Whether you’re aiming to bake pizza yourself or simply love eating it, getting to know the various kinds is both fun and interesting. Let’s get started!

A Brief History of Pizza

What exactly is pizza? Well, pizza, like Torta Caprese, is from Italy. It is a round and flat, wheat-based dough topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients, and baked until the pizza crust is crispy and golden, and the cheese is bubbly and melted to perfection. But how exactly did it come to be?

According to Peatzeria, pizza evolved from flatbreads sold by street vendors in the late 18th century. The vendors topped with garlic, salt, herbs, lard, cheese, and other ingredients. They sold them primarily to low-paid workers seeking convenient and satisfying food. 

Thankfully, in 1889 King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Italy were impressed by a pizza topped with basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes, created by Raffaele Esposito to reflect the colors of the Italian flag. This pizza, known as the Margherita, gained royal approval. It also marked a significant moment in pizza history, making it go from street food to popular fare.

And in the 20th century, pizza gained popularity worldwide, especially in America. It became a favorite among Allied troops during World War II and later spread as Italians migrated to other countries and international travel became more common. This is also when different styles of pizza started popping up.

What are the different styles of pizza, exactly? Well, on to the main section of this article! 

A Quick Disclaimer

This list doesn’t represent all different kinds of pizza. It’s just a taste of what we feel are some of the most popular and interesting kinds. We hope it gets you excited to try new pizzas and explore more on your own. 

Here are some of the different kinds of pizzas you should make!

Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make 1: Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza, a kind of tomato pizza, is one of the oldest flavors of pizza. It’s a classic Italian pizza composed of a thin crust topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt.

It’s simple, light, and possibly the purest form of pizza you’ll ever taste. Hey, it was approved by royalty, so it’s definitely good enough for all of us!

Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make 2: Pepperoni Pizza

Pepperoni pizza is one of the most popular pizzas in the United States—according to a 2017 Harris Poll, 36% of Americans prefer pepperoni on their pizza above all other toppings! It’s not hard to imagine why. The combination of a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and the spicy kick of pepperoni slices creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that many find irresistible.

The flavor appeal actually extends to the rest of the world. We’re sure you’d agree that pepperoni pizza is one of the most recognizable pizzas in the world. 

Oh, and fun fact? Pepperoni pizza is not from Italy—this pizza is more of an Eastern European/American-Italian version.

Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make 3: Hawaiian Pizza

With all kinds of pizza toppings, how could anyone have thought of putting pineapple on pizza? Hawaiian pizza, which mixes sweet and savory tastes, is a bit of a debate starter. It usually has a thin crust with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, and pineapple chunks.

Funny enough, the origin of this pizza is not from Hawaii—and there are conflicting origin stories. Some sources attribute the creation of Hawaiian pizza to Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant in Canada. Supposedly, he added pineapple and ham or bacon to pizza at Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario in 1962.

Other evidence suggests that it was a pizzeria in Portland, Oregon where it all started. It was a store named Pizza Jungle that advertised a pizza with papaya, chopped green pepper, and pineapple as early as 1957, naming it the Hawaiian Pizza.

No matter the origin, this pizza is controversial. It’s popular with Americans, but we suggest never bringing this flavor up with Italians. 

Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make 4: Neapolitan Pizza

A Neapolitan pizza takes the classic Margherita to the next level with extra sauce and cheese. This pizza comes from Naples, Italy, and is famous for its thin, tender crust. It’s usually covered with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, salt, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. 

This pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven at high heat. The result is a beautifully blistered crust and a deliciously smoky taste.

According to Pizza Bien, a pizza can only be considered a true Margherita if it meets four main criteria, as outlined by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana:

• You may use only San Marzano tomatoes.
• You can use only fresh mozzarella. The mozzarella must be made from water buffalo milk or a mix of cow and water buffalo milk. This specific type of milk is chosen for the rich, creamy texture and taste it imparts to the cheese.
• The dough must be expertly prepared using only flour, yeast, salt, and occasionally sugar and beer.
• The pizza must be cooked in a wood-fired oven at approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a process that takes just 60 to 90 seconds.

These strict guidelines ensure the preservation of the authentic Neapolitan pizza’s traditional essence.

Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make 5: Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Out of the different types of deep dish pizza, Chicago Deep Dish pizza is one of the most well-known ones. 

Originating in Chicago in 1943, It features a thick, buttery crust that lines a deep pan, creating a deep dish. The pizza is assembled with toppings such as Italian sausage, onion, peppers, and mushrooms, followed by a layer of fresh mozzarella cheese and chunky tomato sauce. Due to its thickness, Chicago deep pizza requires a longer baking time in the oven. 

This style of pizza has become synonymous with Chicago and is celebrated for its hearty and indulgent nature. Oh, and this pizza’s indulgent nature and meaty flavors demand the use of a knife and fork for a better dining experience. We’d definitely call it one of the best dinner ideas (or lunch)! 

Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make 6: California Pizza

California pizza is a style of pizza that originated in California, United States. It blends influences from New York and Italian thin-crust pizzas with toppings inspired by California cuisine. Adventurous eaters will love its creative pizza toppings such as barbecue sauce, bbq chicken, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese. Some makers even add spinach, artichoke hearts, and peanut sauce.

