In France, pizza has been adapted to local tastes with iconic recipes such as pizza reine, pizza with crème fraîche, and combinations of French cheeses. Although inspired by Italy, these pizzas are now part of contemporary French culinary culture.
Is pizza a popular dish in France?
Many French people enjoy pizza, which ranks third on the list of their favorite foods (after fried chicken and raclette). They are the second largest consumers in the world after Americans, eating more than 10 kg of pizza each year, and there are more than 14,000 establishments selling pizza in the country (including food trucks). It must be said that pizza is synonymous with sharing for 83% of French people, who enjoy eating pizza with others. A recent survey by Hellofresh.fr revealed that more than 60% of French people eat pizza at least once a month. Their favorite is the four-cheese pizza (for nearly 25% of them), except in Brittany, where the queen pizza reigns supreme. More than half like to eat pizza in a pizzeria, and nearly half of 25-34 year olds like to make it themselves. This may explain why a Frenchman was crowned "world pizza champion" in 2023. His name is Rodophe RIVIERE and he comes from Verzenay (near Reims in Champagne). He won the 21st Pizza World Cup in Rome.
More than 60% of French people enjoy pizza at least once a month. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com Jyliana via depositphotos.
Differences between French pizza and Italian pizza
Ingredients, dough, and flavors
The main difference between French pizza and Italian pizza lies in the adaptation to local tastes. While Italian pizza focuses on simplicity, with few high-quality ingredients, French pizza is generally more generous and creative, combining regional flavors and local products. The base also differs: in Italy, the dough is thin, light, and airy around the edges, especially in Neapolitan pizza. In France, the dough can be crispier or thicker, and there are many variations depending on the region and style of pizzeria.
Characteristic ingredients of French pizza
French pizza often incorporates typically French ingredients, which are sometimes absent from the Italian tradition. Among the most common are:
- Crème fraîche instead of tomato, particularly in the famous Alsatian flammekueche.
- Bacon bits, cooked ham, or French charcuterie.
- Mushrooms, onions, potatoes, or even eggs.
- Mild herbs, less dominant than Italian oregano.
The result is a richer, more substantial pizza designed as a complete meal, in keeping with French culinary traditions.
Cheese pizza ready to bake / Photo selected by Monsieur de France by Mariya Muschard from Pixabay
Cheeses and local products
Cheese makes a fundamental difference.
In Italy, mozzarella dominates, sometimes accompanied by Parmesan or burrata. In France, there is much greater variety, reflecting its cheese-making heritage.
It is common to find pizzas with:
- Emmental, Comté, or Tomme
- Goat cheeses
- Reblochon, the base of the famous Savoyard pizza
- Roquefort or Brie, depending on the region
These pizzas have become a true expression of French regional cuisine, where pizza serves as a vehicle for local flavors.
Where can you find the best pizza in France?
Pizzerias, restaurants, and daily consumption
France has a rich pizza culture, although it differs from that of Italy. It is eaten:
- In traditional pizzerias, often run by families of Italian origin.
- In French restaurants, where pizza is reinterpreted using local ingredients.
- For everyday dining, like a high-quality fast-food restaurant, very popular for informal dinners.
Cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Nice, and Strasbourg offer excellent pizzas, some faithful to the Italian style, others distinctly French. In the south, the Italian influence is stronger; in the east and in the Alps, regional pizzas with cheese are particularly popular.
In short, French pizza does not seek to copy Italian pizza, but to adapt it to its own tastes, regional diversity, and love of local produce.
The most typical pizza recipes in France
The French pizza is ready / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
The queen of pizzas
The pizza reine is one of the most popular pizzas in France.
It is prepared with tomato sauce, mozzarella, cooked ham, and mushrooms, sometimes with olives. It is a balanced recipe that is very popular, especially with those looking for a classic pizza that is mild and easy to share. In many French pizzerias, it is one of the best sellers.
Four cheese pizza
The four-cheese pizza is a classic French-style pizza.
