Pizza is one of America’s favorite comfort foods, and few things bring people together quite like a freshly baked pizza loaded with delicious toppings. From pepperoni and sausage to mushrooms, onions, and peppers, there are countless ways to enjoy this classic dish.

But did you know there is an entire national food holiday dedicated to enjoying a pizza piled high with everything except one famously controversial ingredient?

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day is celebrated every year on November 12. This unusual and entertaining food holiday encourages pizza lovers to enjoy a fully loaded pizza featuring their favorite toppings while leaving anchovies off the menu.

Whether you love a traditional combination pizza, a meat-loaded masterpiece, or a vegetable-packed creation, this celebration is the perfect excuse to order your favorite pizza or make one at home.

What Is National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day?

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day is an unofficial food holiday observed annually on November 12 in the United States.

The celebration focuses on one of the most popular styles of pizza: pizza with the works.

A pizza with the works generally includes a generous assortment of meats, vegetables, cheese, and sauce. Although the exact combination varies depending on the restaurant or personal preference, it usually includes several toppings that create a rich and satisfying flavor.

The one ingredient traditionally excluded from this particular celebration is anchovies.

Anchovies are small, saltwater fish that have been used as pizza toppings for generations. Their strong, salty flavor makes them one of the most divisive pizza ingredients.

Some pizza lovers enjoy their distinctive taste, while others prefer their pizza without them.

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day celebrates the latter preference while encouraging everyone to enjoy a delicious, fully loaded pizza.

When Is National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day Celebrated?

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day takes place every year on November 12.

Unlike some food holidays that change dates each year, this celebration always falls on November 12.

It provides an opportunity for families, friends, pizza restaurants, and home cooks to enjoy one of America’s most recognizable meals.

What Is the History of National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day?

The exact origins of National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day are not well documented.

There is no widely verified historical record identifying the individual, restaurant, or organization responsible for creating the celebration.

However, the holiday reflects America’s long-standing enthusiasm for pizza and the tradition of customizing pizzas with different toppings.

Pizza originated in Italy, with Naples playing a particularly important role in the development of the modern dish.

Italian immigrants later helped introduce pizza to American communities, particularly in cities such as New York.

During the twentieth century, pizza became increasingly popular throughout the United States.

As pizzerias expanded and delivery services became more common, Americans developed their own regional styles and topping preferences.

Combination pizzas, supreme pizzas, and pizzas with the works became especially popular because they offered customers several flavors in a single meal.

Anchovies also became associated with pizza, although their strong flavor was not universally appreciated.

Over time, ordering a pizza with everything except anchovies became a familiar expression of personal preference.

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day celebrates that tradition in a humorous and delicious way.

What Does Pizza With the Works Mean?

Pizza with the works generally means a pizza topped with a wide variety of ingredients rather than just one or two toppings.

The exact definition varies by restaurant, but the goal is to create a pizza with plenty of flavor, texture, and variety.

A traditional pizza with the works might include:

• Pepperoni

• Italian sausage

• Ground beef

• Bacon

• Mushrooms

• Green bell peppers

• Onions

• Black olives

• Mozzarella cheese

• Tomato-based pizza sauce

Some versions also feature ham, tomatoes, garlic, or additional cheeses.

The combination of savory meats, fresh vegetables, melted cheese, and seasoned sauce creates a pizza that offers something different in nearly every bite.

However, there is no universal rule requiring every topping to be included.

For National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day, the most important tradition is enjoying a generously topped pizza without anchovies.

Why Are Anchovies Left Off the Pizza?

Anchovies have one of the strongest and most recognizable flavors among traditional pizza toppings.

These small fish are commonly preserved in salt or oil, creating a concentrated savory taste.

For people who enjoy anchovies, their salty, umami-rich flavor can complement tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients.

However, some people find anchovies too salty or overpowering.

Their distinctive aroma and flavor can also influence the overall taste of a pizza.

Because of these characteristics, anchovies have developed a reputation as a topping that people either love or strongly dislike.

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day humorously recognizes this division.

The holiday does not suggest that anchovies are inherently bad. Instead, it celebrates the popularity of loaded pizzas among people who prefer other toppings.

What Is the Difference Between a Supreme Pizza and Pizza With the Works?

Supreme pizza and pizza with the works are often used to describe similar types of pizza.

