More Than Margherita: Italy’s Many Pizzas and Topping Traditions
Pizza Isn’t Just One Thing (Even in Italy)
If you think pizza begins and ends with mozzarella and tomato, ohhh you’re in for a treat. Italians have been getting creative with pizza long before toppings like pineapple or BBQ sauce made their way onto menus. We’re talking ancient creativity — the kind that involves frying dough and stuffing it with cheese.
Across Italy, pizza takes many shapes, styles, and glorious forms. Here’s a taste of the real variety behind the most iconic dish in the world.
Types of Pizza Italians Actually Eat
Pizza Napoletana (Neapolitan):
Soft, puffy crust, blistered edges, and the holy trio: San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s the pizza that made Naples famous (and rightfully so).
Pizza Romana (Roman-style):
Thin, crispy, and rectangular — often sold by the slice (pizza al taglio). Great for folding in half and eating on the go.
Pizza al Padellino (Pan pizza):
Baked in small pans, this version is thick, soft inside, and crisp on the bottom. Think pizza’s fluffier cousin.
Calzone:
Pizza folded in half and baked until golden, with mozzarella, tomato, and cured meats like our Salame Napoli or Mortadella tucked inside. It's basically pizza giving you a hug.
Pizza Fritta:
Deep-fried calzone. Yes, really. A Neapolitan street food dream, traditionally stuffed with ricotta, salami, or provolone.
Let’s Talk Toppings — the Italian Way
We don’t do chaos. Italian pizza toppings are intentional, balanced, and made to sing. And the good news? You can recreate them at home with Affetto Italiano staples.
Truffle Salame: Add it to a white pizza with Taleggio or mozzarella. Decadent is an understatement.
Speck and Scamorza: Smoky meets melty. Perfect on a pizza bianca with mushrooms.
Nduja: Spicy and spreadable. Add to your tomato base for a Calabrian kick. Pair with mozzarella or provolone.
Prosciutto Crudo: Always added after baking, for that perfect salty finish.
Capicollo & Pecorino: Thin slices of our pre-sliced Capicollo and a sprinkle of Pecorino al Peperoncino create a bold, unforgettable pizza night.
From Naples to Your Kitchen Table
Whether you're a traditionalist or a pizza experimenter, there’s an Italian style for every mood — and at Affetto Italiano, we’ve got all the ingredients to help you explore them. Just don’t ask us where the pineapple is. We’ll pretend we didn’t hear you.
