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! 

— 

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.

Wait, do Asian countries eat bread? Absolutely! Asian countries have a strong bread culture, with numerous Asian bakeries across different nations offering a wide variety of delightful Asian bakery breads for everyone to enjoy.

That’s why even if we hold our cherished pan de sal close to our hearts, there’s nothing wrong with expanding our bread-loving horizons. Keep reading to discover twelve enticing creations from different neighboring Asian countries. All these on our Asian bread list are guaranteed a must-try!

A Word About These Asian Bakery Breads

If you’re not familiar with Asian bakery bread, you might be tempted to do what others do: classify all kinds as products of a Chinese bakery. We can’t blame you, since China is probably the most well-known Asian country in the world.

However, doing that wouldn’t be fair to a lot of these products, as China isn’t the only one that produces traditional Asian-style breads. While China certainly boasts a rich baking heritage, it’s important to recognize the diversity and regional specialties of other Asian countries. Asian bakings can be products from Malaysia, Japan, and Taiwan.  

Got it? Good. Okay, now… On to the actual breads!

Coffee Bun

A Kopi Roti or a coffee bun is a delectable bun topped with a crispy, coffee-infused crust and delicious butter on the inside, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and a hint of caffeine. The coffee bun is a 2002 creation of a restaurant in Penang, Malaysia, called Rotiboy.

See? Not all Asian bakery breads are from China!

What makes this a must-taste? Well, consider the fact that there are a lot of shops that offer only this offering. Now, even Western coffee shops offer them!

Maybe because a coffee bun is not only filling but is also a great way to enjoy coffee without actually making one or buying a cup. They’re pretty convenient to eat while you’re on the go, too!

Polo Bun

Originating from Hong Kong, the polo bun is also called pineapple bun, but ironically, it’s not really an Asian pineapple bread. It doesn’t contain any pineapples, after all!  These Chinese bakery buns do, however, have a top crust pattern and texture that resembles a pineapple’s skin. 

Oh, and the “pineapple skin?” It’s crumbly, buttery, makes a delightful crunch when you bite into it, and encases a very fluffy interior. In short, it’s very satisfying to eat! 

Polo or pineapple buns came into popularity thanks to Tai Tung Bakery, a bakery in Yuen Long, Hong Kong that has been making 1,000 buns daily since 1943. Before long, the Hong Kong government declared the polo bun as an intangible cultural heritage. 

Although it’s already delicious in its original form, many variants of it have surfaced, such as polo buns filled with pork, butter, and even actual pineapple. Because, well, why not?

Ham and Egg Bun

This Asian egg bread with ham that also originates from Hong Kong is pretty basic: it’s a ham and egg sandwich. But doesn’t it look cool?

It’s not only a visual treat, though. It’s can satiate your hunger and is a great option for breakfast when you’re in a hurry. Two or three of these should fill you up… but at the same time, might leave you wanting more, especially variants that also contain cheese.

They’re that good!

Pizza Bun

Ever had pizza cravings but stopped at ordering one because it’s just too huge for one person? This Asian pizza bread is your answer! It’s smaller and in the form of a bun–great for small servings or for an individual who wants pizza but can’t eat a lot!

Treasure Roll

The origins of the name “treasure roll” aren’t clear. How to best describe this, though? Well, think of it as a Swiss roll bread, the Asian version.

This kind of bread can be made of different fillings such as chocolate, custard, or even pork floss. We guess the treasure is finding what’s inside when you unwrap or bite into it.

Floss Bread

Floss bread is a pastry that came from Taiwan but was popularized by BreadTalk. The visually appealing floss is typically tender pork or beef. Bakers use mayonnaise to stick the floss to the soft and fluffy bread. 

It makes for a delicious burst of savory goodness and a rich, umami taste in your mouth!

And if for some reason you’re abstaining from beef or pork, you don’t have to worry. You can still try out this Asian bread bun recipe since there are now other variations that use fish, rabbit, and duck. You’ll have to go to China to experience these, though.

