Italian Pizza vs American Pizza: Different & Recipes of Both

Pizza is a food staple that enjoys worldwide popularity. Whether you live in Italy, the United States, or anywhere else around the globe, pizza is an incredibly popular and delicious dish. But what are the differences between Italian pizza vs American pizza? In this blog post, we’ll go through each of these to compare their unique characteristics – from ingredients to cooking methods – so that you can understand why they taste so different! Let’s dive in and discover how Italian pizza stands apart from its American cousins.

What is the Italian pizza?

Discover the Secrets of Italian Pizza: Think thin, smooth sauce, and simple toppings! Italian pizza lovers know that a slice of this iconic dish is all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. If you crave a bite of deliciousness, all you need to do is try it. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

What is the American pizza?

Discover the Distinctive Flavors of American Pizza. Unlike traditional Italian pizza, American pizza dough is often blended with vegetable oil or shortening to create a truly unique taste. From a dash of oil in New York-style thin crust to decadently rich dough in Chicago-style deep dish, American pizza is a must-try for any pizza lover looking for something different.

The similarities between Italian pizza vs American pizza

The two types of pizza may have their differences, but they also share some similarities. In particular, both Italian and American pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired or charcoal oven for the best flavor and texture. And while the recipes and toppings vary greatly between them, both pizzas use a unique blend of cheese that brings out the flavors of each dish.

The different the two Italian pizza vs American pizza

Here’s where we can really start to see the divergence between Italian pizza vs American pizza.

The origins of pizza

Italian pizza are rooted in Italy, where it was created with a thin and crunchy crust. The sauce is often a smooth blend of tomatoes and herbs while the toppings are kept to a minimum.

American pizza, on the other hand, has a thicker dough that’s usually mixed with oil or shortening for extra flavor. American-style pizzas often have bolder, more creative topping combinations than traditional Italian pizzas.

The type of dough used

Italian pizza is usually made with a type of dough called “00” flour, which is incredibly light and airy. This allows for a thin and crispy crust that can hold all kinds of toppings without becoming soggy.

American-style pizza, on the other hand, uses dough that is much heavier and thicker. This is because the dough needs to be able to withstand the addition of more toppings, which require a denser and heartier base.

The texture and taste

The differences between Italian pizza vs American pizza can also be seen in their textures and tastes. Italian pizzas are thin, light, and crispy with a strong tomato flavor from the sauce. The toppings are usually minimal but flavorful. American-style pizzas have a thicker crust that is soft and chewy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The toppings are bold and plentiful, which makes for a filling yet delicious meal.

The cheese and toppings

The cheese and toppings for Italian pizzas are typically simple yet flavorful. Italian pizzas usually use a blend of mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Romano cheeses. While American-style pizzas can feature a wide variety of interesting toppings like pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, and more.

Pros of Italian pizza vs American pizza

Italian pizza: Italian pizzas are light, thin, and crispy with a delicious tomato base. They’re also relatively simple in terms of toppings and cheese, which makes them easier to make if you’re short on time.

American pizza: American-style pizza is bolder in terms of flavor with more complex topping combinations. The thicker crust also makes it more filling and satisfying. In addition, its oil-based dough allows for a unique taste that’s more flavorful and indulgent.

Cons of Italian pizza and American pizza

Italian pizza: Italian pizzas may not be as filling as American-style pizzas, and they can often be too simple or bland for some people’s taste.

American pizza: The oil-based dough used to make American pizza is higher in calories than the traditional Italian dough, making it less diet-friendly. The bolder flavors of the toppings and cheeses used in American pizza can also be too strong for some people’s taste.

Which is Italian pizza vs American pizza better?

Well, that’s really up to you! Both types of pizza are incredibly delicious and have their own unique features. If you don’t have much time or want something light yet flavorful, Italian pizza is a great option. But if you’re looking for something more indulgent and filling, American-style pizza is the way to go.

Recipe guide for Italian pizza vs American pizza

Now that you know the differences between Italian pizza vs American pizza, why not try making both types of pizza yourself? Here’s a quick guide on how to make delicious Italian and American pizzas at home:

Italian Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

– ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil

– 6 cloves of garlic

– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

– ½ teaspoon of dried oregano

– 2 cups of all purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon of sugar

– ½ teaspoon of sea salt

– ¼ cup of warm water

Toppings:

– Mozzarella cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Romano cheese

– Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 480°F (250°C).

2. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, and salt.

4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually add in the warm water while stirring until you form a dough.

5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into desired shape.

6. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Spread the tomato sauce on top of the dough and top with desired toppings.