It is often baked in a wood-fired oven or on a pizza stone. It can be served with either thin and crispy pizza crusts or thicker and chewier ones.

Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make 7: New York-Style Pizza

New York-style pizza is all about big, foldable slices with a thin, slightly chewy crust. Pizza makers toss it by hand and top it with tomato sauce and stretchy, low-moisture mozzarella. You can jazz it up with extras like pepperoni, mushrooms, or sausage. Baked in a gas oven, it gets a perfectly crispy yet bendy crust. 

This pizza came to life when Italian immigrants hit New York City in the early 1900s. The dough’s made with high-gluten flour, a bit of sugar, olive oil, yeast, and water, giving it a unique taste and texture. The sauce? It’s a seasoned mix of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, slathered over the crust before adding cheese and other toppings. And if you like, sprinkle on some garlic powder, red pepper, oregano, or Parmesan after baking.

Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make 8: Mushroom Pizza

Mushroom pizza is a classic choice for pizza lovers who are looking for vegetarian recipes. It’s simple: a thin or thick crust topped with tomato sauce, lots of mozzarella cheese, and heaps of mushrooms. Whether you like your mushrooms sautéed first or thrown on fresh, they add a juicy, earthy flavor to the pizza that’s hard to beat.

This pizza is perfect for those who love a bit of nature’s bounty on their plate. You can stick to just mushrooms or mix in other toppings like onions, peppers, or different cheeses to make it your own. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and you’ve got a delicious mushroom pizza ready to enjoy!

Which type of pizza is the most popular?

It’s hard to say which type of pizza is the most popular because everyone has their own favorite. With so many kinds of pizzas out there, from classic cheese and pepperoni to more unique flavors like Alfredo Pizza or Buffalo Chicken Pizza, it really depends on personal taste. 

Some people love the simplicity of a Margherita, while others prefer the variety of a supreme pizza—and some even love pizzas with black olives. In the end, it really depends on who you ask. Everyone has their own favorite when it comes to eating pizza, that’s for sure!

Want to learn the different types of pizza to make at home?

Finished reading and feeling inspired for a pizza night at home? Why settle for delivery when you can craft your own perfect pizza, ensuring top-notch quality every time? That’s why homemade pizza is better—it’s simply unbeatable.

But where can you get recipe collections for homemade pizza? Well, you don’t have to go far. Just enroll in Chef Joey Prats’ newest class here at The Bailiwick Academy: Pizza Master Class Deluxe!

Enroll and get hands-on with these eight pizza styles:

1. Cast Iron Pan Pizza
2. Chicago Style Deep Dish
3. Detroit Style Pizza
4. New York Style Pizza
5. Roman Style Pizza Bianca
6. Sicilian Style Stuffed Crust with Vodka Sauce
7. California Style BBQ Chicken Pizza
8. Neapolitan Style Pizza

Just like all the classes at The Bailiwick Academy, it’s an easy-to-follow class, perfect even if you’re a beginner. You’ll not only learn to make these diverse pizzas but also gain skills that go beyond the basics. This class is your ticket to making the perfect pizza every night.

Soon enough, you’ll be on your way to starting a food business. Maybe it will even be one where you transport your baked pizza pie to your customers.

What are you waiting for? Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today and start your journey to being one of the best pizzaiolos ever! 

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more cooking and baking tips, kitchen tricks, and much more!

The post Different Kinds of Pizzas to Make: They’re Must-Tries! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Not to worry! If you’re curious about this iconic dessert, you’ll be happy to hear that this article will dive into the world of fruit cakes and discover why it has become synonymous with a Christmas menu.

Let’s get started, shall we?

So…what is a fruit cake?

What are fruit cakes, indeed? At its core, a fruit cake is a rich, dense cake packed with dried or candied fruits, nuts, and spices. The ingredients are often soaked in spirits like brandy or rum, which not only adds a depth of flavor but also acts as a preservative. 

The cake is typically made well in advance of Christmas, allowing it to mature and develop its complex flavors. A fruit cake can also come in different shapes. It can be a round cake or be presented as mini loaf cakes, depending on the cake pan used. Mini loaves are easier to serve—something to note if you’re having a lot of guests who love fruits and cake in one dish!

Where is fruit cake from?

The origin of fruit cake can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a simple version was made using barley mash, pomegranate seeds, raisins, honeyed wine, and pine nuts. This early version was more of an energy-rich food than a celebratory treat. Since it was easy to carry around and  didn’t rot for a long time, it became a very popular snack for Roman soldiers, who called it “satura.”

During the Middle Ages, with the arrival of preserved fruits, honey, and spices, the fruit cake began to resemble what we know today. The Crusaders reportedly carried this durable, energy-packed cake on their journeys for the same reason as the Roman soldiers did: due to its long shelf life. The bakers at the time also added more fruit and nuts.

Fruit cakes were eventually brought to America by European colonists and became especially popular in areas with limited access to fresh fruit. And now, here we are: a world where fruit cake is looked for during Christmas and other special occasions, like weddings.

