (fall section)
- Olives and Prosciutto Cotto (winter section)
- Tomato sauce
- Ham
Pizza Boscaiola
Image Credits: aglioolioepeperoncino.com
Boscaiola is a prominent part of Neapolitan cuisine and has a particular way for the dough to be proven. The original version is simple, with just a handful of ingredients, but the combo is very tasty.
There are other variations of this pizza with extra toppings included. However, the following are ingredients used for authentic Boscaiola.
Ingredients
- Pasta discs
- Prosciutto
- Mushrooms
- Slices of sausage
- Mozzarella
Conclusion
Pizza in Italy is about the details. No one pizza is the same as the other, and the variety ensures everyone has something. Unlike in other places globally, pizza in Italy represents the culture of the people and is not just a delicacy. Naturally, the best pizza will depend on your preference, but like Italian food, you'll find yourself spoilt for choice.
So whether cooked in an electrical oven or in one of the 12 Best Wood Pizza Oven 2022; traditional Italian pizza is amazing.
Image Credits: pinterest.com
