Pizza Guru’s Guide to Margherita and Neapolitan Pizzas

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world. It is an Italian dish that has become a staple in many countries. Pizza is a flatbread that is usually topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. However, there are different types of pizza, each with its own unique characteristics. In this article, we will explore the differences beteen Margherita pizza and Neapolitan pizza.

Margherita pizza is a classic pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Naples in 1889. Legend has it that the queen was tired of the fancy French cuisine she had been eating and requested to try something simple and rustic. The pizza maker, Raffaele Esposito, created a pizza with the colors of the Italian flag – red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella cheese), and green (basil). The queen loved the pizza, and it became known as Pizza Margherita.

The ingredients for Pizza Margherita are simple and traditional. The pizza is made with fresh tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. The tomatoes used are usually San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity. The mozzarella cheese used is fresh mozzarella, which has a high moisture content. The pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature of around 800 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in a crispy crust and a soft and tender interior.

Neapolitan pizza, also known as Pizza Napoletana, is a type of pizza that originates from Naples, Italy. It is a traditional style of pizza that is known for its tender, light, and moist texture. The pizza is made with Italian ingredients, and it is cooked in a wood-fired oven at a very high temperature for only 90 seconds. The pizza dough must have a hydration level between 58-65%, which gives it a chewy texture. The sauce used is made from San Marzano tomatoes, and the cheese used is usually fresh mozzarella. The toppings used on Neapolitan pizza can vary, but they are usually simple and traditional.

The main difference between Margherita pizza and Neapolitan pizza is the type of cheese used. Margherita pizza uses fresh mozzarella cheese, which has a high moisture content. This gives the pizza a creamy and soft texture. Neapolitan pizza also uses fresh mozzarella cheese, but it is usually drier than the mozzarella used for Margherita pizza. This is because the pizza is cooked at a high temperature for a short period of time, which causes the cheese to melt and become less moist.

Margherita pizza and Neapolitan pizza are two types of pizza that have their own unique characteristics. Margherita pizza is a simple and traditional pizza that is made with fresh ingredients. It is known for its creamy and soft texture, thanks to the use of fresh mozzarella cheese. Neapolitan pizza is a traditional style of pizza that is known for its tender, light, and moist texture. It is made with Italian ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature for a short period of time. Both pizzas are delicious and popular, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

What’s The Difference Between Margarita And Neapolitan?

Neapolitan pizza and Margherita pizza are two popular types of pizza with distinct differences. Neapolitan pizza is a type of pizza that originated from the city of Naples, Italy. It has a soft, chewy crust that is slightly charred from the wood-fired oven. The toppings on Neapolitan pizza can vary widely, and it is often made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

On the other hand, Margherita pizza is a type of Neapolitan pizza that has a specific set of toppings. It consists of tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. The cheese is placed on top of the tomato sauce, and the pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven. Margherita pizza is named ater Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was served this pizza on a visit to Naples in 1889.

One key difference between Neapolitan pizza and Margherita pizza is the toppings. While Neapolitan pizza can have a wide variety of toppings, Margherita pizza is always made with the same basic ingredients. Another difference is the cooking method. Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven, while Margherita pizza can be cooked in a variety of ovens.

Neapolitan pizza is a type of pizza with a soft, chewy crust and a wide variety of toppings, while Margherita pizza is a specific type of Neapolitan pizza with a set of basic toppings.

margherita pizza vs neapolitan pizza

How Is Neapolitan Pizza Different?

Neapolitan pizza, also knwn as Pizza Napoletana, is different from other types of pizza due to its specific characteristics and ingredients. Here are some of the ways in which Neapolitan pizza differs:

1. Cooking method: Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-burning oven at a temperature of around 800F degrees for only 90 seconds. This results in a crispy crust that is tender and light at the same time.

2. Moisture content: Neapolitan pizza has a higher moisture content compared to other types of pizza. This is due to its high hydration level, which is around 58-65%. This gives the pizza a soft and moist texture.

3. Ingredients: Neapolitan pizza must be made with specific ingredients that are Italian and come from a particular area. For example, San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the fertile soil of Mount Vesuvius, are used to make the sauce. The cheese used is typically mozzarella di bufala, which is made from the milk of water buffalo.

4. Size and shape: Neapolitan pizza is typically smaller than other types of pizza, with a diameter of around 12 inches. It is also round and has a raised edge, or “cornicione,” which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Neapolitan pizza is different from other types of pizza due to its specific cooking method, higher moisture content, ingredients, size, and shape.

What Makes A Margherita Pizza Different?

A Margherita pizza is different from othr pizzas due to a few key factors. Firstly, it is made with fresh mozzarella, which has a higher water content than regular mozzarella. This gives the cheese a softer and creamier texture. On the other hand, American cheese pizzas typically use drier mozzarella cheese.

Secondly, Margherita pizza is always topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, giving it a distinct flavor profile. The tomatoes are usually thinly sliced and arranged in a circular pattern on the pizza crust, while the basil is added as whole leaves or chopped up and sprinkled on top.

Furthermore, the crust of a Margherita pizza is often thinner and crispier than other types of pizza. It is typically made with a simple dough that is stretched and rolled out before being topped with the sauce, cheese, and other ingredients.

What makes a Margherita pizza different is its use of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, as well as its thin and crispy crust. These factors combine to create a unique and delicious pizza that is beloved by many.

Is Neapolitan Pizza Just Cheese Pizza?

Neapolitan pizza is not just cheese pizza. While it does have mozzarella cheese, it also includes tomatoes, which are a crucial ingredient in the pizza’s flavor profile. Additionally, for a pizza to be considered Neapolitan, it must be made with specific ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, as well as adhere to certain preparation methods and cooking techniques. Therefore, Neapolitan pizza is a distinct style of pizza that goes beyond just cheese.

1684633898

Conclusion

Pizza is a beloved food that has evolved to have many different variations and styles, each with their own unique characteristics and flavors. From the classic Margherita pizza to the authentic Neapolitan pizza, there is a type of pizza for everyone. The ingredients used in making pizza are crucial to achieving the perfect taste and texture, with specific products often being required to lay claim to certain styles of pizza. Whether it’s thin crust or deep dish, loaded with toppings or kept simple, pizza remains a favorite food for people all over the world.

Photo of author

William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.