12 Best Pizza Cookbooks
If you’re passionate about pizza and eager to elevate your homemade creations to new heights, a reliable pizza cookbook can be your guiding light.
From mastering the dough to perfecting the sauce and topping combinations, these cookbooks offer a treasure trove of recipes, techniques, and insights from seasoned pizza chefs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, join us as we explore some of the best pizza cookbooks that will help you craft delicious pies right in your own kitchen.
Best Pizza Cookbooks
1. “The Pizza Bible” by Tony Gemignani
“The Pizza Bible” is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from classic Neapolitan pizza to American regional variations like Chicago deep-dish and California styles.
Written by Tony Gemignani, a world champion pizza maker, this book offers detailed instructions on dough making, ingredient selection, and baking techniques.
It also includes recipes for different types of pizzas, including gluten-free options, and provides insights into the craft of pizza making from a master of the art.
What makes it amazing?
What sets “The Pizza Bible” apart is its author’s expertise and passion for pizza, which shines through in every recipe and piece of advice.
The book’s meticulous approach to teaching the art and science of pizza making, combined with Gemignani’s insider tips and tricks, makes it an invaluable resource for both beginners and seasoned pizza chefs.
Its wide range of styles and flavors ensures that readers will find inspiration and new favorites to explore.
2. “American Pie: My Search for the Perfect Pizza” by Peter Reinhart
In “American Pie: My Search for the Perfect Pizza,” Peter Reinhart takes readers on a journey to find the ultimate pizza experience.
This book combines travelogue, memoir, and recipe book, as Reinhart visits Italy and various parts of the U.S. to learn the secrets behind legendary pizzas.
The book includes recipes for making the perfect pizza dough and a variety of toppings, alongside stories from his travels and encounters with pizza makers.
What makes it amazing?
“American Pie” is not just a cookbook; it’s an ode to pizza and its cultural significance. Reinhart’s personal quest adds a narrative depth that is rare in cookbooks, making it a compelling read.
The book’s blend of storytelling, practical advice, and delicious recipes offers readers both the inspiration and the means to elevate their pizza-making game, making it a standout in the world of pizza cookbooks.
3. “Pizza Camp” by Joe Beddia
“Pizza Camp” is the brainchild of Joe Beddia, the chef behind Philadelphia’s famed Pizzeria Beddia. This book reflects Beddia’s philosophy of simplicity and quality, offering recipes for his signature pies alongside techniques for making the perfect pizza at home.
With a focus on using the best ingredients and a minimalist approach, “Pizza Camp” provides insight into the creation of pizzas that have earned a cult following.
What makes it amazing?
The allure of “Pizza Camp” lies in its author’s reputation as one of the best pizza makers in the U.S. and his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to pizza.
The book demystifies the process of creating top-notch pizza with a home oven, making artisanal pizza accessible to the home cook. Its engaging narrative and stunning photography not only instruct but also inspire readers to experiment and enjoy the process of pizza making.
4. “The Elements of Pizza” by Ken Forkish
In “The Elements of Pizza,” Ken Forkish delves into the fundamentals of pizza, offering readers a detailed guide to making authentic pizza at home.
This book covers everything from dough fermentation and baking techniques to the history and philosophies behind various pizza styles. Forkish provides recipes for both classic and innovative pizzas, emphasizing the importance of ingredients and technique in achieving the perfect pie.
What makes it amazing?
Ken Forkish’s meticulous attention to detail and his passion for pizza make “The Elements of Pizza” a standout. The book’s comprehensive approach to the craft of pizza making, combined with its exploration of the cultural significance of pizza, provides readers with a deep understanding of what makes a great pizza.
Forkish’s expertise as a baker shines through, offering valuable lessons on dough that are applicable beyond pizza, making this book a treasure trove of baking knowledge.
5. “Flour Water Salt Yeast” by Ken Forkish
Though not exclusively a pizza cookbook, “Flour Water Salt Yeast” by Ken Forkish is essential reading for anyone interested in the art of bread and pizza dough making.
This book focuses on the four basic ingredients in the title, exploring their impact on the texture, flavor, and appearance of baked goods. It includes a range of recipes from basic breads to complex pizzas, all designed to be made at home with standard kitchen equipment.
What makes it amazing?
“Flour Water Salt Yeast” is celebrated for its clear, detailed instructions and Forkish’s ability to make complex baking techniques accessible to home bakers.
The section on pizza dough is particularly noteworthy, offering readers the foundation needed to create artisan-level pizzas. Its approach to understanding the science behind baking, combined with Forkish’s passion for teaching, makes this book a valuable resource for improving one’s baking and pizza-making skills.
6. “Pizza: History, Recipes, Stories, People, Places, Love” by Thom Elliot and James Elliot
This book is a vibrant celebration of pizza, crafted by the Elliot brothers, who are the founders of the popular international pizza chain, Pizza Pilgrims.
It’s not just a cookbook; it’s a deep dive into the world of pizza, featuring history, anecdotes, and recipes collected from their travels across Italy and around the globe. The book includes traditional and innovative recipes, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of pizza.
