Is Pizza Considered A Pie?

on August 6, 2023

Pizza is a food that is loved by everyone and has ingrained itself into many different civilisations. However, a common query is whether pizza falls under the definition of a pie or not.

Pizza may or may not be referred to as a “pie” depending on the situation and the locale. Pizza is sometimes referred to as “pizza pie” in various places, particularly in the United States, which suggests a relationship to the conventional idea of a pie. This relationship most likely results from the pizza’s circular shape, the crust’s pie-like basis, and the toppings’ frequent resemblance to pies of all kinds.

However, pizza is not often referred to as a regular pie when discussing it from a culinary standpoint, especially in Italy where it originated. A pastry crust commonly encases a sweet or savoury filling in traditional pies. Contrarily, pizza has a flatbread dough and is frequently topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients.

Pizza is not normally categorised as a pie from a strictly culinary perspective, despite some people using the term “pie” colloquially. Instead, it is recognised as a singular and famous meal in and of itself, adored and cherished all over the world for its mouthwatering flavours and varied adaptations.

What is the origin of the term “pizza pie” in the United States?

The name “pizza pie” first appeared in the United States during the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants introduced their culinary customs to the nation. Italian immigrants arrived in great numbers in places like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing with them their culinary traditions, including the art of making pizza.

Pizzas made in the Italian style were considerably different back then than they are now. They were frequently prepared in a way resembling the classic Italian “torta,” which had a pastry crust and a filling and looked like a pie. These early pizzas featured a thicker, more bread-like crust, and simple toppings like tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil were frequently used.

Many Americans, who were more familiar with the idea of pies, were unfamiliar with the name “pizza” as Italian immigrants started selling their pizzas to non-Italian clients. Italian food sellers and pizzerias began dubbing the meal “pizza pie,” emphasising its resemblance to the well-known American pie, to make it more accessible and to help customers comprehend what it was.

The phrase gained popular throughout time, particularly in regions with sizable Italian-American populations, and the connection between pizza and pie was firmly established in American culinary tradition. Italian immigrants used the term “pizza pie” to bridge the cultural divide and make their traditional dish more approachable to the larger American audience.

The term “pizza pie” is still occasionally used in some locations today, although it is more of a nostalgic or traditional expression, while the word “pizza” is now widely known and used both within the United States and abroad.

Could pizza be classified as a tart of a flan?

In some culinary conversations, pizza might be roughly categorised as a kind of tart or flan, but it’s important to note that these classifications might not fully represent the distinctive features of pizza. Let’s investigate the links:

Tart: Typically, a pie is made up of a pastry crust and either sweet or savoury ingredients. In this sense, some traditional pizzas with diverse toppings and a flaky or pastry-like crust could be categorised as a savoury tart. The idea of a tart, however, is more frequently connected to desserts or sweet fillings, whereas pizza is more frequently associated with savoury toppings.
Flan: A baked dish with an open, pastry-lined bottom and a sweet or savoury filling that thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency is called a flan, also known as a custard tart. Although pizza doesn’t resemble flan in the same way, some people might draw a loose comparison based on the open and flat structures of both foods.

It’s important to remember that different cultural and geographical viewpoints might affect how food items are categorised. While there are some similarities between some tarts and flans and pizza, it stands out as a unique culinary creation thanks to its special blend of flavours, ingredients, and cooking techniques. In the end, pizza has established itself as an iconic meal, loved by people all over the world for its great variety of flavours and varieties.

What else could pizza be classified as?

Pizza can be categorised in a number of ways, depending on the situation and the particular qualities being highlighted. Here are some additional categories for pizza:

Flatbread: Due to its thin and flat crust, pizza is frequently referred to as a form of flatbread. It resembles other flatbreads that can be found in various foreign cuisines.

Open-faced sandwich: Since pizza often has a base (crust) and a variety of toppings, much like an open sandwich, some culinary experts define it as an open-faced sandwich.
Fast food: Due to its speedy cooking, broad availability in fast-food restaurants, and reliance on delivery services, pizza is sometimes categorised as a fast food item in modern society.
Street food: Pizza is a common street meal served in many locations, particularly in Italy, and is a vital component of the local street food culture.

Italian cuisine: Pizza is sometimes referred to as Italian cuisine because it is a fundamental component and because the dish has its roots in Italy.
Cheese and tomato dish: Pizza may be categorised as a dish created with a dough topped with cheese and tomato sauce in its most basic form.
Savory pie: Pizza isn’t a classic pie, but because of its layered design with a crust and different contents, some people could categorise it as a savoury pie.

Comfort food: Pizza is frequently regarded as the ultimate comfort food because of its delicious blend of flavours and textures that appeals to people of all ages.
Fusion cuisine: Pizza can be considered an example of fusion cuisine because it combines Italian roots with local influences and has been altered and modified in many other nations.
International cuisine: Pizza can be categorised as international food because of its widespread appeal and myriad regional varieties, which represent various cultural adaptations and interpretations.

These alternate classifications illustrate the breadth and universal appeal of pizza, which defies conventional divisions and is nevertheless a cherished and iconic food around the world.