A Slice of Pizza History

Maybe we should be embarrassed by how much pizza we eat in our household. Don’t ask for a weekly frequency because we won’t tell! But we just can’t deny ourselves the joy of a hot cheesy, saucy, crispy pizza. And as you have probably noticed, we love dipping sauces. Often we alarm our friends and family with the sheer vastness of the ranch pool that accompanies our slices (okay, maybe we should be embarrassed about this!)

But we are not alone in our love of ‘Za. Far from it. It truly is a testament to the versatility of this culinary delight that it enjoys a ubiquity that most other meals do not. Its roots are in Italy but the idea of what a pizza can be, what can top it, and how you can get your hands on one has certainly intrigued us over in Air Fryer land.

As we are Air Fryer lovers first and foremost, we wanted to share with you some of the history of frozen pizza as that is what gets tossed most frequently into our Air Fryer. Enjoy your food history lesson on our favorite Air Fryer treat!

Early Origins of Pizza

Pizza didn’t always start out looking like what you see in a that cardboard delivery box that takes up too much space in your trash can. The origins are much more humble.

The concept of using bread as a vehicle for toppings was something the ancient Egyptians, Grecians, and Romans were all in on. In ancient Greece, a grandfather of pizza went by the somewhat unappealing name “plakous,” which I imagine in Greek means something simple and straightforward but connotes millions of little plankton swimming in oil in my mind. Turns out “plakous” (you are thinking of plankton now, aren’t you?) just consisted of a flatbread topped with herbs, onions, and garlic. Not a bad set of ingredients but just like a grandfather trying to fit in at a teenage birthday- simple and old doesn’t might capture attention in the same way as it once did (sorry grandpa, I actually thought your attempts to floss were endearing.)

Moving on from “plakous” (cough cough plankton.) Pizza with the usual bells and whistles-tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings – originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century. Luke told me that pizza was originally considered a food for the poor and was sold by street vendors and enjoyed by the working class. To which I said to him, “so nothing has changed,” to which I got a sigh and half hearted chuckle (no one gets my genius over here.)

(Photo) Civica Raccolta delle Stampe « Achille Bertarelli » 1830, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Margherita pizza, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, and probably named after all the skinny women order it. Honestly, have you ever seen a big dude order a Margherita pizza willingly? I bet not. He is too busy getting a pizza with a ton of meat on it. Have you seen his tiny girlfriend poke her head around his giant frame order one though?? Most definitely. I am telling you- Margherita pizza- the pizza of the small woman. Why? Well, it is a simple pizza, most of the time topped only with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

represented the colors of the Italian flag and helped pizza gain wider recognition.

The Emergence of Grocery Store Pizza

As pizza gained popularity, it spread across Europe and eventually reached the United States. Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills with them, and the first pizzerias started opening in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The popularity of pizza continued to grow, and by the mid-20th century, pizza had become an American favorite.

The concept of grocery store pizza emerged in the post-World War II era, as supermarkets expanded their offerings to include more convenience foods. Initially, fresh pizza was sold at the deli counter, where customers could purchase it by the slice or as a whole pie. This allowed families to enjoy pizza at home without the need to visit a pizzeria or prepare it from scratch.

Frozen pizza, however, was a game-changer. In 1957, the Celentano Brothers introduced the first frozen pizza to the American market. This innovative product made it possible for consumers to enjoy pizza whenever they wanted – all they had to do was heat it up in the oven. The convenience of frozen pizza, coupled with its relatively low cost, made it an attractive option for busy families.

The Evolution of Fresh Grocery Store Pizza

Over the years, fresh grocery store pizza has evolved in terms of quality, variety, and customization. In the early days, the selection was limited to basic cheese or pepperoni pizzas. However, as consumer tastes became more diverse, grocery stores began offering a wider range of toppings and styles to cater to different preferences.

Today, many grocery stores have dedicated pizza stations or kiosks, where customers can choose from an array of toppings and have their pizza freshly made on-site. Some stores even offer made-to-order pizzas, allowing customers to customize their pie to their liking. This level of customization has made fresh grocery store pizza a popular and convenient option for those looking for a quick, personalized meal. Today, with air Fryers like the Ninja Foodi dual basket, making frozen pizza couldn’t be easier or better tasting.

The Evolution of Frozen Pizza

Frozen pizza has also come a long way since its introduction in the 1950s. Early frozen pizzas were simple and basic, with thin crusts and limited toppings. However, as the demand for frozen pizza grew, companies began investing in research and development to improve the quality and variety of their products.

In the 1960s and 1970s, new innovations in frozen pizza production led to significant improvements in taste and texture. One such innovation was the introduction of rising crusts, which allowed for a more authentic, pizzeria-style experience at home. Advances in freezing technology also helped preserve the quality of the ingredients, ensuring that frozen pizzas tasted fresher and more flavorful than ever before.

In the following decades, frozen pizza continued to evolve, with manufacturers introducing new styles and flavors to cater to changing consumer tastes. Deep-dish pizzas, thin crusts, and even gluten-free options became available, providing consumers with a wealth of choices when it came to their at-home pizza experience. Want to make the perfect crispy frozen pizza at home, check out our Air fryer frozen pizza, recipe!

Today, the frozen pizza market is thriving, with countless brands offering a wide range of options, from gourmet, artisanal pizzas to budget-friendly, family-sized pies. Some brands even collaborate with well-known pizzerias or celebrity chefs to create unique, high-quality frozen pizzas that rival their restaurant counterparts.

The Impact of Grocery Store Pizza on the Pizza Industry

The advent of grocery store pizza – both fresh and frozen – has had a significant impact on the pizza industry as a whole. The convenience and affordability of store-bought pizza have made it an appealing alternative to traditional pizzerias, particularly for busy families or those looking for a quick meal option.

While some may argue that the rise of grocery store pizza has led to increased competition for pizzerias, it has also helped expand the overall pizza market by introducing new consumers to the world of pizza. Many people who might not have previously considered themselves “pizza lovers” have discovered a newfound appreciation for this delicious dish, thanks to the accessibility and variety offered by grocery store pizza.

Furthermore, the growth of the grocery store pizza market has pushed pizzerias to innovate and improve their offerings to remain competitive. This has led to the development of new pizza styles, unique flavor combinations, and enhanced customer experiences, ultimately benefiting the entire pizza industry.

Finishing this Slice of Pizza History

The history of grocery store pizza is a fascinating tale of innovation, adaptation, and the enduring love for this classic comfort food. From its early beginnings in Naples, Italy, to its evolution into a convenient, customizable meal option available at supermarkets worldwide, pizza has truly become a global phenomenon.

The evolution of fresh and frozen grocery store pizza has not only made this delicious dish more accessible but has also driven the pizza industry as a whole to innovate and improve. As the market for grocery store pizza continues to grow and change, it’s exciting to imagine what the future holds for pizza lovers everywhere.

So, next time you’re enjoying a slice of fresh or frozen pizza from your local grocery store, take a moment to appreciate the rich Slice of Pizza History and the culinary journey that brought this beloved dish to your plate.

From the streets of Naples to the frozen food aisle, pizza has truly come a long way – and we’re all the more grateful for it.

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