Cuban Style Pizza

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Quick Bite

A unique, Miami-originated pan pizza characterized by a thick, soft, and slightly sweet dough, topped with sweet tomato sauce, mozzarella and Gouda-style cheese, and often savory ingredients like chorizo. It is known for cheese spread to the edges to create a crispy, caramelized crust, and it is often eaten folded in half.

History

Cuban-style pizza, often called pizza cubana, is a unique, thick, cheesy variation of pizza that reflects Cuban culinary adaptation rather than traditional Italian roots.

Its story is closely tied to Cuba, where pizza began appearing more widely in the mid-20th century as Italian and American influences reached Havana. Unlike Neapolitan or New York-style pizza, Cuban pizza developed its own identity using locally available ingredients and a distinct baking method.

By the 1950s and 1960s, pizza shops in Havana began serving a thicker, soft-dough style pizza pressed into pans, topped heavily with cheese, and baked until the crust became slightly crisp on the outside but remained soft inside.

After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, many Cuban families emigrated to the United States, especially Miami, bringing their food traditions with them. In South Florida, Cuban-style pizza evolved further, often becoming even cheesier and thicker, sometimes served by the slice in cafeterias and casual restaurants.

Today, Cuban pizza is a staple in Cuban-American communities, especially in Miami. It is known for its comfort-food style: soft crust, generous cheese, and a slightly sweet, savory sauce.

Fun Facts

• Many versions use a generous layer of cheese that melts into the crust.
• The edge cheese can create a crispy, caramelized crust.
• Some people describe it as having a “grilled cheese pizza” texture.
• In South Florida, Cuban pizza is commonly served in large rectangular slices.
• In Miami, Cuban pizza is often found in cafeterías and bakeries, not just pizza restaurants.

Where to Try

Polo Norte Miami, Florida

Dairon Cuban Pizza Cape Coral, Florida

La Pizza de Alberto Homestead, Florida

Recipe

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Cuban Style Pizza Servings: 4 Prep: 1 hour 15 minutes Cook: 12–18 minutes Difficulty: Easy Style: Miami Cuban-American Pizza

Ingredients

For the dough

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp sugar, optional, for slight sweetness
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

• 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, or a cheese blend
• Optional: ham, ground beef, pepperoni, chorizo, or sliced onions

Instructions

1. Make the dough: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Add flour, salt, and olive oil.
4. Mix and knead until smooth.
5. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
6. Prepare the sauce: Mix tomato sauce with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar if desired.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cuban-style sauce is often slightly sweeter and well-seasoned.
9. Shape the pizza: Press the dough into a greased round or rectangular pan.
10. Cuban pizza is usually slightly thick, not thin crust.
11. Add toppings: Spread sauce evenly over the dough.
12. Add a generous layer of cheese, spreading it close to the edges for a caramelized crust.
13. Add optional toppings if desired.
14. Bake: Bake at 425°F / 220°C for 12–18 minutes.
15. The cheese should be bubbly, and the crust should be lightly golden but still soft.
16. Serve: Let cool slightly.
17. Slice into squares or wedges and serve hot.

Serving note: For a Miami-style feel, let the cheese reach the edges of the pan so it caramelizes slightly. Cuban-style pizza is often served in rectangular slices and may be folded in half to eat.

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