The Magic of Italian Pizza: A Taste of Tradition 🍕

Pizza is one of the world’s most beloved dishes, but nothing compares to authentic Italian pizza. From the crispy, thin crust of Naples to the rich, cheesy delights of Rome, Italian pizza is more than just food—it’s a cultural experience. Let’s take a journey through the world of Italian pizza, exploring its history, styles, and what makes it so special.

A Brief History of Italian Pizza

Pizza as we know it today traces its roots back to Naples, Italy in the 18th century. What started as a simple flatbread topped with tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil became a national treasure. The most famous version, the Margherita Pizza, was created in 1889 to honour Queen Margherita of Savoy, featuring the colours of the Italian flag—red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil.

Types of Italian Pizza You Need to Try

1. Neapolitan Pizza (Pizza Napoletana)

The most famous Italian pizza, Neapolitan pizza, is all about simplicity and high-quality ingredients. It has a thin, soft, and slightly charred crust thanks to its cooking method—blistering in a wood-fired oven at 485°C (905°F) for just 60–90 seconds. Authentic Neapolitan pizza is made with:
✔ San Marzano tomatoes
✔ Buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala Campana)
✔ Fresh basil
✔ Extra virgin olive oil

2. Roman Pizza (Pizza Romana)

Unlike its Neapolitan cousin, Roman pizza has a thinner, crispier crust. It’s often rolled out with a rolling pin, making it less puffy but still full of flavour. Popular toppings include cured meats, mushrooms, and pecorino cheese.

3. Pizza al Taglio (Roman Street Pizza)

If you’ve ever been to Rome, you’ve probably seen pizza al taglio, meaning “pizza by the slice.” This rectangular pizza is baked in large trays and sold by weight. It’s perfect for a quick bite, and the toppings range from classic tomato and mozzarella to creative combinations like potatoes and rosemary.

4. Sicilian Pizza (Sfincione)

Originating from Sicily, Sfincione is a thick, spongy pizza that’s more like focaccia. It’s typically topped with tomato sauce, anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs, with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Unlike other Italian pizzas, Sicilian pizza often has more sauce than cheese.

5. Pizza Bianca (White Pizza)

Not all Italian pizzas have tomato sauce! Pizza Bianca is a simple, yet flavourful, white pizza brushed with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt. Some variations include ricotta or mozzarella for extra creaminess.

6. Calzone

A folded pizza filled with cheese, meats, and tomato sauce, calzone is a delicious twist on traditional pizza. It’s often baked or fried and served as a portable snack.

What Makes Italian Pizza Special?

✔ Simple, high-quality ingredients – Italians believe in using the best flour, cheese, tomatoes, and olive oil to let the natural flavours shine.
✔ Wood-fired ovens – The secret to that crispy-yet-soft texture lies in the traditional forno a legna (wood-fired oven).
✔ Perfect dough – Italian pizza dough is fermented slowly, creating a light, airy, and easily digestible crust.

Experience Authentic Italian Pizza at Pasa Bake

At Pasa Bake, we bring the taste of Italy to Tramsheds with our handcrafted, traditional pizzas. Whether you crave a classic Margherita, a crispy Roman-style pizza, or a Sicilian-inspired delight, our pizzas are made with love, passion, and the finest ingredients.

Come visit us and experience the magic of true Italian pizza! 🍕🇮🇹