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Australian style pizza: The perfect fusion of breakfast and dinner
Australian-style pizza is a culinary delight that combines the best of both worlds: breakfast and dinner. With its unique toppings and flavor combinations, this pizza has gained popularity not only in Australia, but around the world. In this article, we will explore the origins of Australian-style pizza, its distinctive ingredients, and how you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
The origins of Australian-style pizza
Australian-style pizza has its roots in Melbourne’s Little Italy. After World War II, Mediterranean migrants brought the concept of pizza to Australia, and by the 1960s, Italian cuisine had become an integral part of the Australian food scene. In 1961, Toto’s Pizza House opened its doors in Melbourne, often cited as the birthplace of the Australian pie. This iconic eatery introduced Australians to a unique pizza topped with barbecue sauce, mozzarella cheese, onions, bacon and fried eggs.
While the exact year of the creation of Australian-style pizza remains unknown, it was undoubtedly a game changer in the world of pizza. The combination of traditional pizza ingredients with breakfast foods like eggs and bacon created a flavor explosion that appealed to Australians and pizza lovers worldwide.
The unique ingredients of Australian-style pizza
Australian-style pizza stands out from its traditional counterparts because of its unconventional toppings. The classic Aussie pie features a base of barbecue sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s topped with red onions, fried eggs and chopped bacon. The bacon used in Australian pizza differs from its American counterpart as it is less fatty and usually cut in thicker slices, similar to Canadian bacon.
While pineapple is not an essential component of Australian-style pizza, some aficionados enjoy adding this tropical fruit to the mix. Other optional toppings that can spice up the Aussie pie include chiles, garlic and mushrooms. For those seeking a truly unique experience, some pizzerias in Australia offer toppings such as emu, kangaroo, and even crocodile pizza.
The popularity and evolution of Australian-style pizza
Australian-style pizza has gained a loyal following over the years. Many fans describe it as a pizza to indulge in when you’re feeling a little adventurous or perhaps after a night of revelry. The combination of flavors, from the tangy barbecue sauce to the savory bacon and the richness of the fried eggs, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience.
However, the Aussie pie’s popularity seems to be on the wane. Toto’s Pizza House, the restaurant that claims to be the birthplace of Australian-style pizza, closed its doors in 2020 due to the pandemic. Major pizza chains in Australia, such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut, no longer offer Australian pizza on their menus. However, some smaller pizzerias still keep the tradition alive.
Make your own Aussie pie
If you can’t find an Australian-style pizza at your local pizzeria, fear not! You can easily recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. Here’s an easy recipe to get you started:
– Start with a pizza crust of your choice, either homemade or store-bought.
– Spread a layer of barbecue sauce on the crust.
– Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
– Top with chopped red onion, diced ham and Canadian bacon.
– For those who like pineapple on their pizza, add a handful of pineapple chunks.
– If you like a little heat, feel free to add some chili peppers.
– Crack a few eggs on top of the pizza and spread them evenly.
– Bake the pizza in a preheated oven until the crust is golden and the eggs are cooked to your liking.
When your Aussie pizza is ready, you’ll have a delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Its unique combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your family and friends.
Bottom line
Australian-style pizza is a testament to the fusion of culinary traditions and the creativity of chefs around the world. Its distinctive toppings and bold flavors have made it a favorite of pizza lovers everywhere. Whether you’re in Australia or on the other side of the world, trying an Aussie pie is an experience not to be missed. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and embark on a flavorful journey with Australian-style pizza!
FAQS
Australian-style pizza is a unique variation of pizza that originated in Australia. It typically features a barbecue sauce base, mozzarella cheese, and toppings such as fried eggs, bacon, onions, and sometimes pineapple.
Why is Australian-style pizza associated with breakfast for dinner?
Australian-style pizza has been associated with “breakfast for dinner” because of the inclusion of breakfast ingredients such as eggs and bacon. Combining these ingredients with a pizza base creates a delicious fusion of breakfast and dinner flavors.
Is pineapple a traditional topping for Australian-style pizza?
While pineapple is not a required topping on Australian-style pizza, some people enjoy adding it for a touch of sweetness and contrast. It is considered an optional topping that adds an extra layer of flavor to the pizza.
How is Australian-style pizza different from traditional pizza?
Australian-style pizza differs from traditional pizza in its unique combination of ingredients. The use of barbecue sauce as a base, along with toppings such as fried eggs and bacon, gives it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional Italian-style pizza.
Can I make Australian-style pizza at home?
Absolutely you can! Australian-style pizza is easy to make at home. Simply gather the necessary ingredients, including a pizza crust, barbecue sauce, mozzarella cheese, eggs, bacon, onions, and any other toppings you like. Follow a recipe or customize to your liking and bake in the oven until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked through.
Are there alternatives to bacon for Australian-style pizza?
If you prefer alternatives to bacon, you can try using Canadian bacon, which is similar to the bacon used in Australian-style pizza. It is less fatty and is usually cut in thicker slices, giving the pizza a different texture and flavor.