The world of pizza is vast and varied, a landscape of crusts, cheeses, and toppings that spans continents and culinary traditions. But amidst this delicious diversity, one particular pizza style stands out for its unconventional approach: the pizza where the sauce resides on top. But what exactly is this pizza called? While there isn’t a single, universally accepted name, and regional variations abound, we can explore the most common terms and the fascinating history and characteristics of this unique pizza experience.
Understanding “Upside-Down” Pizza
The defining characteristic of this type of pizza is the reversed order of ingredients. Instead of the traditional base of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings, the sauce is applied on top of the cheese, creating a distinct visual and textural contrast. This seemingly simple alteration dramatically changes the flavor profile and eating experience.
Why Invert the Order?
The reasons for inverting the traditional pizza order are multifaceted. Some believe it enhances the flavor of the sauce, allowing it to caramelize and intensify during baking. Others suggest it helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy, especially when using wetter toppings. And, of course, some simply enjoy the unique textural contrast of the cheese melting beneath the sauce.
Common Names and Regional Variations
Pinpointing a single name for this style of pizza is challenging. The term “upside-down pizza” is perhaps the most straightforward and widely understood description. However, specific regional variations often carry their own unique names and characteristics. Let’s explore some of them.
The Sicilian Connection and Grandma Pie
While the concept of sauce-on-top pizza isn’t exclusive to any one region, it’s often associated with Sicilian and Italian-American culinary traditions. Specifically, the Grandma Pie is a prime example of a pizza where the sauce frequently takes center stage.
Grandma Pie: A Slice of Nostalgia
The Grandma Pie, originating on Long Island, New York, is a rectangular or square pan pizza with a thick, spongy crust. It’s typically topped with mozzarella cheese and then finished with dollops of a simple, uncooked tomato sauce. The sauce is the star, providing a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich cheese and substantial crust.
Sicilian Pizza: A Close Relative
While not always strictly “upside-down,” many versions of Sicilian pizza feature a thick, focaccia-like crust and a generous layer of sauce applied over the cheese. This creates a similar flavor profile to the Grandma Pie, with the sauce playing a prominent role.
Chicago’s Deep-Dish Dilemma: A Misconception
It’s important to address a common misconception: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. While it is incredibly thick and unique, it’s not technically an “upside-down” pizza in the same way as the Grandma Pie.
Deep-Dish Deconstructed
In a Chicago deep-dish pizza, the cheese is typically placed directly on the crust, followed by the toppings. The sauce is then poured on top, but its primary purpose is to provide moisture and flavor to the mountain of ingredients within the high-sided crust. The cheese is still the foundational layer.
Is it REALLY Upside Down?
The debate continues, but most culinary experts agree that Chicago deep-dish pizza, while unique, doesn’t fully qualify as an “upside-down” pizza because the cheese still sits directly on the crust. The sauce is more of a topping rather than a complete reversal of the traditional order.
Other Variations and Inspirations
Beyond the Grandma Pie and Sicilian influences, the sauce-on-top concept has inspired numerous other pizza variations. Experimentation and innovation are hallmarks of the pizza world, leading to exciting new flavor combinations and presentations.
Detroit-Style Pizza: A Crispy Cousin
Detroit-style pizza, with its thick, rectangular crust and crispy, caramelized cheese edges, often features a racing stripe of tomato sauce applied after baking. This is a slightly different approach, as the sauce is added after the baking process, but it still places the sauce on top and provides a burst of fresh tomato flavor.
Homemade Creations and Personal Preferences
Ultimately, the beauty of pizza lies in its adaptability. Many home cooks and chefs experiment with inverting the order of ingredients to create their own unique sauce-on-top masterpieces. The specific name and characteristics of these pizzas are often determined by personal preference and regional influences.
The Appeal of Sauce-on-Top Pizza
Why is the sauce-on-top pizza so appealing? Several factors contribute to its enduring popularity.
Enhanced Sauce Flavor
Placing the sauce on top allows it to caramelize and concentrate during baking, resulting in a richer, more intense flavor. This is particularly true when using a high-quality tomato sauce with simple, fresh ingredients.
Textural Contrast
The combination of melted cheese beneath a layer of sauce creates a pleasing textural contrast. The cheese becomes gooey and elastic, while the sauce provides a smooth, tangy counterpoint.
Visual Appeal
A pizza with the sauce on top is visually striking. The vibrant red of the sauce creates a beautiful contrast with the white cheese and other toppings, making it an appealing and appetizing dish.
Preventing Soggy Crust
In some cases, placing the sauce on top can help to prevent the crust from becoming soggy, especially when using wetter toppings like vegetables or fresh mozzarella. The cheese acts as a barrier, preventing the sauce from directly saturating the crust.
Making Your Own Upside-Down Pizza
Creating your own sauce-on-top pizza at home is a rewarding culinary experience. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Choosing the Right Crust
A thicker, sturdier crust is generally recommended for sauce-on-top pizzas. This will help to support the weight of the toppings and prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy. Options include Grandma Pie crusts, Sicilian-style crusts, or even a pre-made thick crust.
Selecting the Sauce
The sauce is the star of the show, so choose a high-quality tomato sauce with simple, fresh ingredients. San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice for their rich flavor and low acidity. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique sauce blend.
