Andy Montoya
Is pizza a cheese sandwich? It's a question that has plagued humanity for years. Some argue that a pizza is an unfolded calzone and therefore an open-faced sandwich. Others claim that a sandwich must be between two pieces of bread, disqualifying pizza from sandwich status. The true origin of pizza in Sicily and southern Italy as cheese and sauce on day-old bread reinforces the idea of pizza as an open-faced sandwich. However, some argue that pizza has broken free of the limitations of sandwichdom and is simply its own thing. So, is pizza a cheese sandwich? The answer remains elusive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Philosophical question | Yes |
| Definition of sandwich | Two pieces of bread with meat, cheese, or other filling between them, eaten as a light meal |
| Definition of pie | Baked dish of fruit, or meat and vegetables, typically with a top and base of pastry |
| Pizza | Leavened bread with toppings |
| Calzone | A sandwich, a pizza is an unfolded calzone |
| Culture | Defines meaning |
| Pizza | Its own thing |
| Pizza | A pie before cutting, a sandwich after |
| Pizza | Not a sandwich because it's not between two pieces of bread |
| Pizza | A sandwich when folded |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza is pizza, not a sandwich
Pizza is pizza, and it is not a sandwich. While it may be tempting to categorize pizza as a type of sandwich, there are several compelling reasons why it deserves its own unique classification.
Firstly, let's examine the fundamental structure of a sandwich. By definition, a sandwich consists of two pieces of bread with a variety of fillings or toppings sandwiched between them. This construction differs significantly from that of a pizza, which typically consists of a single layer of dough topped with cheese, sauce, and various ingredients. The open-faced nature of a pizza, lacking a top layer of bread, sets it apart from the traditional concept of a sandwich.
The act of folding a pizza, known as the "Brooklyn Bend," might be considered as transforming it into a sandwich-like form. However, this practice does not change the inherent identity of pizza as a culinary entity in its own right. The very verb "sandwich" has evolved separately from the noun "sandwich", and the action of sandwiching something does not necessarily define the final product as a sandwich.
Furthermore, the cultural significance and origins of pizza must be considered. Pizza has its roots in Sicily and southern Italy, where it was traditionally made with cheese, sauce, or fresh tomatoes on day-old bread. This unique history sets it apart from the more broadly defined sandwich, which can encompass a wide range of fillings and variations.
Lastly, pizza has transcended its limitations and earned its distinct status in the culinary world. Just as a grilled cheese sandwich is not simply referred to as a "grilled cheese," but rather by its specific name, pizza has earned its own nomenclature. The expression "pizza pie" further emphasizes its unique classification, separate from sandwiches or pies.
In conclusion, while there may be similarities and overlapping characteristics, pizza is not a sandwich. It is a unique culinary creation with its own rich history and cultural significance. To simply categorize it as a sandwich would be to overlook the very essence of what makes pizza such a beloved and distinct dish worldwide.
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A calzone is a sandwich, and pizza is an unfolded calzone
The question of whether pizza is a type of sandwich is a philosophical quandary that has plagued humanity for centuries. While some may argue that a sandwich, by definition, requires two distinct pieces of bread, others contend that the verb "to sandwich" has replaced the noun "sandwich" in modern vernacular, thereby broadening the definition of a sandwich to include any combination of bread and fillings. This school of thought would consider a calzone, a stuffed crust pizza turnover, to be a sandwich, and by extension, a pizza could be viewed as an unfolded calzone.
A calzone is a type of pizza that originated in 18th-century Naples, Italy. It is made by stretching out pizza dough, adding toppings to only one side, and then folding the empty side over to create a pocket. This unique structure sets it apart from a traditional pizza, as all the toppings are encapsulated within the dough, allowing for a mess-free eating experience akin to a sandwich. The portability and self-contained nature of calzones made them a popular choice for working-class individuals who needed a convenient, on-the-go meal.
The process of preparing a calzone involves stretching out pizza dough, loading it with toppings, and then folding it over, creating a sealed pocket. This act of folding can be likened to the act of folding a slice of pizza in half, a practice known as the Brooklyn Bend, which further supports the idea of a calzone as a sandwich. However, it is important to note that the end result of baking a calzone is quite different from a simple folded pizza slice. An authentic calzone has a softer, gooier texture and a unique flavour profile due to the way the toppings interact with the dough.
Pizza, in its traditional form, is indeed an unfolded calzone. By this logic, one could argue that pizza is a type of unfolded sandwich, as it shares the same fundamental structure as a calzone but without the final folding step. This interpretation blurs the lines between distinct food categories and challenges our preconceived notions of what constitutes a sandwich.
In conclusion, the statement "a calzone is a sandwich, and pizza is an unfolded calzone" holds some merit when considering the evolving nature of language and the similarities in preparation and structure between these dishes. However, it is also important to respect the cultural significance and unique identities of each culinary creation, as they have distinct histories and are cherished for their own reasons.
