Margherita pizza, with its classic ingredients of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is one of the most popular types of pizza in the world. But where did it get its name from? The history and origins of the Margherita pizza are fascinating, with its name tied to an Italian Queen.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The history and origins of Margherita pizza
- How it got its name from Queen Margherita of Savoy
- The classic Margherita pizza ingredients
- How Margherita pizza became popular in Italy and across the world
- Other variations of Margherita pizza recipes
Understanding the background of this famous pizza helps explain why the Margherita is such a beloved and iconic pizza today.
The Origins of Margherita Pizza
Pizza has been around in various forms for centuries, but the Margherita pizza itself was invented and named in 1889. This timing means it’s a relatively modern pizza compared to some other traditional varieties.
The creation of Margherita pizza is tied to Naples, Italy. During the late 19th century, this coastal city became famous for its pizzerias, which started to gain prestige and popularity in Italy.
Prior to the Margherita, most pizzas were simple, with toppings like oil, tomatoes, anchovies, garlic, and oregano. But a few pioneering pizzeria owners started experimenting with additional ingredients.
Raffaele Esposito was one of these innovators. He owned Pietro il Pizzaiolo, started by his wife in 1780. It was considered one of the best pizzerias in Naples.
In 1889, Esposito decided he wanted to make a pizza to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy during her visit to Naples with King Umberto I. This timing explains the pizza’s name and origins.
The Queen Margherita Pizza Story
The legend goes that during her stay in Naples, Queen Margherita grew bored with the traditional French cuisine at court. She wanted to try simple but authentic local foods that represented the region.
So she asked for a special pizza with local ingredients that represented the colors of the new Italian flag – red, white, and green. These colors had special meaning, as Italy was just recently unified as a country in the late 1800s.
Raffaele Esposito set out to make a pizza that would please the Queen using fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil – which just happened to match the Italian flag’s red, white and green.
Esposito named his new creation the Margherita pizza in honor of the Queen. Apparently, Queen Margherita loved the pizza when she tasted it.
The royal approval instantly brought fame and popularity to Pizzeria di Pietro as the birthplace of the Margherita. From then on, the pizza bearing the Queen’s name spread across Italy and later internationally as well.
Margherita Pizza Ingredients
The original and classic Margherita pizza contains just a few key ingredients that complement each other perfectly:
- Dough – The crust is made from wheat flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. It’s stretched thin and baked into a crispy crust in a extremely hot oven or fire.
- Tomato sauce – Made from fresh, ripe tomatoes. Provides the red color and tangy, sweet flavor.
- Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella cheese from Italy gives the white color and stringy, creamy texture.
- Basil – Fresh basil leaves provide herbaceous flavor and the green color.
- Olive oil – Drizzled over the top to add flavor.
The authentic Neapolitan version uses specific ingredients to meet requirements of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, including:
- Tomatoes – San Marzano tomatoes grown in specific regions of Italy
- Mozzarella – Fresh buffalo mozzarella from Campania, Italy
- Basil – Fresh basil leaves
- Olives – Gaeta or Taggiasca olives
The simple, fresh ingredients are meant to create a pizza that’s both delicious and nutritious.
How Margherita Pizza Became Popular
While created in Naples, the Margherita pizza quickly spread across Italy and internationally:
- 1905 – With rising popularity in Naples, it was officially declared as its own type of pizza at the Universal Exposition in 1905.
- Early 1900s – Neapolitan immigrants brought it to the US, first in areas like New York City’s Little Italy.
- 1943-1945 – Allied troops occupying Italy post-WWII tasted it and brought the pizza concept back home.
- Mid 1900s – With soldiers returning from Italy plus continued Italian immigration, demand for pizza soared in the US and beyond.
- 1960s+ – Pizza became a fast, affordable meal. Franchises like Pizza Hut and Domino’s spread it globally.
Margherita pizza was a big part of fueling the pizza craze. Its simple but craveable flavor profile appealed to many palates.
Today it remains one of the most popular pizzas globally, especially on Italian restaurant menus. Along with pepperoni pizza, it’s still considered one of the “always available” classic pizzas.
Other Types of Margherita Pizza
The original may have just a few standard ingredients, but Margherita pizzas have branched out into creative new varieties:
White Margherita
Uses white sauce instead of red sauce:
- Olive oil and garlic based sauce
- White wine sometimes added
- No tomatoes
- Mozzarella, basil
Margherita Extra
- Buffalo mozzarella
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil and balsamic glaze drizzle
Breakfast Margherita
- Sunny side up egg on top
- Crispy bacon
- Fresh basil
- Mozzarella and parmesan cheese
Margherita Calzone
- Stuffed pizza pocket
- Folds over same ingredients
- Half-moon shape
There are endless twists on the classic Margherita pizza today while still keeping the core ingredients.
Conclusion
Margherita pizza has evolved from a single pizza made to honor an Italian queen into a beloved global pizza icon ordered millions of times a year. Its history is tied to national Italian pride, royalty, and authentic Neapolitan cuisine.
The classic minimal ingredients of tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil work in perfect harmony and reflect the colors of the Italian flag. This pizza acts as an edible symbol of Italy itself.
Margherita pizza remains timeless and satisfying. Understanding its origins and history helps explain why it has maintained popularity for over 130 years.