Draft:Pizza in the United Kingdom

• Comment: Not a consistent topic, appears to move on from the history of pizza in the United Kingdom to a list of common pizza styles, toppings, then to a pizza recipe and back to a list of toppings. Only the first part is actually relevant, and The Spectator is the only actual on-topic source that was given. Chaotic Enby (talk · contribs) 21:19, 19 October 2024 (UTC)

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Although the exact date of introduction of pizza in the United Kingdom is uncertain, it made its first known appearance in the 19th century. The earliest known Italian restaurant, possibly serving pizza, dates back to 1803 and was located near Leicester Square, called the Italian Eating House. However, there is no official record of its menu from that period. The more definitive introduction of pizza took place with the opening of the Olivelli restaurant on Store Street in Bloomsbury in 1934, where one of its early documents featured a recipe for margherita pizza. The notable rise of pizza culture in Britain began with the launch of Pizza Express, the first chain of pizza restaurants, which opened its inaugural branch on Wardour Street in 1965. Afterward, other chains such as Pizzaland and Pizza Hut established their presence in the UK, with Pizzaland launching in 1970 and Pizza Hut opening its first location in Islington in 1973.

The popularity of pizza surged in Britain after World War II, largely due to the influx of Italian immigrants who opened their own pizzerias.

The pizza market in the UK has continued to grow, with a reported 52% of Britons having ordered pizza in the past year. The trend is anticipated to evolve as operators respond to consumer demand for convenience and variety, such as providing pizza slices and ready-to-cook meal options.

Variations

• Margherita - Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
• Pepperoni - Topped with spicy pepperoni slices and mozzarella.
• Hawaiian - Ham and pineapple on a tomato base.
• Meat Feast - Loaded with various meats like pepperoni, ham, sausage, and bacon.
• Vegetarian - A mix of vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives.
• Four Cheese - A blend of cheeses, typically including mozzarella, cheddar, gorgonzola, and goat cheese.
• BBQ Chicken - Topped with barbecue sauce, chicken, and red onions.
• Seafood Pizza - Often includes prawns, mussels, and calamari.
• Spicy Italian - Features spicy sausage, peppers, and chili flakes.
• Pesto Chicken - Grilled chicken with pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella.
• Tandoori Chicken - Inspired by Indian cuisine, topped with tandoori-marinated chicken and red onion.
• The Full English - A breakfast-inspired pizza with bacon, sausage, eggs, and beans.
• Mediterranean - Topped with feta cheese, olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Bacon and Cheese - Simple yet delicious, featuring crispy bacon and melted cheese.
• Vegan Pizza - Made with plant-based cheese and a variety of vegetables

Ingredients

Common toppings for pizza in the United Kingdom include Margarita, Pepperoni, Ham and Pineapple, Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, Chicken, Spinach, Seafood, and Cheddar Cheese.

Dough

To prepare British pizza dough, it is essential to start with high-quality flour, typically strong white bread flour, which provides the necessary gluten structure for the dough. The process begins by activating yeast in warm water, followed by mixing it with the dry ingredients. Kneading the dough helps develop gluten, promoting elasticity and chewiness, which are desirable traits in a pizza crust. After kneading, the dough must be left to rest and rise in a warm environment. This fermentation period is vital as it allows the yeast to produce carbon dioxide, making the dough expand and become airy. A traditional method involves letting the dough rest for at least one hour, although longer fermentation can enhance the flavor. Once the dough has risen, it can be rolled out to the desired thickness and shaped to fit the pizza pan or stone. Properly preheating the oven to high temperatures, around 250°C (482°F), is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. The baking time typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the dough and the toppings used.

UK pizzas often feature a variety of toppings, with some popular choices including:

• Cheese: Mozzarella is the most common, but Cheddar and Stilton are also popular.

• Meats: Pepperoni, ham, chicken, and sausage are frequently used.

• Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach are common.

• Seafood: Tuna and prawns can also make an appearance.

• Sauces: Traditional tomato sauce, pesto, and BBQ sauce are popular options.

• Extras: Pineapple, jalapeños, and various herbs like basil or oregano are also used.