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Pizza is a pie, not a sandwich
Pizza is a baked flatbread dish originating from Sicily or southern Italy. It typically consists of cheese and tomato sauce, along with other toppings, laid over a circular base of dough and baked. While some might consider pizza to be a type of open-faced sandwich or even a calzone, others vehemently disagree, asserting that pizza is its own unique category of food.
The argument that pizza is a sandwich relies on the idea that a sandwich is any food item where ingredients are placed or sandwiched between two pieces of bread or dough. A calzone, for instance, is considered a sandwich because it involves stuffing ingredients between two layers of dough and then sealing the edges. Pizza, in this view, can be seen as an unfolded calzone or an open-faced sandwich.
However, this perspective overlooks key distinctions between pizza and sandwiches. Firstly, the dough used for pizza, particularly the traditional type, differs significantly from bread in terms of texture, taste, and preparation. Pizza dough is often raw when initially heated and has a more crust-like quality than bread. Secondly, the act of "sandwiching" ingredients between two pieces of bread does not inherently make a dish a sandwich. For example, a quesadilla, which involves filling between two tortillas, is not typically considered a sandwich.
More importantly, defining pizza as a sandwich undermines the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved dish. Pizza has a long and proud tradition in Italy, and referring to it as a sandwich fails to acknowledge its distinct identity and heritage. The expression "pizza pie" also hints at a closer connection to pies than to sandwiches.
In conclusion, while there may be superficial similarities between pizza and sandwiches, particularly when comparing it to an unfolded calzone or an open-faced sandwich, pizza is much more akin to a pie. It has its own unique characteristics, cultural context, and, most importantly, its own name—pizza.
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Pizza is an open-faced sandwich
Whether or not pizza is a type of sandwich is a highly debated topic. Some people argue that a sandwich must be made with two pieces of bread, which would mean that pizza—which typically has only one layer of dough—does not qualify. However, others contend that the verb "sandwich," which means to place something between two things, is a more accurate definition, thus making pizza a type of open-faced sandwich.
Those who argue that pizza is a sandwich point out that the verb "sandwich" is often used to describe the act of placing toppings on a single piece of bread, as in "cheese on toast" or a "grilled cheese sandwich." In this sense, pizza could be considered a type of open-faced sandwich, with the dough acting as the base and various toppings, including cheese, acting as the filling.
The historical origins of pizza in Sicily and southern Italy also support the idea that pizza is an open-faced sandwich. Traditionally, pizza was made with cheese and sauce (or fresh tomatoes) on day-old bread, similar to an open-faced sandwich. Additionally, the practice of folding pizza, known as the "Brooklyn Bend," further supports the sandwich view, as it literally involves sandwiching toppings between two layers of dough.
However, others argue that pizza is simply pizza and should not be categorized as a sandwich or a pie. They contend that the unique characteristics of pizza, such as its dough, toppings, and cooking methods, set it apart from other types of food. While pizza may share some similarities with sandwiches, pies, or even casseroles (as in "Chicago-style" pizza), it has earned its own place in the culinary world and should be recognized as a distinct dish.
Ultimately, the question of whether pizza is an open-faced sandwich or not may come down to personal interpretation and cultural context. Language is fluid and constantly evolving, and different regions may have different definitions for the same dish. While some may choose to categorize pizza as an open-faced sandwich, others may prefer to celebrate it as the unique and beloved dish it is: pizza.
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Folding pizza makes it a sandwich
The question of whether pizza is a type of sandwich is a highly debated topic. Some people argue that a pizza is an open-faced sandwich, especially when folded, while others believe that a pizza is simply a pizza and should not be categorized as a sandwich.
Those who argue that a folded pizza is a sandwich may compare it to a calzone, which is considered a type of sandwich. A calzone is made by filling dough with cheese, sauce, and other ingredients and then folding the dough over to enclose the fillings. In this sense, a pizza could be seen as an unfolded calzone, and therefore, a type of sandwich.
The practice of folding pizza, known as the "Brooklyn Bend," further supports the idea that a pizza can be considered a sandwich when folded. This practice involves taking a slice of pizza and folding it in half, creating a structure similar to a traditional sandwich with fillings between two layers of bread.
However, others may argue that a pizza, even when folded, should not be defined as a sandwich. They may contend that a pizza is a unique dish that should not be confined to the limitations of "sandwichdom." Additionally, the raw or pre-baked nature of the pizza crust may be seen as a distinguishing factor from traditional sandwich bread.
Ultimately, the definition of a sandwich and whether a folded pizza fits within that definition may depend on cultural perspectives and personal interpretations. While some individuals passionately argue for the sandwich classification, others firmly believe that a pizza is a culinary entity of its own.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not. While pizza does contain cheese, it is not considered a cheese sandwich because it does not have two pieces of bread, which is a requirement for something to be considered a sandwich.
A sandwich is "an item of food consisting of two pieces of bread with meat, cheese, or other filling between them, eaten as a light meal."
Yes, a calzone can be considered a sandwich as it is very similar to a pizza but folded, resembling a sandwich.
Some people consider pizza to be a pie, especially before it is cut into slices. However, others argue that it is not a pie because the bread is commonly raw when initially heated and is more crust than true bread.
Pizza is pizza.
