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Is it margarita or margherita pizza?


Pizza is one of the most popular foods around the world, with many different varieties and toppings to choose from. Two pizzas that often get confused are the margherita pizza and the margarita pizza. While their names sound similar, they are actually quite different pizzas.

The margherita pizza is a simple, classic Neapolitan pizza that features tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil. It’s known for its fresh, vibrant flavors and is thought to be inspired by the colors of the Italian flag. The margarita pizza, on the other hand, is an American-style pizza that is topped with tomatoes, cheese, and margarita cocktail ingredients like tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. It has a tropical, citrusy flavor profile.

So which one is which? Keep reading to learn more about the history, ingredients, and distinguishing features of the margherita and margarita pizzas.

History and Origins

Margherita Pizza

The margherita pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Italy. The legend goes that in 1889, the queen was visiting Naples and wanted to try the local pizza. Famous Neapolitan pizzaiolo (pizza maker) Raffaele Esposito was commissioned to make pizzas for her, and he created a pizza with tomato, mozzarella, and basil – meant to resemble the red, white, and green of the Italian flag. The queen loved it, and the pizza was named margherita in her honor.

While the tale may be embellished, the margherita pizza as we know it today was likely developed around this time in Naples, which is considered the birthplace of pizza. The simple, fresh flavors of the Neapolitan margherita became the blueprint for what we now know as traditional pizza.

Margarita Pizza

The margarita pizza was invented much later in the United States. Food scholars trace it back to 1935 in California, when restaurateur Frank Balistrieri of Omar’s Place put tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice on a basic pizza. He named it the “margarita” after the cocktail, which was popular at the time.

This tropical, alcoholic pizza became popular over the decades in the US, especially in tourist destinations. It remains a menu staple at many American casual dining pizza chains today. Unlike the Neapolitan margherita, the American margarita pizza does not have definitive roots in Italy.

Ingredients

Margherita Pizza

– Dough – Soft and chewy pizza dough, traditionally made from high-protein Italian flour.

– Sauce – Simple crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, no more than a ladle or two per pizza.

– Cheese – Fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn by hand.

– Toppings – Fresh basil leaves, either whole or roughly torn.

– Olive oil, salt, Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top (optional).

The minimal toppings allow the high-quality ingredients to shine on an authentic margherita pizza. The crisp crust, tangy sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil all complement each other.

Margarita Pizza

– Dough – Typically a thicker, sturdier crust that can support lots of toppings. Often made with all-purpose flour.

– Sauce – Tomato sauce.

– Cheese – Ooey, melty mozzarella. Some versions also add Parmesan.

– Toppings:

– Fresh tomato slices

– Tequila

– Orange liqueur (triple sec, Cointreau etc.)

– Lime juice

– Salt or salt crust

The margarita pizza layers the tropical margarita cocktail flavors on a cheese pizza. The salt and lime cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the sweet orange liqueur.

Cooking Methods

Margherita Pizza

Authentic Neapolitan margherita pizza is baked in a very hot wood-fired oven, between 900-1000°F. The leopard-spotted charring on the crust is a product of the extremely high heat. The pizza bakes in just 1-2 minutes in these special ovens.

Outside of Italy, margherita pizza is often cooked in regular pizza ovens or stones between 500-800°F. The charring may not be as pronounced, but the quick bake time keeps the crust from getting dried out.

Margarita Pizza

Margarita pizzas are cooked in standard pizza ovens or stones at 500-600°F. The longer bake time helps melt and brown the hefty cheese topping. Some recipes also call for an extra sprinkling of cheese a minute or two before the end for extra browning.

Flavor Profile

Margherita Pizza

The margherita pizza is all about simple, fresh flavors:

– Crust – Charred, puffy, tender

– Sauce – Bright, tomatoey

– Cheese – Milky mozzarella

– Basil – Herbaceous, aromatic

The overall flavor is well-balanced and light. The fresh mozzarella and basil make it taste summery.

Margarita Pizza

As the name suggests, the margarita pizza tastes like a pizza-fied version of a margarita cocktail:

– Crust – Crispy, sturdy base

– Sauce – Savory tomato

– Cheese – Gooey, melty mozzarella

– Tequila/lime – Citrusy tartness

– Orange liqueur – Sweetness

– Salt – Salty contrast

It has a tropical, summery blend of sweet, tart and savory. The alcohol flavors come through as well.