It usually combines mozzarella with local cheeses such as Emmental, Comté, blue cheese, or goat cheese. Its flavor is more intense than the Italian version, thanks to the richness of France's cheese heritage. It is a hearty pizza, ideal for cheese lovers.
Pizza with crème fraîche
Pizza with crème fraîche is a very characteristic French specialty.
Crème fraîche replaces tomato sauce, giving the pizza a creamier texture and a more rounded flavor. It is often topped with bacon, onions, mushrooms, or potatoes, and is reminiscent of the traditional Alsatian flammekueche. It is one of the most representative pizzas of French cuisine, particularly in the east of the country.
A few recipes for French-style pizzas
Because the French are like that: they love to discover and improve on recipes they come across, there are pizzas that you will find in different regions of France. We invite you to discover the recipes.
Recipe for Savoyard pizza.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pate à pizza
- 1 Reblochon cheese (approximately 500 grams)
- 1 white onion
- 1 egg
- 3 potatoes
- 10 tablespoons of olive oil
- 20 cl of crème fraîche
- 100 grams of bacon bits.
- Salt, pepper
Tip: Always take the pizza dough out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before using it. This makes it easier to work with.
Delicious Savoyard pizza with cheese and bacon, baked in the oven. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: jhstudio via depositphotos.
The process
STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 210°C (thermostat 7).
STEP 2 Peel your onion and slice it into strips. Cut your Reblochon cheese into pieces that are not too thick (or into strips).
STEP 3 Wash and boil your potatoes, then peel and chop them into pieces. You can save time by cooking them for 6 minutes (after reducing the heat) in a pressure cooker.
STEP 4
Take a frying pan and fry your bacon and potatoes with a generous spoonful of olive oil, then add the sliced onion and leave to cook on a low heat for a few minutes while you finish the recipe.
STEP 5
Take your pizza dough and roll it out. Add the cream by spreading it on top, add the potato, bacon, and onion mixture, and spread it out evenly.
STEP 6 Add the pieces of Reblochon cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
STEP 5 Bake in your oven for 15 minutes at 410°F (thermostat 7).
Variations: Vosgienne and Normandy
You can also make variations with a Vosges cheese (simply replace the Reblochon with Munster-Geromé and use smoked bacon) or with a Normandy cheese (use Camembert).
Recipe for goat cheese and honey pizza
Serves 4
The ingredients.
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 goat cheese (there are dozens of varieties in France).
- 4 slices of cooked ham.
- 25 tablespoons heavy cream
- 40 cl of liquid honey
- 100 grams of mozzarella.
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: black olives and finely chopped basil.
Tip: Always take the pizza dough out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before using it. This makes it easier to work with.
The process.
Stage 1
Preheat your oven to 150°C (thermostat 5) and roll out the dough.
Stage 2
Cut your ham into strips and your goat cheese into rounds.
Stage 3
Spread the 25 cl of fresh cream (2 large tablespoons) over your pastry.
Stage 4
Arrange your ham and then spread your goat cheese on top. Season with salt and pepper.
Stage 5
Add the honey and finally sprinkle with mozzarella.
Step 6
Bake for 25 minutes at 150°C (you can also give it a quick blast by increasing the temperature to 180°C for 5 minutes).
A pizza in a French pizzeria/ photo chosen by Monsieur de France: EdZbarzhyvetsky via depositphotos
FAQs about pizza in France
Is pizza popular in France?
Yes, pizza is one of the most popular dishes in France. It can be found in pizzerias and restaurants alike and is part of the daily diet.
How does French pizza differ from Italian pizza?
French pizza generally uses more cheese, sometimes crème fraîche, and combinations of ingredients adapted to local tastes, unlike the stricter Italian tradition.
What is the most popular pizza in France?
The queen pizza, with ham and mushrooms, is one of the most popular in France, along with the four cheese pizza and other local recipes.
Is crème fraîche used in French pizza?
Yes, in France, it is common to replace tomatoes with crème fraîche in certain recipes, particularly in regional-style pizzas.
Is pizza considered fast food in France?
Although it is eaten quickly, pizza in France is also enjoyed as a complete and convivial dish, both at home and in restaurants.
