Rectangle Pizza

• 29 May 2023

Pizza is a universally beloved dish that has its roots in Italy but has since found its way into the hearts and stomachs of people all around the world. It is the perfect comfort food for many, with its layers of deliciousness starting from the soft, fluffy crust to the tangy sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a myriad of toppings that can cater to everyone’s taste buds. It is also an incredibly versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit different dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

In recent years, there has been an emergence of various pizza styles, with dedicated pizza enthusiasts often debating the merits of thin-crust versus thick-crust, Neapolitan versus New York-style, and so on. However, one pizza style that has largely flown under the radar but is equally deserving of recognition is the rectangle pizza.

Rectangle pizza, also known as Sicilian-style pizza or “pizza al taglio”, is characterized by its thick, airy crust that has a slight chewiness to it. It is typically baked in large rectangular pans, which makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or for those nights when you want to have leftovers for the next day. The generous size of the pizza also means that you can go wild with the toppings and create a truly satisfying and indulgent meal. In this article, we will explore the origins of rectangle pizza, why it deserves more attention, and the endless possibilities of toppings that you can use to create your own at-home masterpiece.

The Origins of Rectangle Pizza #

Rectangle pizza, or “pizza al taglio”, originated in the region of Sicily, Italy. It is said that this style of pizza was created as a convenient, on-the-go snack for busy workers who needed something filling and portable that they could eat during their lunch breaks. The thick, focaccia-like crust of the pizza made it easy to hold and eat without making a mess, and the generous size of the slices meant that just one or two would be enough to satisfy their hunger.

As the popularity of pizza al taglio grew, it began to spread throughout Italy and eventually, the rest of the world. Today, it is a popular choice among those who appreciate the thicker, more substantial crust and the ability to pile on a wide variety of toppings to create a truly unique pizza experience.

The Appeal of Rectangle Pizza #

One of the key reasons why rectangle pizza deserves more recognition is its fantastic crust. The dough used in this style of pizza is similar to that of focaccia bread, resulting in a thick, pillowy base that is both soft and chewy at the same time. This crust is the perfect foundation for holding a generous amount of toppings without becoming too soggy or falling apart.

Additionally, the rectangular shape of the pizza allows for more even distribution of toppings, so each bite is a perfect balance of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings. This is especially great for those who love to load up their pizza with a wide variety of ingredients, as it ensures that no one topping overpowers the others.

Topping Ideas for Rectangle Pizza #

The beauty of pizza lies in its customizability, and this is especially true with rectangle pizza. Given its larger surface area, you have the freedom to experiment with different combinations of toppings to create your perfect pizza experience. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

• Classic Margherita: A simple yet delicious combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for an added touch of flavor.
• Veggie Deluxe: Load up your pizza with a colorful array of vegetables such as bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Add some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist.
• Meat Lover’s: For the carnivores out there, pile on pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham for a hearty, protein-packed pizza.
• BBQ Chicken: A popular favorite, this pizza features barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, red onions, and a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a delicious, smoky flavor.
• Mediterranean: Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. A sprinkle of dried oregano and a drizzle of olive oil adds an extra layer of flavor.

Creating Your Own Rectangle Pizza at Home #

Now that you know more about rectangle pizza and the endless topping possibilities, it’s time to create your own at home. With the recipe provided at the end of this article, you have a solid foundation for making a delicious pizza from scratch. You can choose to stick to the suggested toppings or experiment with your own unique combinations – the possibilities are truly endless.

When making your pizza, don’t be afraid to get creative with your choice of toppings, and remember that the key to a great pizza lies in the balance of flavors and textures. So go forth, and enjoy the delicious world of rectangle pizza!

Discover the delicious world of rectangle pizza, also known as Sicilian-style pizza, with this easy-to-follow recipe. Originating in Sicily, Italy, this thick-crusted, rectangular pizza is perfect for feeding a crowd and allows for even distribution of toppings. The dough used is similar to focaccia bread, resulting in a soft, chewy, and pillowy base. Choose from classic Margherita, Veggie Deluxe, Meat Lover's, BBQ Chicken, or Mediterranean toppings—or get creative with your own combinations

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Servings: 1 pizza

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup pizza sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers

• 1/2 cup sliced red onions

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional toppings: mushrooms, sausage, bacon, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease a large rectangular baking sheet (12×17 inches) with olive oil.

• Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Gently transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, stretching and pressing it to fit the pan.

• Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

• Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

• Place your desired toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, red onions, and black olives) evenly on top of the cheese.

• In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the toppings.

• Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade rectangle pizza!

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