Pizza lovers know what pizza lovers want out of a fabulous pizza recipe. Of course, pizza lovers also know there is a host of pizza ingredient interpretations worthy of proper recognition and implementation for revealing the finest pizza experiences. Therefore, pizza is not just a one-word delicacy of ambient flavors; but a flavor world waiting to be re-created and admired.
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Paying homage to the history of pizza pie deserves a little attention. Today’s familiar pizza style was introduced by Italian immigrants. Historians can’t entirely agree on just one person’s credibility for making the first pizza dish.
Yet, there is one gentleman baker named Raffaele Esposito from Naples who is acclaimed for bringing this popular style of pizza creation to life in the late 1800s. Many also say that street vendors were also known for using flatbreads and a variety of toppings long before him.
An important takeaway from historical accounts of the how, when, and why’s of pizza is the understanding of its diversity. It is the diversity that has rewarded the culinary world with pizza and pizza-like foods that serve to honor the origins from whence they came.
And, so it begins…
Ah, the goodness
Pizza is a mouthful of ingredients, experience, and comparison. These three characteristics meld together to describe a basic pizza’s artistry. Dough, cheese, sauce, and toppings invite the pizza party and no one knows where the party will stop.
In detail, fresh tomatoes, the edible berry of the Solanum Lycopersicum plant turn into decadent sauces that marry fresh cheeses, derived from the Latin word caseus or casein. Components of fat, protein, and calcium tack on three hefty values that add texture, substance, and bone-strengthening perks.
With tomato’s reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer with its antioxidant source of lycopene, vitamin C, folate, vitamin K, and potassium, tomato-based pizza pastries bring home nutritional applause per delectable mouthful.
Hearty dough options house each separate flavor and texture into a mouthwatering bite of savory satisfaction. Many doughs offer antioxidants and protein to up the nutritional ante.
The notable significance of foods similar to pizza is the inclusion of one or more pieces to the composition. These include one or more of a pizza’s basic components and overall integrity: A crust, a sauce, and one or more toppings, both sweet and savory.
The reckoning of these combined salivary values introduces a culinary invitation that not only promotes a savory status quo; but also teases the taste buds’ expectations to explore the unknown.
Pizza-Inspired Sophistication
The world isn’t flat and neither is the world’s creative vision when it comes to complementing the very idea of pizza’s influence in fine dining experiences. When given the chance to peruse international kitchens that know their way around a pizza and its attention-getting diverseness, a ubiquitous culinary revolution takes place.
Hawaiian Pizza
While many variations exist, a true Hawaiian pizza stays true to its indigenous nature of a tropical feel. Adding the sweet freshness of juicy pineapple chunks to a basic pizza is all it takes to say “aloha” to a delightful Hawaiian pizza interpretation. Add smoked bacon as a warm and savory, melt in your mouth garnish.
Japanese Okonomiyaki
This appetizing pizza-inspired kindred spirit called Okonomiyaki renders a “grilled as you like it” savory delight. Similar to a basic pizza tomato sauce topping, additional ingredients incorporate touches of sugar, soy, and Worchestire sauces for an Asian flair. Toppings invite cabbage, a popular Japanese staple of bonito flakes made from dried bonito fish and dried seaweed served atop a freshly grilled Japanese pancake with a finishing touch of drizzled Japanese mayonnaise.
Korean Bulgogi
Set taste buds to the tune of Korea’s Bulgogi beginning with the initial ingredient of Gui, or “fire meat”. This marinated thinly sliced grilled pork or beef shares a hearty pizza crust with fresh corn and green peppers. Keeping the Korean flavor values in the forefront comprises nutritional marinade ingredients made of fresh ginger, sesame, garlic, and soy.
France Fried Egg Pizza
France loves a delicious pizza using many of the typical pizza ingredients of fresh sauces, tender vegetables, and decadent cheeses. Enter the egg, pre-fried or baked on top of a beautiful pizza base exemplifies the rich and creamy decadence France is so well-known for. A mouthwatering assortment of textures, flavors, and nutritional components makes this pizza one for the books.
