Al Italian Pizza vs. American Pizza: What’s the Difference?

Do you love pizzas but want to know the difference between traditional Italian pizzas and American pizzas?

When it comes to comparing Italian pizza with American pizza,

“Italian pizzas have thin, crispy crust, bubbly from wood-fired ovens with fresh toppings like mozzarella, basil, maybe anchovies. Meanwhile, American-style pizzas feature thicker, fluffier crusts, often gas-baked, embracing diverse toppings, from classics like pepperoni to BBQ chicken and pineapple.”

The difference is yet more complex owing to the evolution of pizza in Italy and America, and today’s blog post focuses on figuring out all these differences in detail.

Italian Pizzas vs. American Pizzas: Differences at a Glance

• Italian pizzas have thin, crispy crusts with fresh toppings; American pizzas have thicker, fluffier crusts with diverse toppings.
• Italian pizzas use fresh tomato sauce; American pizzas use slow-cooked sauce with herbs and spices.
• Traditional Italian pizzas focus on fresh, high-quality but few ingredients as toppings; American pizzas offer a wider variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, and even pineapple.
• Italian pizzas use less cheese, often fresh mozzarella; American pizzas use more cheese, often blended with sharper flavors.
• Italian pizzas are served individually; American pizzas are often pre-cut and shared.
• Classic Italian pizzas have a delicate flavor with fresh ingredients; American pizzas have a bolder flavor with a variety of toppings.
• Italian pizzas are lighter and healthier; American pizzas are often higher in calories and fat.

Italian Pizza, its History and Styles

Italian pizza: thin-crust heaven! Crispy thanks to wood-fired ovens, topped with yummy things like tomato sauce, cheese, mushrooms, olives, and maybe even pepperoni.

It’s ancient! Greeks, Romans, and even kings ate flatbreads with toppings way back when. The word “pizza” is a bit of a mystery, maybe from Latin or Greek. First written down in 997, it was just a flatbread with white sauce.

Then came tomatoes from America, a game-changer! Sailors loved “Pizza Marinara” with just tomato sauce. In 1889, pizza became a legend! Chef Raffaele made a special one for Queen Margherita with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, like the Italian flag! He called it “Pizza Margherita,” and boom, pizza history!

Not all Italian pizzas are the same. Different regions have different styles. Here are a few:

• Neapolitan: Thin crust, wood-fired, simple toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, maybe anchovies. Think Margherita or Marinara.
• Roman: Thicker, rectangular crust, like focaccia. Uses olive oil instead of sauce. Try Pizza al Taglio (pizza by the slice) or Pizza Romana.
• Sicilian: Thick crust, like focaccia. Topped with cheese, veggies, maybe anchovies. Sfincione is a must-try!

There’s even folded pizza (Calzone) and deep-fried pizza (Fritta)!

So, next time you think pizza, think thin crust, wood-fired ovens, and simple but delicious toppings.

American Pizza, its History and Styles

America takes Italian pizza and cranks it up! Thick crusts pile high with all kinds of toppings, from pepperoni and BBQ chicken to even pineapple!

Hungry Italian immigrants brought simple flatbreads, but soldiers craved more after World War II. Faster ovens and pizza chains in the 1950s fueled an American pizza boom. Thicker crusts, more toppings, and even deep-dish styles like Chicago’s were born.

Today, American pizza is its own thing, a mix of classic flavors like tomato and cheese with wild options like BBQ chicken and buffalo sauce, which creates many pizzas like:

• New York-style pizza slices are thin and foldable, loaded with classics like pepperoni.
• Chicago’s deep dish is a cheesy, saucy masterpiece.
• Detroit’s square pizzas have crispy corners and Wisconsin brick cheese.
• California pizza goes gourmet with arugula, goat cheese, and figs. 
• St. Louis pizza keeps it thin and tangy with provel cheese.

And that’s just the beginning! From cracker-thin crusts to sweet and savory crab cakes, American pizza knows no bounds. 

Italian Pizza vs. American Pizza: Key Differences in Detail

Dough

American and Italian pies craft the base for these beloved pizzas differently.

For Italian pizza dough, hydration is key. A higher water ratio, with 00 flour and yeast, wakes up the gluten, and a sprinkle of salt adds depth–no sugar, no oil. What you get is an airy dough but soft dough that can be stretched thin to accommodate a few toppings.

