Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes around the world. Its crispy crust, rich sauce, melted cheese, and variety of toppings make it a favorite for many. Traditional pizzas are typically round, but over the years, people have experimented with different shapes and styles. One such unique creation is the 8-corner pizza, which takes pizza to a whole new level. But what exactly is 8-corner pizza? In this article, we’ll explore this fun and creative pizza variation in detail, including its origins, ingredients, and how it’s made.
The Origins of 8-Corner Pizza
The 8-corner pizza, also known as the “pizza with 8 corners,” is a creative twist on the classic round pizza. While it’s hard to trace its exact origins, this pizza style gained popularity through creative pizzerias aiming to stand out in a competitive food market. The idea behind the 8-corner pizza was to offer something new and exciting to pizza lovers. By cutting the pizza in a way that results in 8 separate corners, it gives eaters a different experience, especially for those who love crust or enjoy dipping their pizza.
How is 8-Corner Pizza Different from Traditional Pizza?
The main difference between an 8-corner pizza and a traditional pizza lies in its shape and cutting style. Traditional pizzas are usually round, and the slices are triangular. In contrast, 8-corner pizza is typically made in a square shape, and the pizza is cut into smaller sections, with each section having its own corner. This gives the pizza a unique presentation, and it’s particularly appealing to those who enjoy the crispy, delicious crust that comes with each corner.
Another key feature of the 8-corner pizza is the way the toppings are distributed. Unlike a traditional pizza, where toppings are spread evenly across the surface, 8-corner pizzas often have the toppings concentrated in the center, with each corner remaining crispy and slightly golden. This allows each slice to offer a different experience, with some corners being crunchier than others.
The Ingredients of 8-Corner Pizza
While the ingredients of an 8-corner pizza are not drastically different from traditional pizza, the way they’re used can vary. The crust is usually thicker and more doughy compared to regular pizza crusts. This gives each corner a chewy yet crispy texture that enhances the overall eating experience.
The sauce is typically tomato-based, though some pizzerias might offer variations, such as pesto or white sauce. Cheese is a must-have, with mozzarella being the most popular choice. Toppings for 8-corner pizza can vary greatly, allowing for both traditional and more adventurous combinations. Popular toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, and even pineapple for those who enjoy the sweet and savory combo.
The Making of 8-Corner Pizza
Making 8-corner pizza is a bit more involved than making a traditional round pizza. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it’s typically made:
Preparing the Dough
Like any good pizza, the dough is the foundation of an 8-corner pizza. Begin by making or buying pizza dough. The dough for 8-corner pizza is typically thicker and more robust than regular pizza dough to support the weight of the toppings and give the corners a crispy texture.
Shaping the Pizza
Instead of rolling the dough into a round shape, you’ll spread it out into a square or rectangular shape. The dough should be spread evenly across the baking sheet or pizza stone, ensuring there are no thin spots. Some chefs even create a thicker edge around the perimeter to make the crust extra crispy.
Adding the Sauce
Next, spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Leave a small border around the edges for the crust. The sauce can be a classic tomato sauce or a different variety depending on your preference.
Adding Cheese and Toppings
Top the pizza with a generous layer of cheese. Mozzarella is the most common, but you can experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or even parmesan. After that, add your chosen toppings, ensuring they are spread evenly throughout the pizza. It’s important to remember that with 8-corner pizza, the toppings are usually more concentrated in the center.
Baking the Pizza
Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at a high temperature, usually around 475°F (245°C), for 10 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The thicker crust should give a satisfying crunch, especially around the corners.
Cutting the Pizza
Once the pizza is out of the oven, it’s time to cut it into 8 sections. The key to this style is the unique cutting method. Rather than slicing in traditional triangular slices, the pizza is cut into 8 equal, square-shaped pieces. Each piece will have its own corner, which is typically the most sought-after part of the pizza.
Why is 8-Corner Pizza So Popular?
The rise of 8-corner pizza has a lot to do with the experience it offers. For many, pizza is all about enjoying the crust. The 8-corner style emphasizes this by providing multiple corners, each with a crispy, golden texture. This style of pizza also allows for more variety in terms of toppings, as each corner can be slightly different from the others. Plus, the smaller, more manageable sections make it easy to share with friends and family.
Additionally, 8-corner pizza has become a fun, Instagram-worthy dish. Its unique shape and colorful toppings make it visually appealing, perfect for social media sharing. People love to post pictures of their pizzas, and the 8-corner style definitely stands out in a feed full of traditional round pizzas.
The Best Toppings for 8-Corner Pizza
When it comes to choosing the best toppings for your 8-corner pizza, the possibilities are endless. While some prefer traditional combinations like pepperoni and mushrooms, others may enjoy more creative toppings. Here are some popular options:
Classic Margherita
For those who enjoy simplicity, a Margherita pizza with fresh basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil is always a hit. The 8-corner shape allows you to enjoy more crust, which makes the fresh flavors pop.
Meat Lovers
For those who crave protein, a meat lover’s pizza with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ground beef is a delicious choice. The crispy corners of this pizza work well with the rich, savory meats.
Veggie Delight
For vegetarians, the 8-corner pizza is perfect for creating a vegetable-filled masterpiece. Consider toppings like bell peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken on pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. With tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, red onions, and cheese, the 8-corner pizza style adds a fun twist to this already popular dish.
Hawaiian
For those who enjoy the sweet and savory combination of pineapple and ham, a Hawaiian 8-corner pizza offers plenty of crust to balance out the flavors.
Customizing Your 8-Corner Pizza
One of the best things about 8-corner pizza is how customizable it is. You can adjust the thickness of the crust, change up the sauce, and experiment with different cheeses and toppings. Whether you prefer a meat-heavy pizza, a veggie-packed pie, or a combination of both, the 8-corner style allows for creative expression.
Another fun idea is to mix up the toppings on each of the 8 corners. You could have a different topping in each corner, allowing each piece to have a unique flavor. This can be a great way to cater to different tastes if you’re sharing the pizza with a group of people.
Where to Find 8-Corner Pizza
While 8-corner pizza may not be available at every pizzeria, some pizza chains have adopted this style, especially in certain regions. Domino’s, for instance, introduced their “8-corner pizza” as a specialty option, and many independent pizzerias have followed suit. You can also make your own 8-corner pizza at home by following the steps mentioned earlier.
If you’re not sure where to find it, try searching for local pizzerias that offer unique or specialty pizza styles. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover a place that serves up 8-corner pizza as a signature dish.
Conclusion
8-corner pizza is a fun and innovative take on the classic pizza we all know and love. Its unique shape and extra crust make it an exciting option for those who enjoy a crunchy, flavorful pizza. Whether you’re a fan of traditional toppings or enjoy experimenting with new combinations, the 8-corner pizza offers endless possibilities. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or for anyone looking to try something new in the world of pizza. So, the next time you’re craving pizza, why not give 8-corner pizza a try and see what all the fuss is about?
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Cheese is Good for Pizza?