Germany Flammkuchen
German pizza crust or “flame cake” is food for thought as it isn’t a flatbread or a pizza crust. Dating back to the 4th century, this 700 degree Fahrenheit baked dough with its charred, almost burnt edges delivers a perfect marriage to savory ingredients like bacon, onions, and crème Fraiche. Don’t forget the dark German beer as the perfect complement.
Kid-Friendly Pizza Fun
Tuning in to making food a fun experience may not have worked 50 years ago, but today food is a fun topic with lots of ways to have fun making new dishes. More and more kids are getting into the food merry-making and enjoying the fruits of their labors.
Pretzel Pizza
This no-brainer fun food is easy to make and so much fun to eat. Pretzel dough, twisted into a pretzel or funny shapes is an understated kid-magnet meal. Shape, top with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, a little rock salt, and pop in the oven for a lot of happy faces come dinner time.
Pizza Fries
A whole new world in pizza-making has been created by using generous toppings of homemade tomato-based sauces, fresh mozzarella, and favorite meat choices over a pizza crust-inspired pan of loaded potato fries. Yes, tender, crispy French fries. Bake up until bubbling, top-off with a generous dollop of prosciutto, fresh basil strips, and watch this entertaining and tasty masterpiece disappear.
Doughnut Pizza
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner just invited a childhood doughnut treat and turned it into an aromatic go-to pizza doughnut complete with a three-cheese doughnut-shaped stuffed focaccia dough. This beautiful Italian goody includes a time-sensitive Sunday sauce, tangy crisped Parmesan cheese, and dried charcuterie crushed meat “sprinkles” to sink your hunger into.
The notable nutritional components of proteins, antioxidants, and chewy goodness make this an ideal meal on the go.
Veggie Pie
A colorful veggie pizza made with favorite tortillas instead of the usual pizza dough sparks kids’ imaginations to stack super-nutritious bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese toppings that look just like the real pizza thing. Plenty of Vitamin C, fiber, and protein sits pretty on top of the ketchup or red sauce that helps keep the tortilla moist and flavorful. Kids love the fun of creating personalized veggie pizza to take to school or eat with family and friends.
Pizza Toast
Pizza doesn’t have to be challenging to make or eat, especially when simplifying the preparation process won’t affect yummy flavors. Kids can easily bake or broil a piece of buttered toast for the crust, ketchup or pre-made pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and mini pepperoni slices to get precisely the same delicious pizza flavors of an authentic pizza.
Pizza Crust Diversity
Standard pizza dough crusts serve as a hearty pallet for scrumptious toppings of all kinds. Make it thin, make it thicker. Cook it crispy, cook it chewy. Some may even try to infuse herbs that kick nutritional flavor and presentation up a notch. Some enjoy dusting bottoms of crusts with cornmeal for extra crunch. Others enjoy relying on flatbreads. There isn’t a bad pizza crust to be had.
Pizza crust presentation and nutritional values also play key roles in the overall success of a great pizza. Why not incorporate more color, flavor, and nourishment per slice by defying the norm of depending on a typical dough crust base?
Omelet Pizza
For those who prefer to take a break from a standard pizza crust, an omelet pizza crust made from fresh scrambled eggs is just the answer. Capable of enveloping all the most desirable pizza ingredients, this relishing dish can take on even more. Add veggies, meat varieties, chili peppers, and onions for one very healthy, high-protein dining delight.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Similar color to a dough crust, a cauliflower crust adds way more spunk with fewer calories and generous amounts of potassium, vitamins B, and C. When combined with authentic pizza sauces, herbs, distinctive unprocessed meats, and cheeses, this lower-calorie option is a real dough replacement winner.
Oats Pizza Crust
Flour is a basic pizza dough staple that helps give crusts chewy goodness. For a less-refined crust, rolled oats or instant oats can be used by grinding into a powder and replacing the flour ingredient. Oats are a natural, high-fiber superfood that is touted for lowering cholesterol, improving blood sugar levels, and adding loads of antioxidants.