Both usually contain several meat and vegetable toppings.

However, there can be differences depending on the restaurant.

Supreme Pizza

A supreme pizza typically features a predetermined combination of popular toppings.

Common ingredients include pepperoni, Italian sausage, onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

Some restaurants also include olives or additional vegetables.

Pizza With the Works

Pizza with the works often suggests an even broader selection of available toppings.

Depending on the restaurant, it may include more meat varieties, additional vegetables, and specialty ingredients.

The phrase can also mean adding nearly every standard topping offered by the pizzeria.

The main distinction is that supreme pizza is often a specific menu item, while pizza with the works may describe a heavily customized pizza.

For National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day, either style can work as long as the anchovies are excluded.

How Do You Make Pizza With the Works at Home?

One of the best ways to celebrate National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day is by making your own fully loaded pizza.

Homemade pizza allows you to choose the crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings according to your preferences.

Ingredients

Makes one 12–14-inch pizza | Approximately 3–4 servings

• 1 prepared pizza dough

• ½ cup pizza sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni

• ½ cup cooked Italian sausage

• ¼ cup cooked bacon pieces

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms

• ½ cup chopped green bell peppers

• ¼ cup sliced red onions

• ¼ cup sliced black olives

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Heat your oven to 475°F. If using a pizza stone, allow it to preheat according to the manufacturer’s directions.

2. Prepare the dough. Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12–14-inch circle and place it on a lightly oiled pizza pan or a suitable baking surface.

3. Add the sauce. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.

5. Layer the meats. Distribute the pepperoni, fully cooked Italian sausage, and cooked bacon across the pizza.

6. Add the vegetables. Scatter the mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives evenly over the meat and cheese.

7. Season the pizza. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the toppings. Lightly brush the exposed crust with olive oil.

8. Bake. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12–18 minutes, depending on crust thickness and your baking surface.

9. Check for doneness. The crust should be golden brown, the cheese should be bubbling, and the center should be fully cooked.

10. Slice and serve. Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Add Parmesan cheese if desired.

The result is a flavorful homemade pizza packed with classic toppings and absolutely no anchovies.

What Are the Best Toppings for Pizza With the Works?

The beauty of pizza with the works is that there are countless topping combinations to explore.

While traditional combinations are always popular, experimenting with different ingredients can make your pizza even more interesting.

Best Meat Toppings

Pepperoni remains one of America’s most popular pizza toppings because of its savory, slightly spicy flavor.

Italian sausage adds richness and seasoning, while bacon contributes a smoky taste.

Other excellent meat options include ham, grilled chicken, ground beef, and Canadian bacon.

Best Vegetable Toppings

Vegetables add freshness, color, and texture to a heavily topped pizza.

Bell peppers provide sweetness and crunch, while mushrooms contribute an earthy flavor.

Onions become sweeter as they cook, and black olives add a slightly salty taste.

Other options include spinach, roasted garlic, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and jalapeños.

Best Cheese Combinations

Mozzarella is the traditional foundation for most American-style pizzas because of its excellent melting properties.

However, combining mozzarella with provolone, Parmesan, or fontina can add additional flavor.

A small amount of sharp cheddar can also work well on certain combination pizzas.

The key is finding a balance between the toppings rather than allowing one ingredient to overpower everything else.

How Can You Keep a Loaded Pizza From Getting Soggy?

One common challenge when preparing pizza with the works is preventing the crust from becoming soggy.

Adding too many toppings, particularly vegetables containing large amounts of moisture, can make it difficult for the crust to bake properly.

Fortunately, a few simple techniques can help.

Use a moderate amount of sauce. Too much pizza sauce can introduce excess moisture.

Cook raw meat before adding it. Ground beef and Italian sausage should be fully cooked before being placed on the pizza.

Remove moisture from vegetables. Pat washed vegetables dry and consider sautéing mushrooms before adding them.

Avoid overcrowding. A fully loaded pizza should have plenty of toppings, but they should be distributed in a relatively even layer.

Use a properly heated oven. High oven temperatures help create a crisp crust while melting the cheese.

Consider a pizza stone or steel. A preheated baking surface can improve the texture of homemade pizza crust.

These techniques can make a significant difference when preparing a pizza loaded with meats, vegetables, and cheese.

