What Is Pizza Bianca in Rome?

By Alice Nichols

Pizza Bianca is a classic Roman street food that has gained popularity all over the world. This traditional Italian delicacy is a simple yet flavorful variation of pizza that doesn’t include any tomato sauce. Instead, it relies on the quality of its dough and toppings to create a delicious and satisfying taste.

Origins

The origins of Pizza Bianca can be traced back to ancient Rome when bakers started experimenting with different types of bread. They discovered that by using simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt, they could create a light and crispy base that was perfect for topping with various ingredients.

The Dough

The key to making a good Pizza Bianca lies in the dough. The dough is typically made with high-quality flour, water, yeast, and salt.

It is then left to rise for several hours to develop its unique flavor and texture. The result is a light and airy base that is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Toppings

One of the beauties of Pizza Bianca is its versatility when it comes to toppings. While it doesn’t feature tomato sauce like traditional pizza, it can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as olive oil, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, sea salt, garlic, or even cheese.

Popular Variations

There are several popular variations of Pizza Bianca that you can find in Rome:

  • Pizza Bianca con Mortadella: This variation features thin slices of mortadella, an Italian cured meat similar to bologna.
  • Pizza Bianca con Prosciutto: In this version, the pizza is topped with thinly sliced prosciutto, a dry-cured Italian ham.
  • Pizza Bianca con Olive: This variation includes green or black olives, adding a salty and tangy flavor to the pizza.

Where to Find Pizza Bianca in Rome?

Pizza Bianca is a popular street food in Rome and can be found in various bakeries and pizzerias throughout the city. One of the most famous places to try Pizza Bianca is Forno Campo de’ Fiori, located in the heart of Rome. They have been serving this delicious delicacy for over 200 years!

If you’re visiting Rome, make sure to grab a slice of Pizza Bianca as you explore the city. It’s a perfect snack or light lunch option that will give you a taste of authentic Roman cuisine.