Sausage Roll

Sink your teeth into a savory delight with the sausage roll. This popular pastry enjoyed in Asia, Europe, and Western countries, comes in various variations, featuring different sausages and types of dough. 

Whether made with puff pastry or dough, this savory treat is sure to satisfy hunger and become a quick favorite for you, your family, or your customers. Its versatility allows you to customize and tweak it to your liking, making it a versatile option to enjoy or sell. It looks pretty cute, too!

Cheese Bread with Streusel Topping

Cheese bread needs no introduction in the Philippines–we love our cheese bread! But this one is different: it combines the flavors of cheese and the sweet streusel crust!

But what exactly is streusel? Derived from the German term meaning “sprinkled” or “topped,” streusel is a topping made from butter, flour, and sugar. Adding it to the bread will give you a delicate, crumbly texture and a touch of sweetness to pastries, such as the topping in your buko tart.

Now, picture this irresistible streusel adorning your homemade soft and flavorful cheese bread—a delightful combination that truly tastes like a slice of cheesy heaven. YYou’ll experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite!

Finally, Japan makes an entry into this Asian bakery breads blog article with the AnPan! For such a cute bread, it’s ironically made by a former samurai. It’s a fluffy bun topped with sesame seeds and filled with sweet red bean paste, providing a delightful balance of softness and sweetness. 

This sweet Asian bread is a must-try for those with a penchant for Japanese cuisine–eating like the locals if you will. The red bean paste takes some getting used to, though. But hey, if it was good enough for an emperor to have the bread supplied to them on a daily basis back in 1875, it’s more than good enough for you!

Sausage and Veggie Salad Bread

Love bread, meat, and vegetables? Have them all in one delectable bite! This soft bun filled with savory sausages and a refreshing mix of crunchy vegetable salad combines flavors and textures that are both satisfying and nutritious.

It’s a healthier option for snacking as well–can’t go wrong with being healthy, right?

Japanese Cream Pan

Butter Bread

Simple yet irresistible, Asian butter bread showcases the rich and creamy flavor of butter with a sugary twist. Soft, fluffy and cutely shaped, this bread is perfect for enjoying as is or pairing with your favorite spreads or fillings. 

What’s so special about this, you ask? Well, you’ll have to try one to find out. And believe us, it’s worth the try! 

Final Thoughts

There are a lot more Asian breads out there, to be honest, but this list is already a good start if you want a unique bread experience. They’ll not only tickle your taste buds but also showcase the creativity and artistry of Asian baking traditions. 

And if you’re a bread-loving baker who also wants to expand your food business, trying these Asian bread dishes gives you the opportunity to diversify your offerings and get new customers. With distinct flavors and textures, these breads can become possible hits in your home bakery, your cafe, or even as specialty items for your online food business. 

Embrace the flavors and artistry of Asian bakery breads, and watch your culinary venture thrive!

Want to learn how to make Asian bakery breads?

If you’re thinking about putting up your own version of an Asian bread bakery, The Bailiwick Academy has two classes by Chef Jimbo de Pandero that can help you do that! Oh and incidentally, these courses teach you how to make exactly what’s on this list!

Presenting Asian Breads 1:

Where you’ll learn Chef Jimbo’s techniques in making:

• Coffee Buns
• Polo Buns
• Ham and Egg Buns
• Pizza Buns
• Treasure Buns
• Floss Bread
• Cheese Bread; and 
• Sausage Buns

And one of his newest classes, Asian Breads 2:

In part two of learn Chef Jimbo’s popular class, he’ll continue with teaching four additional Asian bakery breads:

• AnPan
• Sausage and Veggie Salad Bread
• Japanese Cream Pan
• Butter Bread

In both classes, Chef Jimbo de Panadero will meticulously lead you through every phase of the journey – from combining and kneading the dough to forming and perfecting the baking of the bread. You will gain insights into the distinct ingredients and methods that lend a unique character to Asian breads. And most importantly, you will acquire the confidence to venture into crafting your own delightful renditions.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy and start your own Asian bread shop today!

— 

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

The post Asian Bakery Breads You Must Taste! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.