8. Bake in preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese has melted.

American Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

– ½ cup of vegetable oil

– 4 cloves of garlic

– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

– 1 cup of all purpose flour

– ½ teaspoon of sugar

– ½ teaspoon of sea salt

– ¼ cup of warm water

Toppings:

– Mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, vegetables

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).

2. In a small bowl mix together the vegetable oil, garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, and salt.

4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually add in the warm water while stirring until you form a dough.

5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into desired shape.

6. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Spread the tomato sauce on top of the dough and top with desired toppings.

8. Bake in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cheese has melted.

Ideas serving for your Italian pizza and American pizza

Here are some ideas for serving your Italian or American pizza:

– For Italian pizza, try pairing with a light salad and a glass of white wine.

– For American pizza, serve it with a side of garlic breadsticks and an ice cold beer.

– If you’re feeling adventurous, why not combine both types of pizzas in one evening? Serve Italian pizza followed by American pizza for an unforgettable experience.

Read on to learn more: how big is a medium pizza

Conclusion: Italian pizza vs American pizza

We hope this article has helped you to better understand the differences between Italian pizza vs American pizza. Both types of pizzas have their own unique features, so it all comes down to your own personal taste preferences. Whether you choose to make them yourself or order from a restaurant, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a delicious slice of pizza.

FAQ: Italian pizza vs American pizza

Is Italian or American pizza better?

Although American pizzas vary in toppings, they differ greatly from their Italian counterparts. While both are delicious, the Italian pizza reigns superior in taste. This is due to its freshly flavorful sauce which American versions often lack.

Why is Italian pizza better than American pizza?

Discover the Superiority of Authentic Italian Pizza: Made with Fresh, Light Sauce and Limited Toppings. Unlike its American counterpart, Italian pizza boasts a refined sauce crafted from freshly picked tomatoes and garlic, with just the right balance of spice. Delight in a traditional, authentic Italian pizza experience.

Why is American pizza more successful than Italian pizza?

The secret lies in the crust – while Italian pizza boasts a higher quality bread/crust, American pizza has a thicker, softer crust that often incorporates ingredients like sugar or oil. However, the key factor behind American pizza’s recent dominance is its ease of mass production and delivery. When it comes to food preferences and culture, pizza can be likened to language – and in this case, American pizza has become the common tongue.

Is American pizza the same as Italian pizza?

The answer is no. American-style pizza is perfect for on-the-go with its lighter texture, while traditional Italian pizza offers thicker crust, more cheese, and a burst of flavor for a more filling experience. Savor the authentic taste of Italy with the thin crust, mozzarella, and tomato combination that creates an unforgettable pizza experience.

Why is American pizza more Italian pizza popular?

American pizza has become increasingly popular over the years due to its convenience and affordability. While Italian pizza still remains a classic, American-style pizza often offers more toppings for less money, making it much easier to feed a crowd. In addition, quick delivery of these pizzas has made them convenient for busy lifestyles.

Who invented American or Italy pizza?

Discover the Evolution of Pizza: From Naples to America. While pizza originated in Naples, Italy as a quick and delicious meal option for busy citizens, it took a while to gain traction beyond its birthplace. It wasn’t until the 1940s, when Italian immigrants brought their classic slices to America, that pizza truly skyrocketed in popularity.

Is Italian pizza more healthy than American pizza?

Are Italian pizzas healthier than their American counterparts? A traditional Margherita pizza, which consists of tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and a little olive oil, typically has an approximate calorie count of 250 to 300 per 100 grams, with each slice weighing around 120 grams. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that each slice contains around 275 calories. In contrast, American pizza usually contains heavier and more plentiful ingredients, resulting in a calorie count that is roughly twice as much as the Italian version.

Why is American pizza vs Italian pizza difference?

Delight in the American-style with its lighter texture, perfect for on-the-go snacking. Or indulge in the thick crust, abundant cheese, and robust flavors of the authentic Italian pizza. Savor the original version’s thin crust, homemade mozzarella, and farm-fresh tomatoes. Enhance your pizza experience by understanding the nuances of these two distinct styles.

Do Italian or American pizza put cheese on pizza?

One key distinction is that Italian pizza features fresh toppings without any cheese stuffing. Meanwhile, American pizza typically boasts a thick tomato sauce generously loaded with cheese. Discover the delicious nuances of these two pizza styles.

Is Italian pizza more popular than American pizza?

Distinguishing the popularity of pizza across cultures: American-style pizza dominates the United States, whereas traditional Italian variations reign supreme in Italy.