What is Roman White Pizza?

Discover the Delight of Roman White Pizza

If you’ve visited any of Rome’s bakeries or pizza slice shops, you’ve likely encountered Roman white pizza, known locally as pizza bianca. These large slabs of golden flatbread drizzled with olive oil are a staple in Roman cuisine, enjoyed from morning until night. But what exactly is pizza bianca, and how do you eat it like a true Roman?

What is Roman White Pizza?

Pizza bianca literally translates to ‘white pizza,’ but it is more akin to a bread product than traditional pizza. Made from a simple dough of flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil, it is left to rise for many hours or even days to achieve a light, airy texture. After proving, the dough is stretched, and fingertips create an undulating surface to hold the olive oil brushed on top before baking. Once out of the oven, it gets a fresh coat of oil, a sprinkle of salt, and sometimes a touch of rosemary. The result is a simple, comforting, and delicious flatbread, best enjoyed freshly baked and warm.

The origin of pizza bianca is said to come from Rome’s bakers, who would place a small piece of dough in the oven to test the temperature before baking their loaves. Unlike focaccia, which is found in northern Italy and has a spongier texture, pizza bianca is uniquely Roman with its crisp yet tender bite.

How to Eat Pizza Bianca

In Rome, pizza bianca is a versatile treat enjoyed at any time of day. As a snack, it is often given to children as a mid-morning or after-school treat. It also serves as a perfect accompaniment to antipasti, cured meats, and cheeses, or as a pre-dinner aperitivo snack with a glass of wine.

One popular way to enjoy pizza bianca is to split it horizontally and fill it with various ingredients to create a sandwich. A classic Roman favorite is pizza e mortazza, where the pizza is stuffed with warm, melting mortadella, a baked pork salami with pistachios from Bologna. Another must-try is pizza bianca filled with local porchetta, creating a savory delight.

Seasonal ingredients also find their way into pizza bianca. In winter, you’ll find it filled with greens like chard, chicory, or broccoli rabe, paired with slices of milky mozzarella. In summer, the combination of salty prosciutto and sweet, juicy figs is a refreshing treat.

For those with a sweet tooth, many of Rome’s pizza-by-the-slice shops offer pizza bianca filled with Nutella, creating a delicious dessert with a hint of saltiness.

Experience Pizza Bianca with Local Aromas

Join us on our Pizza and Gelato Tasting Tour or our Roman Street Food Tour to sample our favorite pizza bianca. If you’re inspired to make your own, sign up for our pizza-making class in Rome and learn the art of homemade pizza.