Nutritional Value

Margherita and margarita pizzas can both range quite a bit in calories and nutrition depending on the size and specific ingredients. However, here is a general nutrition comparison of the two pies:

Nutrition Facts Margherita Pizza (1 slice) Margarita Pizza (1 slice)
Calories 285 340
Carbs 30g 40g
Protein 15g 15g
Fat 10g 16g
Sodium 550mg 870mg

Key differences:

– Calories – The margherita is lower in calories due to less cheese and no alcohol toppings.

– Carbs – Margherita has fewer carbs from the lighter toppings.

– Fat – Margarita has more fat from the extra cheese.

– Sodium – Margarita has more sodium from the salt topping.

The margherita offers a lighter, simpler nutrition profile of the two. But both can fit into a balanced diet in moderation.

Price

Margherita pizza, coming straight from Naples, Italy, is thought of as high quality pizza. Because it uses simple, but high-end ingredients like fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, the price tag tends to be higher.

At authentic Neapolitan pizzerias in Italy, a standard margherita pizza can cost around 5-9 EUR ($5-10 USD). In the United States at upscale Italian restaurants or pizza chains touting “artisanal” pies, a margherita pizza will average 10-15 USD.

Margarita pizza is often found at more casual, affordable pizza places. Major pizza franchises sell margarita pizzas for around $10-14 for a medium pie. The lower price comes from using less expensive ingredients and cheeses.

Here is a price comparison:

Pizza Type Average Price (USD)
Margherita $12-15
Margarita $10-14

So while it depends on the restaurant, the classic margherita pizza made with higher quality ingredients generally costs a couple dollars more than the casual margarita.

Pairings

Margherita Pizza

The fresh, simple margherita goes well with:

– Light white wines like pinot grigio or fiano

– Sparkling wines like prosecco or lambrusco

– Crisp lagers or pilsners

– Bright citrus flavors like lemonade or blood orange soda

Margarita Pizza

The tropical, citrusy margarita pizza pairs nicely with:

– Margaritas or tropical cocktails

– Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo

– Citrus-flavored sodas or sparkling waters

– White wines like Sauvignon Blanc or chardonnay

The drinks complement the vibrant fruit flavors in the margarita pizza. Cocktails emphasize the fun, vacation vibe.

Where to Find Them

Margherita Pizza

For authentic Neapolitan-style margherita pizza, look for VPN-certified pizzerias that use traditional ingredients and cooking methods. These are found at higher-end Italian restaurants.

You can also find great margherita pizza at:

– Italian restaurants with wood-fired ovens

– Pizza restaurants with imported Italian ingredients

– Gourmet pizza chains like 800 Degrees

– Italian markets with fresh mozzarella and pizza counters

Margarita Pizza

Margarita pizzas are easy to find at casual American pizza chains like:

– Domino’s

– Pizza Hut

– Papa John’s

– Little Caesars

– California Pizza Kitchen

Many family-owned pizzerias also offer margarita pizzas, especially in beach towns or tourist areas. Check the menus for ones topped with lime, tequila, and orange liqueur.

Popularity

The margherita is considered the mother of all pizzas. According to PMQ Pizza Magazine, it is one of the top 5 most popular pizzas ordered in restaurants in the United States. Its simple but mouthwatering flavor profile appeals to pizza purists worldwide.

The margarita pizza is also beloved, especially by those looking for an adventurous or tropical twist to their pizza. According to research firm Technomic, it ranks among the top 10 favorite menu items at sit-down pizza chains in America.

Both have certainly staked their claim among the most iconic and delicious pizzas around.

Conclusion

Margherita and margarita pizza may sound alike, but they have distinct histories, ingredients, flavors and identities. The Neapolitan margherita features tomato, mozzarella and basil for the colors of Italy. It has a simple, elegant taste. The American margarita mimics the margarita cocktail, with citrus and tequila on a cheesy pizza. It has a tropical, festive flair. While the margherita leans traditional and the margarita novel, both offer an enjoyable and artful pizza experience.

The next time you crave an island getaway, go for the refreshing margarita pie. When you want timeless, artisanal comfort food, choose the classic margherita. Either way, you can’t go wrong with two pizzas named after lovely ladies.