Pizza, a universally beloved dish, is a culinary icon enjoyed around the world. Its origins lie in Italy, but pizza has evolved into various forms across different cultures, particularly in the United States. A distinctive example is how, in certain regions of the U.S., pizza is often referred to as a pizza pie. But why do Americans call pizza a pie? What historical and cultural factors led to this term’s development? In this article, we’ll explore the history behind the phrase pizza pie, how it became popular in the U.S., and the key distinctions between pizza and tomato pie. Additionally, we will clarify common misconceptions and answer frequently asked questions about this terminology.
Introduction to the Term “Pizza Pie”
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants introduced pizza to the United States. At the time, most Americans were unfamiliar with pizza. To describe the dish to locals, these immigrants used terms that made sense to Americans. The word pie helped explain pizza’s round shape and how it’s sliced into wedges. As Crust Kingdom explains, the term pizza pie was adopted to create a familiar connection between the Italian dish and traditional American pies.
The term stuck, particularly in places like New York City, where pizza quickly became a staple. However, outside the U.S., few people refer to it as pizza pie. In most parts of the world, including Italy, pizza retains its original name. Nevertheless, in the northeastern United States, the term pizza pie remains ingrained in local culture, continuing to intrigue those unfamiliar with its history.
For a look at how other foods have developed regional names, you can explore different food debates, such as what goes best with an egg sandwich, in this article.
Historical Background of Pizza
Pizza’s roots go back to ancient times, but it was in Naples, Italy, where it became the dish we know today. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Neapolitan pizza became a popular street food, favored by the working class for its affordability and simplicity. It featured basic ingredients like dough, tomatoes, and sometimes cheese, sold by street vendors in the bustling city.
Italian immigrants brought pizza to the U.S. when they began arriving in large numbers in the late 1800s. In cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, pizza soon became a favorite in Italian-American neighborhoods. The first pizzeria in America, Lombardi’s, opened in New York City in 1905. As more non-Italians were introduced to pizza, they adopted it, though many needed help understanding the dish.
The term pizza pie helped Italian immigrants explain the concept of pizza to Americans. Its round shape, crust, and the fact that it’s sliced into wedges made the comparison to pie natural. Over time, pizza’s popularity skyrocketed, especially after World War II, when American soldiers who had been stationed in Italy returned with a newfound love for the dish.
This growth in popularity mirrors how other ethnic foods became staples in American cuisine. For example, slow-cooked dishes like beef and noodles have similarly evolved from ethnic origins to everyday American meals.
Why is Pizza Called a Pie?
Though pizza and pie seem like two different dishes, several factors explain why pizza earned the nickname pie. Let’s look at the key reasons:
1. Visual Similarities to Pie
Pizza shares a round shape with many traditional pies, such as apple pie or pumpkin pie. Both are sliced into triangular wedges, making the comparison straightforward.
2. The Crust
Both pizza and pies feature a defining crust. The crust forms the base of pizza and holds the toppings, much like a pie’s crust holds its filling. This connection helped Italian immigrants explain pizza to Americans, who were familiar with the concept of a pie.
3. Culinary Definition of Pie
From a culinary standpoint, pies have a base of dough or pastry and are filled with ingredients before being baked. While traditional pies often have a top and bottom crust, some pies, such as shepherd’s pie, only have a bottom crust. Pizza fits this loose definition: it has a dough base, is topped with ingredients, and is baked.
4. Linguistic Roots
The term pizza comes from the Latin word pinsa, which means flatbread. When pizza became popular in the U.S., it evolved into a more familiar term: pizza pie. Immigrants adopted this terminology to make the dish more relatable to Americans.
For more examples of how food terminology evolves, check out this debate on what goes best with an egg sandwich.
Regional Differences in Pizza Naming
The term pizza pie is mainly used in the northeastern United States, especially in cities with large Italian-American populations like New York City and Philadelphia. In these regions, locals often use the word pie as a shorthand for a whole pizza. For example, ordering a “pie” at a New York pizzeria typically means ordering a whole pizza, not just a slice.