What makes it amazing?
What makes “Pizza” stand out is its holistic approach to the subject, blending culinary craft with cultural exploration and personal passion. The Elliot brothers’ enthusiasm and knowledge about pizza are infectious, making this book an engaging read that educates and inspires.
Their stories of discovery, alongside mouth-watering recipes, offer readers a unique perspective on pizza, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
7. “Mastering Pizza” by Marc Vetri
“Mastering Pizza” is a detailed guide by Marc Vetri, an acclaimed chef known for his Italian cuisine, focusing on the techniques and recipes for creating authentic Italian pizzas in American kitchens.
The book covers a wide range of doughs adapted for various types of ovens, from wood-fired to home models, and provides a plethora of recipes for seasonal and classic toppings.
What makes it amazing?
Vetri’s expertise in Italian cooking and his innovative approach to pizza make “Mastering Pizza” an invaluable resource. The book demystifies the process of making pizza that rivals the quality of pizzerias, emphasizing adaptability and creativity in ingredients and techniques.
Its comprehensive coverage of different types of dough and detailed instructions empower home cooks to explore and master the art of pizza making.
8. “My Pizza” by Jim Lahey
Jim Lahey, the founder of Sullivan Street Bakery and Co., shares his revolutionary no-knead dough recipe in “My Pizza”, along with techniques for making artisanal pizzas in a home oven.
This book provides recipes for a variety of pizzas, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients and simple yet impactful flavors. Lahey’s approachable method makes perfect pizza crust accessible to everyone, regardless of their baking experience.
What makes it amazing?
The simplicity and effectiveness of Lahey’s no-knead pizza dough technique are what set this book apart. His innovative approach reduces the intimidation factor of pizza making, inviting even novices to try their hand at crafting the perfect pie.
The recipes are both classic and inventive, encouraging readers to experiment with flavors while ensuring they can achieve professional-level results at home.
9. “The Mozza Cookbook” by Nancy Silverton
“The Mozza Cookbook” by Nancy Silverton, with Matt Molina and Carolynn Carreño, brings the celebrated dishes from Los Angeles’s Pizzeria Mozza into your kitchen.
This book goes beyond pizza, offering an array of Italian-inspired recipes, but its pizza section is particularly noteworthy. Silverton shares her secrets for creating the perfect crust and toppings, along with her passion for Italian cuisine.
What makes it amazing?
Silverton’s meticulous approach to ingredients and techniques, honed through years of experience, makes this book a treasure trove of culinary wisdom.
The pizzas are just the beginning; the book’s breadth of Italian dishes encourages a deeper appreciation of the cuisine. Silverton’s dedication to quality and detail provides readers with the knowledge and inspiration to elevate their cooking.
10. “Pizza on the Grill” by Elizabeth Karmel and Bob Blumer
“Pizza on the Grill” offers a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza making, teaching readers how to prepare delicious pizzas on a backyard grill.
Authors Elizabeth Karmel and Bob Blumer provide step-by-step instructions for creating a variety of pizzas, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, with a focus on fresh ingredients and innovative toppings.
What makes it amazing?
This book stands out for its unique approach to pizza making, encouraging readers to utilize their grills for something beyond the usual barbecue fare.
The inventive recipes and grilling techniques open up new possibilities for outdoor cooking, making pizza a versatile dish for any occasion.
It’s an excellent resource for those looking to combine their love of grilling with the universal appeal of pizza.
11. “The Essential Wood Fired Pizza Cookbook” by Anthony Tassinello
Anthony Tassinello presents “The Essential Wood Fired Pizza Cookbook,” which focuses on the art of cooking pizza in a wood-fired oven. This book offers everything from basic dough and sauce recipes to a wide variety of pizzas, including both traditional favorites and modern twists.
It also provides guidance on managing the fire and heat in a wood-fired oven to achieve the perfect crust and toppings.
What makes it amazing?
The specificity of the wood-fired cooking method and Tassinello’s expert advice make this book a standout.
It not only instructs on how to make exceptional pizzas but also delves into the nuances of wood-fired oven maintenance and temperature control, offering a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts of this cooking method.
The recipes are thoughtfully crafted to showcase the unique flavor profiles that can only be achieved through wood-fired baking.
12. “Artisan Pizza and Flatbread in Five Minutes a Day” by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François
This book revolutionizes home pizza and flatbread making, offering a simple and time-efficient method to create delicious, bakery-quality pizzas and flatbreads with minimal effort.
Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François build on their successful five-minute bread-making technique, providing recipes that are adaptable and easy to follow.
The book is perfect for busy individuals who love baking and want to incorporate homemade pizzas and flatbreads into their weekly meals.
What makes it amazing?
The book’s innovative approach to dough preparation reduces the time and effort traditionally required for bread-based recipes, making it accessible for people with busy schedules.
The variety of recipes caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, ensuring there’s something for everyone. This practical and user-friendly guide empowers readers to easily add a homemade touch to their meals, making it an amazing resource for home cooks.
