A Culinary Journey: Traditional Pizzas from Around The World

When you think of pizza, what comes to mind? Comfort, culture, history? For many, it’s Italy, where it all began and where locals still savor this dish to connect with their roots.

Join us as we explore 11 of the most famous traditional pizzas worldwide. Discover what makes each unique and learn how to preserve their rich flavors using wood-oven cooking.

Keep reading to embark on this delicious journey!

1- Napoletana

First up, the OG, the one that started it all – the Napoletana. Hailing from the streets of Naples (Napoli), this classic pie dates back to the late 18th century when the working-class folks needed a cheap, filling meal. Little did they know they were creating a masterpiece that would become one of the most famous Italian foods!

In fact, its traditional preparation method is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

What Makes Napoletana Special?

• Crust: Thin, charred, and chewy with a soft, airy interior.

• Toppings: Simple yet delicious – San Marzano tomatoes and creamy mozzarella di bufala.

Quick Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• Dough: Flour, water, salt, and fresh Neapolitan or brewer’s yeast.

• Toppings: Crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella (di bufala), basil leaves, sea salt, and olive oil.

Instructions:

1. Dough: Mix flour, water, salt, and yeast. Ensure the dough is fat-free and sugar-free. Knead and let it rise for several hours.

2. Top: Spread crushed San Marzano tomatoes, add slices of buffalo mozzarella, and garnish with basil leaves.

3. Bake: Preheat your wood oven to 900°F (485°C). Bake the pizza for 60-90 seconds.

Enjoy a slice of history with the timeless Napoletana pizza!

2- Margherita

The Margherita pizza, a beloved variant of the Napoletana, is perhaps Italy’s most cherished pizza. Legend has it that this iconic pizza was created in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy during her visit to Naples. The pizza’s colors—green (basil), white (mozzarella), and red (tomato sauce)—represent the Italian flag. Chef Raffaele Esposito crafted three pizzas, but the queen favored this one, which was named in her honor.

Quick Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• Neapolitan-style dough

• San Marzano tomatoes

• Fresh mozzarella cheese (or Ricotta)

• Fresh basil leaves

• Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pizza oven to around 800°F (425°C).

2. Spread the San Marzano tomatoes over the Neapolitan-style dough.

3. Add fresh mozzarella cheese.

4. Slide the pizza into the preheated pizza oven.

5. Bake for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

6. Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.

7. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Enjoy your Margherita pizza, which has an authentic taste of Italy!

3- Marinara

The Marinara pizza dates back to the 16th century, created for Neapolitan sailors (marina) who needed a meal with easily preservable ingredients for their journeys. The result? A simple yet delicious pizza made with tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil—no cheese needed. That’s where it gets its name!

Quick Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• Neapolitan-style dough

• San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)

• Garlic (minced)

• Dried oregano

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pizza oven to 900°F (480°C).

2. Place crushed tomatoes in the center of the pizza base.

3. Spread the tomatoes in a spiral using a spoon.

4. Add sliced garlic and oregano.

5. Drizzle with olive oil in a spiraling motion.

6. Bake in the pizza oven for 90 seconds to 2 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.

Enjoy this timeless classic that has stood the test of time, perfect for a taste of history and simplicity!

4- Pizza Tonda Romana

Pizza Tonda Romana is another beloved traditional Italian pizza from 1950s Rome. Unlike the fluffy Neapolitan pizza, this Roman-style pizza has a unique, almost pastry-like crust that’s light, airy, and crispy all at once. It’s light enough to enjoy alone or maybe with a friend.

Quick Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• Flour

• Water

• Yeast

• Olive oil

• Salt

Pizza Toppings:

• Tomato sauce

• Mozzarella

• Pecorino Romano (optional)

• Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Fermentation: Ferment the dough for 72 hours for the best flavor and texture.

2. Shaping: Shape the dough into rounds and use a rolling pin to achieve the signature thin crust.

3. Baking: Bake at a high temperature (around 572°F or 300°C) for 10 minutes to get that perfect crusty crisp.

5- Quattro Formaggi

Cheese lovers rejoice! The Quattro Formaggi (four cheese) pizza is a cheesy dream come true. As the name suggests, it’s a cheese fest with four different kinds of cheese in perfect harmony.