American pizza dough, on the other hand, pumps up the volume with a higher quantity of yeast, sugar, and sometimes even oil, creating a thicker, fluffier base that can hold a mountain of toppings.

Shape

Italian pizzas usually rock the classic circle or sometimes ovals, are thin and foldable, and are perfect for solo enjoyment, like Indian “naan.” 

American pizzas like to spread out densely! They often come in rectangular or square shapes besides circle shape, ideal for slicing and sharing. New York-style thin slices or Chicago’s deep-dish pan, there’s a shape for every pizza party!

Note: Plenty of regional variations in both styles exist.

Sauce

American and Italian pizzas are painted with different sauce brushes.

Italian goes fresh, pureeing vine-ripened tomatoes with minimal extras. Its light touch lets the natural sweetness shine. 

American sauce gets slow-cooked, often with herbs and spices like oregano and garlic, creating a bolder, complex, and tangier flavor. Both are delicious; they are just different ways to say “tomato!”

Toppings

When it comes to toppings, American and Italian pizzas go separate ways

Italian pizzas, again embracing the “less is more” philosophy. It spotlights fresh, high-quality ingredients like mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and maybe a drizzle of olive oil. Anchovies, artichokes, and olives might make cameo appearances, but the focus stays on the core melody of tomato and cheese.

American pizzas, on the other hand, offer room for complex and diverse flavors. Pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms are the tenors and sopranos, whereas onions, peppers, and pineapple (yes, we said it!) add their unique voices. BBQ chicken, buffalo sauce, and even veggie-lovers rejoice with a plethora of options. 

Simply put, American toppings are all about abundance and variety, creating a diverse and delicious chorus on every slice.

Cheese

Cheese gets a different starring role on American and Italian pizzas.

Italian pizzas keep it mellow, using fresh mozzarella in smaller dollops. It melts perfectly, letting the tomato and basil shine.

American pizzas pile on more, often using blends with sharper flavors like provolone and cheddar. Rich and generous use of cheese creates a gooey, stretchy cheese blanket covering a medley of toppings on American pizzas. 

Presentation

Italian pizzas are solo stars! Fresh out of wood-fired ovens, they arrive sizzling hot in individual portions, meant to be savored with cutlery. 

American pizzas, especially Sicilian, Detroit, and Chicago pizzas, love parties! Slices come pre-cut on rectangular trays, perfect for sharing and grabbing on the go. Folded or eaten flat, it’s all about casual convenience. One sings a romantic serenade; the other leads a lively chorus!

Taste

American pizzas shout with flavor, a symphony of bold notes. Pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms belt out savory leads, while onions, peppers, and even pineapple add quirky whispers. BBQ chicken and buffalo sauce crash in with spicy riffs. At the same time, veggie lovers rejoice in a chorus of fresh flavors. It’s a party on your tongue, a delicious explosion of anything that goes!

Italian pizzas whisper sweet nothings, a delicate duet of fresh ingredients. Mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create a harmonious taste with freshness. Anchovies, artichokes, and olives might add a subtle accent, but the focus stays on the core melody of tomato and cheese.

In short, whether Americans or Italians, both pizzas are sure to leave your taste buds dancing, but on different music!

Healthiness

Italian pizzas often keep it light, starring fresh mozzarella and veggies on thin, crispy crusts. They’re lower in calories and fat, making them easier on your waistline.

American pizzas go big with thick crusts piled high with toppings like pepperoni and sausage. This packs in more calories and fat, making them less weight-loss friendly. Think quality over quantity, Italy style, for a guilt-free pizza party!

Italian Pizza vs American: Which is Better?

“Better” is a tricky word! Italians savor the simplicity of fresh ingredients, thin crusts, few toppings, and healthiness. It’s all about pure flavor.

Americans like pizza parties! Thicker crusts, mountains of toppings, wild flavor combinations, and heartiness.

So, which reigns supreme?

It’s up to you!

Craving a taste of Italy’s sun-kissed simplicity? 

Go classic. 

Want a wild pizza adventure? 

Dive into American style!

No matter your choice, both are delicious slices of culinary joy!