Step into the home kitchen of Francesco Chiappe—a Trip Experience Leader for O.A.T.’s Northern Italy: The Alps, Dolomites & Lombardy adventure—for a crash course in making pizza, along with a history lesson about Italy’s evolving relationship with the dish.
For many travelers, pizza is synonymous with Italian cuisine. Yet, as Francesco Chiappe, Trip Experience Leader for O.A.T.'s Northern Italy: The Alps, Dolomites & Lombardy adventure, revealed, this beloved dish represents far more than just food—it's a gateway to understanding Italy's intricate culinary heritage and regional diversity.
"Pizza is more than just a dish," Francesco explained. "It's a symbol of Italian culture and a way to connect with people through something familiar yet uniquely Italian. Sharing this tradition helps travelers understand the little differences and peculiarities of our food culture and its regional diversity."
While Naples claims the title as pizza's birthplace, each Italian region has developed its own distinct pizza-making traditions. "In Naples, it's all about the classic Margherita and Marinara, with a soft and slightly chewy crust," Francesco said. "In Rome, pizza is thinner and crunchier, often sold by the slice. In the north, you might find pizza with more cheese or thicker dough, reflecting the region's richer palate."
Milan, in particular, has carved out its own pizza identity. "While Naples is known for traditional pizza, with its simple ingredients and wood-fired ovens, Milan has its own story and traditions," he noted. "Here, pizza has evolved into something more diverse, with influences from northern Italy's Nordic culinary traditions. Milanese pizza often showcases more creative toppings and different dough textures."
This pizza-making magic isn't just confined to restaurant kitchens—it's alive and well in Italian homes too. "In the past, pizza was a simple peasant food, often baked in communal ovens," Francesco explained. "Over the generations, home kitchens have become places of experimentation, with new ingredients and techniques blending with traditional recipes. Today, many families use electric ovens, but the love for classic dough preparation and toppings remains strong."
Many travelers arrive in Italy with preconceptions about what makes an "authentic" Italian pizza. "One common misconception is that Italian pizza is always thin and crispy," he said. "In reality, every region has its own version—some thicker and softer, others very thin. It's the beautiful part of it." Francesco also noted pizza's relatively recent rise to national prominence: "In the early 20th century, it was hardly found outside Naples. Just after World War II, it became a national dish."
It's these kinds of revelations that make Francesco's role as a Trip Experience Leader so rewarding. In a cozy Florence pizzeria, he witnessed firsthand how pizza can dissolve cultural barriers. "I remember taking some O.A.T. travelers to a small family-run pizzeria," he recalled. "The owner explained the history behind each ingredient, from the local olive oil to the San Marzano tomatoes. One traveler said it was the first time she understood why simplicity in food could be so profound—she felt like she was tasting the landscape and history of the region in every bite."
Despite regional variations, certain elements remain essential for crafting truly authentic Italian pizza. "It starts with quality ingredients," he emphasized, "San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, and a well-risen dough. The cooking method is also crucial—the oven itself is an ingredient of pizza. Different pizza styles need different temperatures and timing of cooking."
When asked about family pizza-making secrets, Francesco shared wisdom passed down through generations: "My mother always said the secret to perfect dough is patience, let it rise slowly and never rush the process. Another trick is to add a tiny bit of honey to the dough for better fermentation and a golden crust."
Enjoy a slice of Milan's innovative pizza interpretations during O.A.T.’s Northern Italy: The Alps, Dolomites & Lombardy adventure.
