Historical Overview of Pizza - Timeline of its Origins and Evolution

In the world of food, few dishes have captured the hearts and taste buds of people quite like pizza. This beloved dish has a rich history that spans thousands of years and continents.

Pizza originated as a simple flatbread with toppings, dating back to the Stone Age. It was the Ancient Greeks who first made a flatbread called plankuntos, seasoned with herbs, onion, and garlic. Fast forward to the 16th century, and we find pizza in Naples, Italy, sold as a quick meal for the working class.

Italian immigrants brought their love for pizza to the United States in the late 19th century. The first official pizzeria in the U.S., Lombardi's, opened its doors in New York City in 1897. However, it was in Chicago that a unique style of pizza was born.

Chicago-style deep dish pizza was invented in 1943 by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. Pizzeria Uno, where this iconic pizza was first served, is still a popular destination today. The Sweet Home Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is renowned for its garlic and basil infused crust and the standout homemade sauce.

The Susie's Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza and the Spicy Mediterranean Pizza are modern takes on the classic Chicago-style deep dish. The former, with its thick, slightly chewy homemade crust, tastes like a bacon cheeseburger in pizza form. The latter features an arrabbiata sauce that brings a depth of flavour to the pizza, making it spicy, tangy, and delicious.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is a yummy recipe that makes two hearty pizzas for a fraction of the cost of ordering out.

One of the most iconic pizzas in modern history is the Margherita pizza. Developed in 1889 to honour Queen Margherita of Italy, it was named Pizza Margherita. This simple yet elegant pizza, with its fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, remains a favourite to this day.

From its humble beginnings as a flatbread with toppings to the countless variations we enjoy today - thin or thick crust, Sicilian, Chicago, or Neapolitan style, and meat lover or veggie options - pizza continues to be a beloved dish that brings people together.