However, the use of pizza pie isn’t universal, even within the U.S. In the Midwest and on the West Coast, most people simply refer to it as pizza. Outside the U.S., the term pizza pie is almost unheard of. In Italy, where pizza originated, the dish is known only as pizza. The word pie never comes into play.
The regional variation in naming reflects how food can take on different cultural identities depending on where it’s served. If you want to explore how this happens with other dishes, read about regional specialties like the turkey sandwich.
Pizza vs. Tomato Pie: What’s the Difference?
Pizza and tomato pie are sometimes confused, but they’re distinct dishes with unique characteristics. Tomato pie, a dish brought to the U.S. by Sicilian immigrants, is particularly popular in places like Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.
Tomato Pie
- Crust: Tomato pie features a thick, bread-like crust.
- Toppings: It is topped with a layer of tomato sauce but often lacks cheese.
- Serving Style: Tomato pie is typically served cold or at room temperature.
Pizza
- Crust: Pizza usually has a thinner crust, though styles like Chicago deep-dish pizza are exceptions.
- Toppings: Pizza toppings vary widely, from traditional mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce to more creative ingredients like pineapple, pepperoni, and seafood.
- Serving Style: Pizza is always served hot, straight from the oven.
While tomato pie may share some similarities with pizza, its distinct preparation, texture, and flavor set it apart. Curious about other foods with distinct regional twists? Check out the slow cooker beef and noodles recipe.
Pizza Pie in Popular Culture
Pizza, especially in its pizza pie form, has become a significant part of American culture. In New York, phrases like “I’ll grab a slice of pie” are commonly used to refer to pizza. This cultural connection extends beyond language and is reflected in movies, TV shows, and even music.
For instance, the famous song “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin includes the line, “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore.” This reference, which connects pizza to romance, has cemented the term pizza pie in American pop culture. Brands like Pieology have embraced this term in their marketing, helping to link pizza with the concept of a pie even further.
Whether for a family dinner or a casual night with friends, pizza has become a go-to dish. Its versatility and widespread popularity ensure that pizza—and the term pizza pie—will remain part of American culinary tradition.
Is Pizza Technically a Pie?
While pizza is commonly called a pie in certain regions, does it technically qualify as one? Let’s revisit the basic definition of a pie: a dish with a crust and a filling, baked to perfection. Pies typically have both a top and bottom crust, though some variations, like pot pie, feature only a bottom crust.
Pizza fits many of the same criteria:
- It has a dough base (the crust).
- It is baked in an oven.
- The toppings act as the filling.
However, pizza lacks a top crust, which is a hallmark of many traditional pies. Despite this difference, pizza shares enough characteristics with pies to justify the term, at least colloquially. In regions like New York, the term pizza pie is as natural as ordering a slice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is pizza called a pie in America?
Pizza is called a pie in the U.S. because of its round shape, crust, and slicing method. Italian immigrants used the term pie to help locals understand the unfamiliar dish.
Is pizza the same as tomato pie?
No, tomato pie is a separate dish. It has a thicker, bread-like crust and is typically served cold, often without cheese. Pizza, on the other hand, is usually served hot and has a wide variety of toppings.
Do Italians call pizza a pie?
No, Italians refer to it as pizza. The term pizza pie originated in the U.S., especially in the northeastern states.
What’s the difference between pizza and pie?
Traditional pies have both a top and bottom crust, while pizza only has a bottom crust. Pizza is typically savory, topped with ingredients like cheese, sauce, and meat, whereas pies can be either savory or sweet.
Is a calzone considered a pie?
A calzone is a folded pizza, filled with ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables. While it resembles a pie in some ways, it’s more accurately described as a folded pizza.
Conclusion
The term pizza pie has deep roots in Italian-American culture, particularly in the northeastern United States. Though pizza doesn’t fully meet the traditional definition of a pie, its round shape, crust, and serving style explain why the comparison exists. Whether you call it pizza or pizza pie, this iconic dish has secured its place in the hearts and kitchens of people around the world.