How Do Americans Celebrate National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day?

There are several enjoyable ways to recognize this unusual food holiday.

Order a Fully Loaded Pizza

Visit your favorite local pizzeria and order a combination pizza, supreme pizza, or pizza with the works.

Just remember to leave off the anchovies.

Host a Pizza Night

Invite friends or family members over for a homemade pizza dinner.

Provide different toppings so everyone can customize their own pizza.

Try a New Pizza Combination

Experiment with ingredients you would not normally choose.

Consider roasted peppers, caramelized onions, spicy sausage, or a different cheese blend.

Support a Local Pizzeria

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day offers a good opportunity to support independent pizza restaurants in your community.

Share Your Pizza Creation

Take a photograph of your homemade or restaurant pizza and share it on social media.

You can use hashtags such as #NationalPizzaWithTheWorksExceptAnchoviesDay, #PizzaWithTheWorks, and #PizzaLovers.

What Are Some Fun Facts About Pizza?

Pizza has a fascinating history and remains one of the most recognizable foods in the world.

Here are several interesting facts worth knowing.

Pizza has deep Italian roots. Naples is widely associated with the development of modern pizza.

Pepperoni is an American favorite. Although inspired by Italian cured meats, American-style pepperoni developed as a distinctive pizza topping in the United States.

Pizza comes in many regional styles. New York-style, Chicago deep-dish, Detroit-style, and California-style pizzas each have distinctive characteristics.

Pizza can be customized almost endlessly. Different crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings allow people to create combinations that suit their tastes.

Anchovies have a long culinary history. Salt-preserved fish have been used in Mediterranean cooking for centuries.

Combination pizzas are especially versatile. They allow people to enjoy several ingredients without ordering multiple pizzas.

Pizza is enjoyed around the world. Different countries have developed their own topping combinations and regional interpretations.

Frequently Asked Questions About National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day

Is National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day a Real Holiday?

Yes. It is an unofficial food observance celebrated annually on November 12. It is not a federal holiday or an officially designated national observance.

Why Is National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day Celebrated?

The holiday celebrates fully loaded pizzas while humorously recognizing that many pizza lovers prefer to leave anchovies off their orders.

What Does Pizza With the Works Usually Include?

Pizza with the works commonly includes pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, cheese, and tomato sauce. Additional ingredients vary by restaurant.

Can You Celebrate With a Vegetarian Pizza?

Absolutely. A vegetarian pizza loaded with mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, spinach, tomatoes, and other vegetables fits the spirit of the celebration.

Are Anchovies Common on Pizza?

Anchovies are a traditional pizza topping, but they are less commonly selected than popular options such as pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms in many American pizzerias.

Is Pizza With the Works the Same as a Combination Pizza?

They are often similar. Both typically feature several different toppings, although exact combinations depend on the restaurant.

Is National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day the Same as National Pizza Day?

No. National Pizza Day is commonly observed on February 9, while National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day takes place on November 12.

Can You Make Pizza With the Works Without Meat?

Yes. A meatless version can include a wide selection of vegetables, cheeses, and plant-based toppings.

Why National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day Is Worth Celebrating

Food holidays do not always need complicated traditions or elaborate celebrations.

Sometimes, they simply provide a reason to enjoy something familiar.

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day is a lighthearted reminder of how food brings people together.

Pizza is often associated with family dinners, birthday parties, sporting events, movie nights, and casual gatherings with friends.

It is also one of the easiest meals to customize because nearly everyone has a favorite combination of toppings.

Some people prefer classic pepperoni, while others enjoy sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives piled high.

And, of course, there are those who enjoy anchovies despite the holiday’s playful exclusion of them.

Ultimately, the celebration is about enjoying pizza exactly the way you like it.

Final Thoughts

National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day, celebrated every November 12, is a fun and delicious tribute to one of America’s favorite comfort foods.

Whether you order a supreme pizza from your favorite restaurant, prepare a homemade combination pizza, or gather friends and family for a pizza night, the holiday offers a simple opportunity to enjoy good food and good company.

From savory pepperoni and Italian sausage to colorful vegetables and melted mozzarella, pizza with the works delivers plenty of flavor in every slice.

And on this particular national food holiday, there is only one traditional request:

Give me everything on my pizza—except the anchovies!