Why square?
The culinary world is rich with variations of famous dishes, and pizza is no exception. Among these, square pizza stands out as a fascinating divergence from the traditional round pie, offering a canvas for regional flavors and culinary innovation. This geometric twist not only provides a novel visual appeal but also maximizes space, allowing for more pizza to be cooked in the same oven. This makes it an efficient choice for both chefs and home cooks alike. Furthermore, the edges and corners of a square pizza often achieve a unique texture. Crispy on the outside while remaining soft and airy on the inside, offering a delightful contrast in every bite. This article delves into the origins, popular varieties, and famous places associated with square pizza. Tracing its journey from a simple Italian snack to a worthy contender of the more famous round pizza.
The Italian Roots
Square pizza, or ‘pizza al taglio directly translates to “pizza by the cut”. This is a testament to the rich tapestry of Italian pizza traditions, offering a distinct contrast to its rounder cousins. While the world-renowned Neapolitan pizza captivates with its iconic round shape and delicately blistered crust, square pizza sets itself apart with its own set of virtues. Characterized by a thick, yet remarkably airy base, it assumes a rectangular shape that serves as an inviting canvas for an array of toppings. This unique form factor is not just a deviation in shape but a thoughtful adaptation to the bustling Italian lifestyle, allowing for easy sharing and a more communal dining experience.
The origins of square pizza in Italy are deeply rooted in practicality and the tradition of enjoying food collectively. Its dough, meticulously prepared, undergoes a slower fermentation process, resulting in a texture that is light and satisfying. This careful preparation ensures that the base can support a generous layering of ingredients without sacrificing its structural integrity or becoming overly dense. The square shape also facilitates an efficient use of oven space, enabling the creation of larger quantities that can be easily cut into manageable pieces. This makes square pizza particularly popular in casual settings, where it is often enjoyed as a quick snack or a meal that brings people together. Its versatility in toppings reflects the regional diversity of Italy. From the robust flavors of cured meats and cheeses to the freshness of locally sourced vegetables and herbs, each square pizza becomes a mosaic of local culinary traditions.
Sicilian Sfincione
In Sicily, the sfincione is a testament to the island’s rich agricultural history, with a fluffy, bread-like base that’s a departure from its thinner counterparts. Palermo’s Panificio Graziano offers an authentic taste of this traditional dish, where the combination of local tomatoes, anchovies, onions, and herbs pays homage to Sicilian flavors.
Roman Pizza al Taglio
Rome’s contribution, Pizza al taglio, is prized for its crispy crust and versatility. Pizzarium by Gabriele Bonci has elevated this style to an art form, with gourmet toppings that change seasonally. This Roman favorite has inspired variations worldwide, adapting to local tastes while maintaining its Italian soul.
Interested in learning more about Rome’s famous Pizza al taglio? Check out this video by Alex/French Guy Cooking, here you’ll learn everything you need to know about this pizza version.
American Innovations
Square pizza’s introduction to the United States is deeply intertwined with the stories of Italian immigrants from various regions, each bringing a slice of their homeland’s culinary traditions. As these communities settled across the country, they adapted their native pizza styles to American tastes and oven shapes, giving rise to the diverse forms of square pizza we see today. The preference for square over round pizza in certain cities reflects not just a matter of practicality but also a homage to the regional differences of Italy itself. Whether it was Sicilian immigrants popularizing their thick, airy crust in New York or the adaptation of Detroit-style pizza with its crispy edges in Michigan, the evolution of square pizza in America showcases a blend of tradition, adaptation, and the regional heritage of its Italian founders. This fusion of cultures and culinary practices has made square pizza a distinct and beloved variant in the U.S., offering a different yet equally cherished pizza experience alongside the traditional round pies.
Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza, with its crispy, cheese-laden edges and soft interior, originated in the Motor City’s Buddy’s Pizza. The use of blue steel pans, a nod to Detroit’s automotive industry, gives this pizza its signature crust. Places like Cloverleaf Pizza continue to honor this tradition, serving up square pies that are a testament to the city’s ingenuity.
New York’s Sicilian Influence
New York City, with its vibrant Italian-American community, has embraced Sicilian pizza, adapting it to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. Prince Street Pizza is renowned for its “Spicy Spring” square pizza, a modern take on the Sicilian classic, featuring a crispy crust and spicy pepperoni cups.
For another great square slice you have the famous Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Brooklyn. This notable establishment in NYC is recognized for its dedication to quality ingredients and traditional pizza-making techniques. At Paulie Gee’s, they offer both regular and square slices, but in our opinion, it’s the squares that steal the show. Enjoy this video where the master himself explains how it’s all done.
Final words
From Sicily and Rome to Detroit and New York, the journey of this pizza shape tells a story of culinary adaptation and creativity. What sets it apart isn’t just the shape but the dough’s fermentation process and it’s flexibility. This pizza gets more time to rise, leading to a thicker, airier crust that’s a delight for topping lovers. It’s this crust that makes it perfect for grabbing a quick bite in the rush of city life or sharing a meal with friends without fuss.
While I’m all for the classic round pizza, there’s something uniquely satisfying about the square version. It’s not about it being better or worse; it’s about the difference it brings to the table—literally. Next time you’re out and about, and you spot it, give it a go. You might just appreciate the change in texture and the way it holds up to a generous layer of your favorite toppings.