How Was Pizza Invented?

Pizza, as we know it today, originated centuries ago in Naples, Italy. where it was crafted as a humble dish for the working class. The classic Neapolitan pizza, known as pizza Margherita, was a thin layer of dough adorned with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. This combination not only provided a delicious meal but also represented the colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green—an observation popularly attributed to Italy’s Queen Margherita, after whom the pizza style is named.

Over time, the ingredients used in pizza evolved, with variations emerging across different regions of Italy. For instance, Neapolitan pizza is known for its use of buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, while Roman pizza often incorporates onions and olives. Ligurian pizza, on the other hand, adds anchovies to the mix. These regional variations highlight the adaptability of pizza to local tastes and available ingredients.

Pizza’s journey to America began with Italian immigrants who brought their culinary traditions with them. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these immigrants introduced pizza to the United States, where it quickly gained popularity. The first licensed pizzeria, G. Lombardi’s, opened in New York City in 1905, marking the beginning of pizza’s widespread appeal in America. In the post-World War II era, Italian-Americans migrated west and into suburbia, further promoting the popularity of pizza.