Is Pizza American or Italian? Learn the True History Behind Pizza

Published On: May 4, 2025

Undoubtedly, Pizza is a popular dish around the globe. It’s a favorite dish across multiple nations, from New York City to Naples. But as you snack on a mouthwatering slice of Pizza, have you thought: is it American-style, or does it continue to serve Italian roots? Let’s go through the incredible history of Pizza, tracing it from ancient times to the centerpiece of modern international cuisine, and try to resolve the origins debate.

Table of Contents

Ancient Beginnings: The Flatbread Foundation

Like many dishes, the story of Pizza does not begin in a single country or century. It goes as far back as at least 1200 years ago in the form of flatbread that Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans consumed. These ancient societies made it a point to add oil, herbs, and sometimes cheese to their bread, turning it into more advanced portable meals, which set the modern world up to develop Pizza. The Roman poet Virgil has notably mentioned travelers consuming “plates” of bread with food on top. Most food historians view this as an early reference to what we call Pizza today.

Naples – The Home of Modern Pizza

Though different versions of flatbread existed in various parts of the Mediterranean, the modern Pizza, with its variety of toppings, cheese, and tomato sauce, originated in Naples, Italy. In the 19th and 18th centuries, there was a dire need for affordable and delicious options throughout bustling Naples. A favorite dish, Pizza, was readily available from street vendors. Pizza was a dish that could be consumed easily while on the go.

The Margherita pizza became particularly popular due to its extravagant and bold colors: red of the tomatoes, white of the mozzarella cheese, and green of the fresh basil. It is said this classic Neapolitan Pizza was invented in 1889 by a pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. Though historians debate claiming this story is inaccurate, it does not change the fact that modern Pizza was developed in Naples.

Pizza Heads to America

From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Italian immigrants moved to America. Cities such as Boston, New York, and Chicago became primary residency spots for these settlers. Along with them, they brought their diverse culture and food. Italians in America ordered authentic Neapolitan-styled Pizza from Lombardi’s, the first Italian pizzeria to open in New York City in 1905. Out of curiosity, locals started trying the Pizza and fell in love.

At first, Pizza was viewed as an ethnic dish, enjoyed primarily within the area by Italian residents. It didn’t take long to gain popularity, particularly after WWII, when American troops returned to the States from Italy and Italy, and Pizza was loved.

The American Pizza Revolution

Pizza’s fame skyrocketed in the US and began evolving. American pizzerias started their experiments with the thickness of the crust, toppings, and even baking, leading to even more regional styles like:

• New York Style: Thin, fully foldable slices with crispy edges that can be eaten on the move.

• Chicago Deep Dish: A thick pie-like crust with tons of cheese and chunky tomato sauce.

• Detroit Style: Thick square slices with crispy caramelized cheese edges.

• California Style: Out-of-the-box extravagant toppings like artichokes, smoked salmon, and goat cheese.

By the mid-twentieth century, Pizza became an essential part of American culture. Chains, delivery, and frozen options streamlined access for everyone. Nowadays, 13% of people eat Pizza daily, and the pizza industry has reached billions of dollars.

Pizza: An Italian Classic or an American Icon?

Well, is it American or Italian? The answer is both and more.

• Italian Roots: Pizza, the round dough with a rich tomato sauce and cheese, perhaps best-enjoyed morsel by morsel, magically came to life in Naples, Italy. ‘Pizza’ is believed to have its roots in Italy. A city in Naples was listed to have the word Pizza as early as 997 A.D. Many traditionalists will forever hold the Neapolitan tradition as the ultimate benchmark.

• American Innovation: The US converted it into a cultural icon. Nowadays, there is an endless list of so-called American pizzas that have been embraced and localized globally with new ingredients and flavors added to suit different tastes.

Conclusion

Pizza=cross cultures. Whatever you call it, every version slice, large or small, is the story of a harmonious blend of nationalities with different culinary traditions. Check it out yourself; nothing beats its flavor, whether enjoying a plain margarita in Italy or having a Chicago deep dish. Let’s be honest: claiming the pie derived from Italy is a no-brainer, but it also symbolizes America’s history. Eating Pizza will treat your taste buds and highlight the progression of gastronomy, which is culinarily outrageous.

You may read this: 10 Classic American Breakfasts That Never Go Out of Style

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