Traditional Italian pizza dough and American-style thin crust pizza dough differ in several key aspects, including ingredients, preparation methods, and characteristics. Here are the main differences between the two:
Ingredients:
Traditional Italian pizza dough: In Italy, pizza dough is typically made from simple ingredients, including flour (usually tipo "00" or all-purpose), water, yeast, and salt. The dough is allowed to ferment slowly, often overnight, which enhances its flavor and texture.
American-style thin crust pizza dough: American thin crust pizza dough may contain similar ingredients to the Italian version, but it often includes additional components like oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil) and sometimes sugar. These additions can result in a slightly softer texture and a different taste compared to the traditional Italian dough.
Dough thickness:
Traditional Italian pizza dough: Italian pizza dough is known for its medium thickness, creating a chewy yet tender crust. It is not as thin as American-style thin crust, nor is it as thick as some American pan pizzas or deep-dish pizzas.
American-style thin crust pizza dough: As the name suggests, American thin crust pizza dough is rolled or stretched to be much thinner than traditional Italian pizza dough. It results in a crisper and thinner crust.
Rising time:
Traditional Italian pizza dough: Italian pizza dough is traditionally given a long fermentation time, which allows the yeast to work slowly and develop complex flavors. This slow-rise process contributes to the characteristic taste and texture of Italian pizza.
American-style thin crust pizza dough: American thin crust pizza dough is often prepared with a shorter rising time, which may yield a less complex flavor compared to the Italian version. This is typically done for faster production in commercial settings.
Cooking method:
Traditional Italian pizza: Authentic Italian pizzas are often cooked in wood-fired ovens at very high temperatures (700-900°F or 370-480°C). This quick cooking time imparts a unique charred flavor to the crust.
American-style thin crust pizza: American thin crust pizzas are commonly baked in standard gas or electric ovens at lower temperatures. The cooking time is shorter compared to traditional Italian pizzas due to the thinness of the crust.
Toppings:
Traditional Italian pizza: Italian pizzas often feature simple and minimalistic toppings, highlighting the quality of the dough and other ingredients. Classic examples include Margherita (tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil) and Marinara (tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil).
American-style thin crust pizza: American thin crust pizzas are more diverse when it comes to toppings. They often include a wide range of ingredients, from traditional Italian toppings to various meats, vegetables, and even unconventional options.
It's essential to note that both traditional Italian pizza dough and American-style thin crust pizza dough have their unique characteristics and are enjoyed by pizza lovers around the world. Preferences for one style over the other can vary based on personal taste and cultural influences.