Quick Pizza Recipe

Dough Ingredients:

• High-protein flour

• Water

• Salt

• Fresh yeast

Pizza Toppings:

• Mozzarella

• Gorgonzola

• Parmesan

• Fontina (or similar cheeses)

• Fresh herbs (optional)

• Truffle oil (optional)

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat your pizza oven to 485°F (250°C).

2. Mix the flour, water, salt, and fresh yeast to prepare the dough. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size.

3. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness.

4. Spread the cheese evenly over the dough.

5. Add optional toppings like fresh herbs or a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flavor.

6. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheeses are bubbly and melted.

6- Quattro Stagioni

The Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons) pizza celebrates the changing seasons, with each quarter of the pizza representing a different time of year.

Seasonal Toppings:

• Spring: Artichokes and black olives

• Summer: Tomatoes or basil

• Fall: Mushrooms

• Winter: Prosciutto or ham

The beauty of this traditional pizza is its versatility. Mix and match your favorite seasonal ingredients, like anchovies, to create your unique Quattro Stagioni!

Quick Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• Dough: High-protein flour, water, salt, and fresh yeast

• Toppings: Artichokes, black olives, tomatoes, mushrooms, prosciutto or ham, basil leaves, and olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Mix high-protein flour, water, salt, and fresh yeast to make the dough. Let it rise until it doubles in size.

2. Divide and Top: Divide the dough into four sections. Arrange the toppings separately in each section.

3. Bake: Preheat your wood-fired oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked to perfection.

7- Prosciutto Crudo e Rucola

Experience the essence of traditional Italian pizza with Prosciutto Crudo e Rucola, where simplicity meets exceptional flavor.

Ingredients:

• Neapolitan-style pizza dough

• Mozzarella cheese

• Prosciutto crudo (thinly sliced)

• Fresh arugula

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Sea salt

• Black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pizza oven to 500°F(260°C) for about 30 minutes, ensuring it’s properly heated for that perfect crust.

2. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness on a floured surface.

3. Top the dough with mozzarella cheese, evenly distributing it.

4. Layer on the prosciutto crudo, arranging it in a single layer for even flavor distribution.

5. Bake the pizza in the oven for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh arugula.

7. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Enjoy the delightful contrast of salty prosciutto crudo and peppery arugula, perfectly complemented by creamy mozzarella and a touch of olive oil. It’s a taste and texture party in every bite!

8- Prosciutto e Funghi

Sticking to the prosciutto theme we have the Prosciutto e Funghi . It’s a classic. It’s similar to the Prosciutto Crudo e Rucola, but instead of arugula, mushrooms are used. It is thought to have originated in Naples, Italy. No surprise there!

Ingredients:

• Neapolitan Dough

• Mozzarella

• Prosciutto cotto (cooked ham)

• Mushrooms

• Extra virgin olive oil

Quick Recipe:

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

2. Roll out the Neapolitan dough into a thin crust.

3. Spread a layer of mozzarella over the dough.

4. Top with slices of prosciutto cotto and sautéed mushrooms.

5. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.

6. Bake in the pizza oven for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: Sautéing the mushrooms in olive oil beforehand enhances their flavor and ensures even cooking on the pizza.

9- Pizza Capricciosa

Prepare for a flavor explosion with Pizza Capricciosa! Its name, “capricious” in Italian, reflects its random and delightful combination of ingredients. Originating from Italy’s Campania region in the 1930s, this pizza is akin to Quattro Stagioni but with ingredients scattered rather than segmented.

Ingredients:

• Thin-crust pizza dough

• Tomato sauce

• Mozzarella cheese

• Prosciutto cotto (cooked ham)

• Sliced mushrooms

• Marinated artichoke hearts

• Sliced black olives

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pizza oven to 475°F(245°C).

2. Roll out the pizza dough and spread tomato sauce evenly, leaving a border.

3. Layer mozzarella cheese, prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and black olives on top.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Remove from the oven, slice, and enjoy your homemade Pizza Capricciosa!