Why This Dessert Is Associated With Christmas

This is actually a pretty interesting fact in the history of fruit cake. In the 18th century, laws were passed to restrict the creation of the fruit cake (called as a plum cake back then) in Europe, as the cakes were considered as “sinfully rich.” They were only allowed to be created during the holiday season, especially since the ingredients to make this at the time were considered both rare and expensive.

So, it makes sense that fruit cakes became a special treat for big occasions, right? Especially for Christmas. But why exactly fruit cakes became a Christmas thing is a bit of a mystery. They were first made as a high-energy snack, not really for celebrations.

One interesting story is from Swiss Colony. They say that in England, people used to give fruit cakes to Christmas carolers, who were often not very rich. This might be one reason why fruit cakes got so popular for Christmas.

What are the ingredients in a fruit cake?

Fruit cake is known for its diverse ingredients, which can vary based on personal preference, the cake recipes being used, or regional traditions. However, the usual fruit cake recipe includes the following components:

• Dried Fruits: This is the heart of the fruit cake. Common choices include raisins, currants, sultanas, dried cherries, apricots, and cranberries. Any candied fruit like orange and lemon peel are also popular.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are often added for crunch and flavor.
• Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is typically used as the base for the cake.
• Sugar: White or brown sugar is used to sweeten the cake. Brown sugar can give a deeper flavor and moistness.
• Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and adding richness.
• Butter: Unsalted butter—not margarine—is commonly used for its flavor and for adding moisture to the cake.
• Spices: A mix of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves adds warmth and depth.
• Leavening Agents: Baking powder or baking soda helps the cake rise.
• Liquor: Brandy, rum, or whisky is often used to soak the fruits and to brush on the cake for preservation and flavor. Non-alcoholic versions might use fruit juices like orange juice or apple juice.
• Extras: Ingredients like molasses, honey, or treacle can be added for extra flavor and color. Vanilla or almond extract are also common for enhancing the aroma.

The great thing about fruit cake is that it is highly customizable. You can adjust the types and quantities of fruits and nuts to suit your taste, and even play around with the spices and flavorings. The key is to balance the flavors and textures to create a cake that’s something you really like.

What is the shelf life of a fruit cake?

A fruitcake that is tightly wrapped with aluminum foil or plastic wrap can be stored for up to 1 month in a cool, dark pantry, 6 months in the refrigerator, and 12 months in a freezer. Some people even feel that older fruit cakes taste better because of the alcoholic content. Of course, if there are signs of spoilage such as mold or off-odors, make sure to discard it! 

But why does fruit cake last long, exactly? Well, one reason is thanks to its high alcoholic content. Alcohol acts as a natural preservative which prevents spoilage.

As for the other factors, well, it’s the same answer for the question why is a fruit cake dry. Its high sugar content helps absorb moisture, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. The dried fruits in the cake have low water content, further inhibiting spoilage. The cake’s dense texture, achieved through slow baking at low temperatures, also helps in preserving it. 

Interestingly, the same things that make fruit cake last a long time have also made it a bit of a joke. Its heavy texture and strong flavor, plus the fact that it seems to never go bad, have made people joke about it as a holiday gift that nobody really wants and keeps getting passed around. But even with this funny reputation, many people still love fruit cake for its special taste and its place in holiday traditions.

Tips For Making Your Fruit Cake At Home

Want to have a fruit cake for the Christmas season? Sure, you can buy, as there will be plenty for sale this time. But if you want to make one yourself so you can control the ingredients, appearance, taste, and so on (i.e. you saw a recipe you wanted to try), here are some tips to take note of:

• Start Early: Begin your fruit cake preparations early. The longer the fruits soak and the cake matures, the better the flavor.
• Customize Your Cake: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, and spices. Make your fruit cake a reflection of your taste.
• Low and Slow: Bake your cake at a low temperature for several hours. This ensures even cooking and a moist texture.
• Storage: Wrap the cake in alcohol-soaked cheesecloth, then in foil. Store it in a cool, dark place and periodically brush it with more alcohol.

Make A Truly Delicious Fruit Cake With The Bailiwick Academy!

As we mentioned, you might have a fruit cake recipe you want to try. Well, here at The Bailiwick Academy, we have a class that you should definitely try. What are we talking about?

We’re talking about Chef Joey Prats’ Opulence Unwrapped: The Holiday Cake Experience class!

In this class, you’ll learn to make a unique fruitcake that everyone can enjoy, even kids! Chef Joey has crafted a recipe that’s both traditional and fresh, perfect for the holiday season. You’ll get to experiment with different fruits, nuts, and even choose your preferred alcohol, or opt for a non-alcoholic version.

His course is packed with easy-to-follow video tutorials, professional baking tips, and a fool-proof recipe. Whether you’re baking for your family or thinking of selling, this class has you covered.

This class is a must-add to your recipe collections. So what are you waiting for? Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy and start your journey to making the perfect holiday cake—bring the joy of fruitcake into your home this Christmas!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more baking and cooking tips, kitchen tricks, and much more!

The post What Is A Fruit Cake? appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.