National Pizza Party Day
Make your own pizza at home, order in, or gather some friends for a pizza crawl through town to enjoy the ever popular Pizza Party Day.
If there’s one thing that makes any day better it’s a hot slice of pizza shared among friends. National Pizza Party Day was created to give people an excuse (like we needed one) to get together with a group of people we love and enjoy the rich cheesy taste of pizza.
Pizza has a long history, and it has become one of the mainstays of office meetings, birthday parties, and friendly get-togethers.
How to Celebrate National Pizza Party Day
There is nothing more delicious than celebrating this incredible day! You get to gather a group of friends together and order pizza from your favorite pizzeria. If you’re feeling really creative you can actually convince people to create their own pizza from scratch.
You can start with a pre-made crust and sauce and just add your own toppings if you want it easy. Or you can go through the whole process of making it from scratch, sauce and dough and all!
Another fun way to celebrate National Pizza Party Day is to do a “pizza crawl.” If you have ever wondered where the best pizza in your town is, National Pizza Party Day presents you with the perfect opportunity to find out.
You can either do this solo and have your own party or you can get your friends together. Find out where you can get a pizza in your area, and go around different establishments. You can even take a book with you to rank your pizza experiences.
If you get a slice from each place, you will be able to visit many establishments by the time you’ve had a full pizza!
History of National Pizza Party Day
The history of National Pizza Party Day is really the history of pizza itself. For thousands of years, people have been gathering around to enjoy this delicious food. Of course, all those years ago it may not have looked quite like we imagine it today.
The first people to make something like the pizza we know were the Greeks, who started by covering bread with bread, herbs, oil, and cheese. Another version was enjoyed by the Romans, who covered a dough sheet with honey and cheese and seasoned it with bay leaves.
Pizza first started looking like we’re familiar with as Neapolitan Flatbread in Italy, a dish made with mozzarella cheese from buffalo around Naples. Over time new ingredients were added and it spread across the globe.
In 1905 pizza found its way to America in a little pizzeria in Little Italy in New York City. Today cheese for pizza is produced in quantities of over 2 billion pounds every year and is one of America’s favorite foods.
With so much history behind this incredible dish, it’s not surprising that it finally got its own holiday. One of the challenges when organizing a pizza party is that not everyone agrees what should go on a pizza.
Some people fiercely believe that pineapple has no place on a pizza, while others think that anchovies do. The great thing about a Pizza Party is you can order enough variety for everyone!
Fun Facts About Pizza
In an ode to National Pizza Party Day, let’s take a look at some fun and some surprising facts about pizza!
- Western Europe is the biggest pizza market in the world, worth $54.4 billion, followed closely by America at $50.7 billion. You then have Latin and South America at $16.8 billion.
- Americans order 350 slices of pizza every second!
- The world’s most expensive pizza costs $9,200 and it can be found in Salerno, Sicily.
- 61 percent of people prefer thin-crust pizzas.
- Women are twice as likely to order vegetarian toppings on their pizza compared to men.
- Saturday is the most popular night to eat pizza. But, there’s never really a bad night for eating pizza, right?
- You can order pizza from space – Yes, you read that right! Pizza Hut became the first restaurant to deliver a pizza to space, rocketing a pizza to an astronaut at the International Space Station. The pizza was topped with salami and extra spices because tastebuds are dulled in space.
- Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping! The least popular are anchovies, chicken, and pineapple.
Easy Pizza Dough Recipe
We’re not going to tell you how to enjoy your pizza! After all, we all have our own favorite toppings. However, we can tell you how to make your own easy pizza dough.
Ingredients
- One teaspoon salt
- Two cups of all-purpose flour
- One tablespoon olive oil
- One tablespoon active dry yeast
- One tablespoon of sugar
- One cup of warm water (about 105f/45c)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a pizza pan and set it aside.
- Grab a large mixing bowl, and add the warm water.
- Add the yeast and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to sit for five minutes or until bubbles start to form and the texture becomes frothy.
- Add olive oil and stir gently to combine.
- Add two cups of salt and flour to the mixture. Mix with a spatula until a ball starts to form. The dough may be a bit sticky at this point. Keep adding flour, as needed, to create a dough ball.
- Transfer to a floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth.
- Roll the dough into the shape you desire and then transfer it to the pan gently.
- Prick the dough all around with a fork.
- Back on the lower rack of your oven for five minutes.
- You can then add your toppings and back until it is lightly browned and crispy.
National Pizza Party Day FAQs
Did people in ancient Greece eat something similar to pizza?
Yes, ancient Greeks ate flatbreads topped with oils, herbs, and cheese, resembling today’s pizza.
Romans had their version too, featuring honey and cheese, which they baked on stones.
These flatbreads served as precursors to the pizza we know today, showcasing how early civilizations enjoyed versatile, bread-based dishes.
What’s the deal with pizza in Japan?
In Japan, a dish called Okonomiyaki draws inspiration from pizza. It’s a savory pancake topped with ingredients like seafood, vegetables, and sauces.
While not traditional pizza, its layered toppings and creative combinations mirror the versatility pizza offers around the globe.
How do Australians celebrate pizza differently?
Australians often enjoy pizzas topped with unique ingredients like kangaroo meat, emu, or egg.
A popular choice is the Aussie pizza, featuring bacon and egg as toppings. This creative approach highlights the country’s love for blending traditional foods with international favorites.
What’s the strangest pizza topping ever used?
In Sweden, a banana curry pizza has gained popularity.
It combines bananas, curry powder, peanuts, and chicken on a traditional crust. While unusual to many, it’s a beloved flavor mix in Sweden, blending sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
What pizza-related record involves teamwork?
The world’s longest pizza measured over 1.3 miles and was made in Naples, Italy.
Over 250 chefs collaborated, using wood-fired ovens along the street. This massive effort showcased Naples’ pride in being the birthplace of modern pizza.
Is pizza considered fast food or gourmet in other countries?
In Italy, pizza is often treated as an art form, with chefs spending years perfecting traditional recipes.
In the U.S., it’s more casual, with fast-food chains dominating the scene. This contrast highlights how pizza adapts to local dining cultures worldwide.
Why do some pizzerias use water from Naples for their dough?
Some restaurants import water from Naples, Italy, claiming it helps replicate authentic Neapolitan pizza.
The region’s water has a unique mineral composition that enhances dough texture. It’s a testament to the importance of ingredients in crafting traditional pizzas.
How has pizza influenced video games and pop culture?
Pizza features in games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, where the characters’ love for pizza became iconic.
It’s also a recurring theme in shows like The Simpsons. These appearances cement pizza’s role as a cultural symbol of fun and indulgence.
What’s the oddest pizza delivery ever?
In 2001, Pizza Hut delivered a pizza to the International Space Station. The salami-topped pie was specially prepared for zero-gravity conditions.
This space-age delivery highlighted pizza’s universal appeal—even beyond Earth.
How did pizzas become a frozen food staple?
In the 1950s, brands like Totino’s began selling frozen pizzas, making them convenient for home cooks.
Flash-freezing technology preserved the flavors and textures of fresh pizza. This innovation transformed pizza into a global household favorite.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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