Zucchini Pizza Crust
When it’s time to eat your greens, let a zucchini crust step up to the plate. By combining freshly grated zucchini with almond flour, favorite herbs and spices, and a little binding component, tonight’s dinner just got a whole lot healthier. The fresh produce taste is savory, full of color and texture with fiber packing a punch in every bite.
Crisped Rice Cereal Crust Pizza
Not all pizza crusts are created equal. Create a marshmallow and crisped rice cereal crust for plenty of sweetness and crunch in every bite. Top with a light coating of strawberry cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and garnish with chopped fresh mint for a super refreshing pizza crust change.
Savory Appetizers Similar to Pizza
It isn’t hard to understand why foods that are similar to pizza are so popular. With ingredients that taunt the taste buds and enrich the senses, it’s no wonder people want more. Equally scrumptious are appetizers that provide pizza-like savoir-faire and a whole lot of creative recipes.
Mac ‘n Cheese Pizza
Creamy mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, fluffy elbow pasta, and a buttery crispy garlic-infused crust are everything it takes to say, “Yes, please!” This super-filling pizza food with its rich and toasty essence makes eyes pop and mouths open begging for more. Garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley for a lovely finished presentation.
Puff Pastry Pizza Bites
This savory finger food offers a light and hearty pizza-like experience without a heavier crust. Preferred pizza ingredients of the sauce, shredded cheeses, herbs, and topping choice are delicately sandwiched between two sheets of puff pastry. Cut into bite-sized sections, egg wash, and a party favorite is born.
Pizza Onion Rings
Tangy, crispy, and unusual, pizza onion rings offer a refreshing new twist for hosting beloved pizza ingredients. Battered and fried with crunchy Panko crumbs, this memorable appetizer delivers a tasty protein bite. Serve as an afternoon snack or a delicious party treat.
Pizza Nachos
Kids, teens, and adults love to include this easy-to-make hors d’oeuvre presentation at parties. Tortilla chips, baked to crispy goodness decorated with warm and gooey cheeses, pizza sauce, basil, jalapeños, and turkey crumbles offer a no-fuss solution to hungry appetites. Make it as a meal or a snack for a nutritious pizza-like experience.
Parmesan Asparagus Spears
Mother Nature strikes again as she proudly presents asparagus spears into the world of pizza-like foods. Coil each spear with refrigerated breadstick dough, brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake for a beautiful appetizer or side dish. Serve with a homemade marinara sauce or pizza sauce for an extra delicious and healthy dipping flavor.
Sweet and Savory Appetizers Similar to Pizza
Fruity Pizza Pies
Decadent blackberries start this appetizer off right with brain-boosting nutrients of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and high fiber. This lightly grilled Artisan pizza-inspired flatbread composition with creamy goat cheese drizzled honey and crunchy chopped pistachio fruit pizza makes a divine example of a lovely pizza-like experience.
Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Pizza
Summer seasons vie for the attention of refreshing peaches that bring out the best of sunny afternoons. Get the grill ready for sweet peaches befriending creamy mozzarella or goat cheese, savory prosciutto, and basil. This summertime combo tops a delicious pizza dough or flatbread for a light, yet filling summer appetizer.
Caramelized Onion and Apple Pizza Appetizer
The delectable marriage of sweet, caramelized onions and apples alongside the velvety texture of sprinkled or creamed goat cheese is a must-have pizza-like staple. When topped on a lightly garlicky crust, grilled to perfection, and sprinkled with fresh basil strips, succulent magic happens at first bite. There’s nothing like fresh produce to deliver all the flavorful and healthy benefits a delicious appetizer deserves.
Backyard BBQ Chicken Pizza Appetizer
Stepping away from basic pizza sauce with a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce adds just the flavorful flair any enhanced standard pizza starter craves. Add high-protein shredded pork or chicken, bell peppers for gorgeous color, and a smoky Gouda cheese on a hearty sourdough pizza crust for a mouthful of intense backyard barbeque dining. Guests will never go hungry with this substantial delicacy.