The history of pizza: how and when was this dish first prepared?

Pizza is a traditional Italian dish and one of the most popular foods in the world. Its history dates back to ancient times, and the variety of recipes is truly impressive. Today, the Pronto Pizza team will tell you about the origins of pizza: how, where, and when this dish was first prepared, and how it became the pizza we know and love today.

The Origins and Early History of Pizza

The first mentions of dishes similar to pizza can be found in Ancient Greece and Rome. In ancient times, Greeks baked thin flatbread over fire and topped it with various ingredients — olive oil, herbs, cheese, meat, and even fruit.

The Romans also had a similar dish — flat cakes with toppings served as appetizers. However, the key ingredient of modern pizza — tomatoes — was still unknown.

Tomatoes in Europe and the Rise of Pizza

Yes, ordinary tomatoes played a crucial role in creating the pizza we love today.

In the 15th century, after the discovery of the Americas, tomatoes arrived in Europe. Initially, they were considered poisonous and grown only as decorative plants. But by the 17th century, residents of Naples — a port city in southern Italy — began adding tomatoes to their dishes, including flatbread with herbs and cheese. It was in Naples that the first pizza resembling the modern version appeared.

What Did the First Neapolitan Pizza Look Like?

The 18th century marks the beginning of modern pizza history. At that time, the streets of Naples were filled with bakers selling simple flatbread topped with tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil. Pizza quickly became popular among locals, especially the working class, as it was affordable, tasty, and filling.

Fun fact: In 1889, to honor the visit of Queen Margherita of Savoy, Neapolitan pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created a pizza with three ingredients representing the colors of the Italian flag: red — tomatoes, white — mozzarella, and green — basil. This pizza was named “Margherita” in her honor and became a classic.

By the way, Pronto Pizza also offers Margherita — if you want to try it right now, we will deliver it quickly and with pleasure!

Beyond Naples: Pizza Conquers the World

So, Italy — specifically Naples — is the birthplace of pizza. But as its popularity grew, this culinary masterpiece began to win hearts worldwide.

In the 19th century, many Italians emigrated to the United States. There they opened restaurants and introduced pizza to the local population, adapting it to local tastes. New types of pizza appeared, featuring various toppings — vegetables, meat, and more.

The first pizzeria in New York opened in 1905. The restaurant, called “Lombardi’s,” still operates today. Its chefs preserve traditional recipes and offer guests delicious pizza and other classic Italian dishes.

After World War II, American soldiers returning home from Europe brought back their love for pizza. As a result, the dish became even more popular in the U.S., with toppings and sauces becoming more diverse. Pizza gradually became an important part of American food culture.

The Origin of the Word “Pizza”

Of course, we couldn’t skip the story behind the name of this beloved dish.

The word “pizza” has Italian origins. It comes from the Neapolitan dialect word “pizza,” which may be derived from the Latin word “pitta,” meaning flatbread. There is also a theory that it comes from the Greek word “pitta,” which also refers to flatbread or pie.

In medieval southern Italy, the term “pizza” was used to describe various baked goods, including breads with tomatoes, cheese, and other toppings. Over time, the word came to refer specifically to the dish we now know as pizza: a dough base topped with ingredients and baked in an oven.

The Evolution of Pizza: What Is It Today?

Today, there are countless varieties of pizza. Still, the traditional components remain unchanged:

• The base — thin and crispy in Italian-style pizza, thicker and fluffier in the American version.
• Flavorful sauces — most commonly tomato sauce, but sometimes white sauces like béchamel.
• Aromatic herbs — basil, oregano, and others.
• Cheese — aged Parmesan, delicate mozzarella, creamy cheeses, etc.
• Various toppings — meat, fish, vegetables.

Nearly every country has its own unique pizza recipes. The most famous include:

• Neapolitan pizza — classic pizza with a thin crust, mozzarella, and tomatoes. This is where the story of modern pizza began.
• Sicilian pizza (or focaccia) — first made in Palermo, Sicily. Characteristics include cheese placed under the sauce, a thicker crust, and anchovies commonly used as a topping.
• Chicago pizza (deep dish) — very thick crust, resembling a pie. It often has a square or rectangular shape, lots of sauce, and layered toppings like bacon, cheese, and various meats.
• New York-style pizza — large, thin slices traditionally folded in half when eaten.

Beyond traditional recipes, modern pizza has become a canvas for experimentation: it can be made with pineapple, seafood, different cheeses, and even chocolate.

Pizza in Canada: Who Invented the “Hawaiian”?

Hawaiian pizza, topped with pineapple, was invented by Sam Panopoulos, a Canadian restaurateur of Greek origin. This happened in 1962 at his restaurant in Chatham, Ontario. Panopoulos and his brothers experimented with combining sweet and savory flavors, adding canned pineapple to traditional tomato-based pizza.

The name “Hawaiian” came from the brand of canned pineapple they used. Despite ongoing debates among pizza lovers, this flavor combination gained worldwide popularity and became a classic variety.

The history of pizza is rich and diverse. What began as flatbread with basic toppings in Greece and Rome evolved over centuries into a global favorite. The combination of crispy dough, tender cheese, and flavorful ingredients continues to win hearts everywhere.

So if you want something delicious, order Pronto delivery! We honor traditional pizza recipes and adapt them to the tastes of Lviv residents. Fast, tasty, and diverse — that’s pizza delivery from Pronto!