10- Pizza Ortolana

The Pizza Ortolana (or “Gardener’s Pizza”) is a must-try for all my vegan and veggie lovers! This beauty is all about the Italian countryside and fresh, seasonal veggies.

The veggies can vary, but you might find roasted bell peppers and zucchini, sautéed spinach, and caramelized onions on this one. And, of course, mozzarella on top for the gooey goodness.

Quick Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• Tomato sauce (optional)

• Mozzarella cheese (optional)

• Spinach or any other leafy green

• Grilled or roasted vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions, artichoke hearts, etc.)

• Thinly sliced red onion

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pizza oven to 450°F(230°C).

2. Roll out your pizza dough and spread tomato sauce (if using).

3. Add mozzarella cheese (if used) and spinach or other greens.

4. Arrange grilled or roasted vegetables evenly over the pizza.

5. Scatter thinly sliced red onion on top.

6. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.

7. Bake in the pizza oven for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

9. Slice and enjoy the rustic flavors of Italy!

11- Frutti di Mare

Seafood lovers, you are still remembered! The Frutti di Mare (“fruits of the sea”) pizza is a coastal treat that will transport your taste buds to the Italian coast. This type of pizza has a variety of fresh seafood toppings, from shrimp to clams to mussels to calamari.

Ingredients:

• Your favorite pizza dough

• Tomato sauce

• Mozzarella cheese

• Fresh herbs (optional)

• Seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari) – pre-cooked or cooked for a minute or two before adding

Instructions:

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

2. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.

3. Spread a layer of tomato sauce or garlic olive oil evenly over the dough.

4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

5. Arrange your choice of seafood toppings generously on the pizza.

6. Add fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flavor.

7. Bake the pizza in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

8. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve hot.

Traditional Italian Pizza Vs. American Pizza: What’s The Difference?

Italian and American pizzas may share common ingredients like dough, sauce, and cheese. Still, they each have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

Italian Pizza

Italian pizza is renowned for its thin and crispy crust. Crafted from high-gluten flour and a touch of olive oil, the dough undergoes slow fermentation, resulting in a light, airy texture and beautifully blistered crust when baked in a wood-fired oven—think Neapolitan pizza, the gold standard of Italian pizza.

The toppings are simple yet flavorful. They typically feature San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. The emphasis is on quality ingredients and minimalism.

American Pizza

In contrast, American Pizza offers various styles. New York-style pizza boasts a thin, foldable crust, while Chicago deep dish presents a thick, bready base that can hold hearty layers of toppings.

American flours are lower in gluten, resulting in a chewier texture than Italian pizza. Toppings are abundant and diverse, with popular choices including pepperoni, sausage, BBQ chicken, pineapple, and cheeses.

Cooking Methods

Italian pizza is traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens, imparting a distinct smoky flavor and creating a crispy crust with a hint of char. In America, electric and gas ovens are standard. However, some pizzerias offer wood-fired options to replicate the authentic Italian experience.

Culturally, Italian pizza originated in Naples as street food, while Italian immigrants brought pizza to America in the early 20th century. This led to regional variations like Chicago deep dish, reflecting local tastes.

In the end, both have their own beauty and devoted fans. But nothing beats a wood-fired pizza made with love and tradition if you want Italian style.

Why You Need a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven to Experience The Authentic Taste of Pizza

If you’re a pizza aficionado, you understand that the key to a truly authentic Italian pizza lies in the oven. And when it comes to capturing the essence of traditional Italian flavors and textures, nothing compares to a wood-fired oven.

The wood-fired oven imparts a distinctive smoky flavor that can’t be replicated in a conventional oven. As the wood burns, it releases aromatic compounds that infuse the pizza with a rich, earthy depth.

To truly savor the authentic taste of pizza, consider investing in a wood-fired oven from Cru Ovens.Each oven is meticulously handcrafted passionately, enhancing your pizza-making journey at home or in your restaurant.

Elevate your pizza experience today and bring the flavors of Italy to your table with a wood-fired oven from Cru Ovens. Because every pizza deserves to be a masterpiece!