Pizza is a delicious, fully customizable dish that is enjoyed throughout the world. Despite its popularity and the number of variations that exist in different cultures, its history is surprisingly humble. Below is a quick glance at the origins of pizza and how it became one of America’s favorite foods.

Italian Origins

People have been eating pizza for centuries. It had a humble beginning. It was created as a way to feed people who couldn’t afford a meal or needed food on the go. Ancient pizza consisted of pieces of flatbread with savory toppings. 

Naples, Italy is the birthplace of pizza as it is known today. The city grew fast during the 18^th century. The increase in population also raised the number of people living in poverty. Pizza sold by street vendors became the go-to source of food for the impoverished because it was cheap and straightforward to make. Some of the flavorful ingredients included basil, tomato, garlic, and caciocavallo, a type of horse milk cheese.

Western Popularity

In the late 1800s, Italians began migrating to the United States, and with them came pizza recipes. Lombardi’s, the country’s first pizzeria, opened in New York City in 1905, and by the 1930s, pizza had become incredibly popular, with shops opening throughout Manhattan, Boston, and New Jersey. However, it was still considered a cheap blue-collar food. After World War II, gas-powered ovens were invented, and restaurants began to sell the dish. With this invention, pizza chains like Domino’s® and Pizza Hut® emerged, and people could buy frozen pies at their local grocery stores. Today, the country is home to almost 77,000 pizzerias, and it has become one of the nation’s favorite foods. 

If you’re in the mood for great-tasting pizza in Jackson, NJ, head to Inzillo’s Pizza. This Italian restaurant makes its food from scratch using fresh ingredients. They have something to satisfy every appetite, from calzones to pasta platters to fresh sandwiches. View their menu online or call (732) 370-0310 today to place your order.