Is flatbread pizza considered real pizza? It’s a valid question, and one that doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between flatbread and traditional pizza to see if we can come to a conclusion.
Flatbread vs. Pizza
Flatbread pizza is, well, flat. There’s no rising dough or thick crust here; flatbread pizza is made with unleavened dough which doesn’t include yeast. This type of pizza is more akin to focaccia or even a cracker in terms of thickness since there’s no leavening. Traditional pizza, on the other hand, has a fluffy pizza dough that’s been rising for hours and a thicker, crispy crust. Flatbread pizza is also usually smaller in size than traditional pizza. This makes it perfect for one person or as an appetizer. Traditional pizza is larger and meant to be shared.
Flatbread Pizza Toppings
When it comes to toppings, flatbread pizza is often more minimalistic. You might find a few simple ingredients like fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil, and gourmet ingredients like goat cheese, arugula and balsamic glaze. Even alfredo and artichokes can find their way onto a flatbread pie. That said, traditional pizza usually features traditional topping options, like classic pepperoni, sausage, cheese, pineapple and ham, and more.
Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Now that you know the difference between flatbread and traditional pizza, let’s get to the flatbread pizza recipe. This homemade pizza is done margherita-style; it’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. As the Italians say, that’s amore!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
-1/2 pound flatbread dough (gluten-free options available)
-1/2 cup tomato sauce
-1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
-Fresh basil leaves
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the flatbread dough with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface or counter drizzled with olive oil. Spread the marinara pizza sauce over the pizza dough and top with the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Top with fresh basil leaves. Bake for 10-12 minutes on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack until the pizza crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Flatbread Cooking Tips
Whether you’re making flatbread pizza or traditional pizza, there are a few cooking tips to keep in mind. First, preheat your oven before you start cooking. This will help ensure that your pizza cooks evenly. Secondly, use a pizza stone or baking sheet to cook your pizza for a crispier crust. If you don’t have either of these items, you can cook your pizza directly on the oven rack. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. And lastly, don’t forget to let your pizza cool for a few minutes before you slice into it. This will help prevent burnt mouths and make for a better flatbread eating experience overall.
Conclusion
So, is flatbread pizza considered real pizza? It depends on who you ask. Some people might say that flatbread pizza isn’t “true” pizza because it doesn’t have a traditional pizza dough or crust. Others might argue that flatbread pizza is its own unique dish and should be judged on its own merits. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether flatbread pizza is real pizza or not.