Cheese Considerations
Mozzarella is the most common cheese used in sauce-on-top pizzas, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of different cheeses. Grate the cheese evenly over the crust to create a uniform layer.
Toppings and Combinations
The possibilities for toppings are endless. Popular choices include pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, and fresh herbs. Be mindful of the moisture content of your toppings, as too much moisture can lead to a soggy pizza.
Baking Techniques
Bake your sauce-on-top pizza at a high temperature (450-500°F) for best results. This will help to crisp the crust and caramelize the sauce. Keep a close eye on the pizza while it’s baking to prevent burning.
Conclusion: Embracing the Inverted Delight
While there isn’t one definitive name for the pizza with the sauce on top, the term “upside-down pizza” is a generally understood descriptor. Whether you call it a Grandma Pie, a Sicilian pizza, or simply a delicious experiment, this unconventional pizza style offers a unique and rewarding culinary experience. The enhanced sauce flavor, textural contrast, and visual appeal make it a favorite among pizza lovers around the world. So, embrace the inverted delight and discover the deliciousness of sauce-on-top pizza for yourself!
What are some common names for pizza with the sauce on top?
While “upside-down pizza” is a general descriptor, you might encounter more specific regional or restaurant-specific names. “Tomato pie” is a common term, particularly in areas like Trenton, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This often refers to a pizza with a sweet, cooked tomato sauce applied directly to the dough, topped with grated cheese and sometimes a dusting of herbs.
Another variation, though less commonly “upside-down,” is the Sicilian pizza which features a thick, focaccia-like crust often topped with sauce and then cheese. While the order isn’t entirely inverted, it’s a departure from the standard cheese-first approach. Ultimately, the specific name will vary based on location and the individual pizzeria’s menu.
How does putting the sauce on top affect the pizza’s texture and flavor?
Placing the sauce on top creates a different baking dynamic. The sauce, directly exposed to the heat, tends to caramelize and intensify in flavor, developing a richer, sweeter profile compared to when it’s under the cheese. This caramelization can also lead to a slightly drier, more concentrated sauce.
Furthermore, the crust benefits from this direct contact with the sauce. The moisture from the sauce keeps the crust underneath soft, while the top edges may become crispier and more textured. The cheese, layered beneath, melts into the crust and sauce, providing a different textural experience compared to a traditionally layered pizza.
What are the origins of upside-down pizza or tomato pie?
The exact origins are debated, but many trace the tomato pie back to Italian-American communities, particularly in the Northeast United States, around the early 20th century. These communities adapted traditional Italian baking techniques using available ingredients and preferences. It’s believed that the tomato pie evolved as a simple, affordable food option for working-class families.
Specifically, areas like Trenton and Philadelphia are often credited with popularizing the tomato pie, with bakeries and pizzerias developing their own unique recipes and variations. These pies were often sold by the slice and represented a distinct departure from the Neapolitan-style pizza that was also emerging during this period.
What kind of cheese is typically used in an upside-down pizza?
The cheese used in upside-down pizza varies depending on the style and regional preferences. Generally, a drier, grated cheese is preferred rather than fresh mozzarella. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too much and becoming overly greasy beneath the sauce.
Romano or Parmesan are commonly used for their sharp, salty flavor and ability to brown nicely during baking. Some recipes may also call for a blend of cheeses, including provolone or a low-moisture mozzarella. The choice of cheese significantly impacts the overall flavor profile, contributing to the unique character of an upside-down pizza.
What are some common toppings for pizza with the sauce on top?
While the beauty of the tomato pie often lies in its simplicity, various toppings can enhance its flavor. Traditional options include a sprinkle of oregano, basil, or other dried herbs to complement the tomato sauce. Some variations incorporate garlic, either minced or infused into the sauce, for an added layer of savory depth.
Other popular toppings include onions, bell peppers, and sausage. These additions are usually scattered sparingly to avoid overpowering the simple elegance of the tomato sauce and cheese combination. The goal is to enhance the base flavors rather than completely transforming the pizza’s identity.
How does baking upside-down pizza differ from traditional pizza?
The baking process for upside-down pizza needs to account for the placement of the sauce directly on the dough. The oven temperature is often slightly lower than for traditional pizza to prevent the sauce from burning before the crust is fully cooked. The baking time may also be adjusted to ensure the crust is properly browned and the cheese is melted.
Some bakers use a pizza stone or baking sheet to ensure even heat distribution, while others might pre-bake the crust slightly before adding the sauce and cheese. The key is to monitor the pizza closely during baking and adjust the temperature or baking time as needed to achieve the desired level of crust crispness and sauce caramelization.
Can I make upside-down pizza at home? What are some tips for success?
Absolutely! Making upside-down pizza at home is entirely achievable. Start with a good quality pizza dough recipe or store-bought dough. The sauce should be cooked down to concentrate its flavors. Letting the dough rise properly and preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet are key for achieving a crispy crust.
When layering the ingredients, be sure to spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Grate the cheese generously over the sauce. Monitor the baking process carefully, adjusting the temperature or baking time as needed to achieve the desired results. Experiment with different toppings to customize your creation, but remember to keep it simple and let the sauce and cheese shine.