There are very few people who haven’t heard of or eaten Pizza in their lives. Whether it is kids, millennials, or young adults, everyone thinks about Pizza making it quintessentially one of the most popular foods. People purchase three billion pizzas per year, according to the National Association of Pizza. So when we have decided to make this deliciousness part of our lives, why not experiment a little with the different types of pizzas available? We have curated a list of some of the popular types of pizza styles you can try.


Image Source: Freepik

What is Pizza? & History of Pizza:

Pizza is an Italian dish that has a leavened wheat-based dough flattened base, which is usually round, traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature. Although people add toppings as per their taste, some popular toppings are tomatoes, cheese with meat, olives, onions, mushrooms, etc. Pizzetta is the name given to a small pizza, and pizzaiolo is the name given to the person who makes Pizza.

Since the Neolithic age, foods similar to Pizza have been in preparation. Throughout history, there have been records of people adding other ingredients to make bread more flavorful.

In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States, and this delicacy was available in the areas where there was a concentration of Italian immigrants. The very first pizzeria was opened in 1905, named Lombardi’s.

Top 10 Different Types Of Pizza With Images:

Though Pizza is one of our favorite party snacks, many of us don’t know the different types available in the market. Therefore, we have mentioned different kinds of Pizza, their differentiating factors, and some baking tips.

1. Neapolitan Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

One of the original Pizza types is the Neapolitan Pizza which originated in Naples, Italy, back in the 18th century. In the seaside city, poorer citizens frequently purchased food that could be gobbled and was cheap during this time. Therefore, Neapolitan Pizza was readily available through numerous street vendors, which was affordable and lucky for them. Neapolitan Pizza has three official variants such as:

  • Pizza Marinara.
  • Pizza Margherita.
  • Margherita extra.

Traditional toppings of Neapolitan Pizza include olive oil, tomatoes, basil leaves, oregano, and mozzarella. However, Neapolitan Pizza is designed not to handle too many toppings since it is thin and can only be eaten with a knife and fork.

The baking suggestion of Neapolitan Pizza is to get an authentic and natural flavor and bake it in a wood-burning oven at the temperature of 800 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes only 70 to 90 seconds to bake the pie at this high temperature.

2. NewYork Style Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

NewYork style Pizza is one of the famous regional American pizza types whose characteristic feature is the large, foldable slices and a crispy outer crust. Many feel that the flavor of the NewYork style Pizza comes from the town’s water supply. New York slice has gained all the fame for itself, though initially, it was a variation of Neapolitan-style Pizza.

Traditional Toppings of New York-style Pizza include mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. Some of the other toppings include anchovies, mushrooms, pepperoni, and sausage.

For an authentic taste, the baking suggestion of New York-Style Pizza is to cook it in coal or wood-burning oven; but many people bake them in gas deck ovens giving them a crispy and delicious result.

See More: Different Flour Varieties

3. Chicago Style Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

Also called deep-dish Pizza, this kind of Pizza gets its name from the city it was invented in, hence the name “Chicago Pizza.” Italian immigrants were searching for a Pizza that was familiar to Neapolitan Pizza during the early 1900s. Ike Sewell has created a Pizza with a thick crust, unlike the traditional Neapolitan Pizza. The Chicago-style Pizza had raised edges with a thick crust similar to a pie. The ingredients are placed in reverse, where the dough lining is covered with mozzarella, followed by meat, veggies, and then a can of crushed tomatoes on top.

Traditional toppings of Chicago-style Pizza include pepperoni, onion, ground beef, green peppers, and mushrooms. All the ingredients are placed under tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese is sprinkled to finish the Pizza.

Baking suggestions for Chicago-style Pizza include using oil to wipe the pan down because this process makes you get out the Pizza quickly out of the pan. To make the base of the dough a bit crispier, you can add oil to the pan. The baking time will be around 30 to 35 minutes since there are more toppings and dough.

4. Frozen Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

When you think of biting into a hot, delicious slice of Pizza, Frozen Pizza doesn’t always come to mind. However, several types of frozen Pizza are available in the market from famous brands such as Digiorno, Debonairs, etc., which are readily available in Costco, a popular grocery store chain in the USA. Frozen Pizza is as good as delivered Pizza as they have evolved significantly. The toppings are mentioned on the product cover, and therefore you can choose the one you want. The baking instructions are also marked on the product.

5. Greek Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

As the name suggests, the Pizza created by Greek immigrants who came to America, introduced to Italian Pizza, is popularly known as Greek Pizza. This type of Pizza features a thick and chewy crust cooked in shallow, oiled pans, resulting in a nearly deep-fried bottom, and Greek-style Pizza is trendy in the New England states. Compared to other types of thin Pizzas, Greek-style Pizza has a thicker and larger crust and is cooked differently.

Traditional toppings of Greek Pizza include a combination of Greek and non-greek toppings such as red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. This type of Pizza is more on the sauce side than cheese and has a strong oregano flavor, and the sauce has a typical tangy tomato paste. Provolone, cheddar, and mozzarella are some of the cheese combinations used as toppings.

Greek Pizza is usually baked in a shallow and round pan coated heavily with olive oil to get a puffy, chewy crust. The bottom of the dough allows it to fry while it bakes if you line the pan with oil.

6. Sicilian Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

If you were under the impression that, Sicilian Pizza is similar to Neapolitan Pizza since they both originate from Italy, you’re mistaken. However, there are significant differences between these two types of Italian Pizza. Sicilian Pizza has a pillowy dough and provides a thick cut of Pizza, robust tomato sauce, and a crunchy crust. Unlike traditional Pizzas, a Sicilian Pizza is rectangular and is also called “sfincione.”

There is often a layer of cheese underneath the sauce preventing the square-cut Pizza from becoming soggy. After the Second World War, this Pizza became popular and was brought to America in the 19th century by Sicilian immigrants.

Traditional toppings of Sicilian Pizza include herbs, anchovies, onion, and bits of tomato.

Baking suggestions for Sicilian Pizza include lining your pan with an olive oil blend which helps with the flavoring of the Sicilian Pizza dough. The time required to bake your Pizza depends upon the temperature of your oven. For example, it should take about 15 to 20 minutes to bake a Sicilian Pizza at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. California Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

The unusual combination of ingredients makes the California Pizza unique and is also called gourmet Pizza. The California-style Pizza is typically served as a slice rather than as a whole Pizza. The thin base and crust make this Pizza similar to Neapolitan and the New York style. California-style Pizza was born from the experiments done in an Italian restaurant, Prego, by Chef Ed LaDou in the late 1970s.

Though there are no specific traditional toppings for California Pizza, bacon, goat’s cheese, egg, vegetables, and pepperoni are popular. Chicken is yet another popular addition.

Baking suggestions of California Pizza are determined by choice to use either thin or thick crust.

See More: Different Kinds of Sandwiches

8. Calzone:


Image Source: Freepik

Calzone might not technically be considered a Pizza, but it might count. It is essentially a Pizza that is folded before baked if you are unfamiliar with a calzone. It is a traditional Italian dish that was created in the 18th Century in Naples. Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, ham, and salami are the original toppings inside the Calzone. Though it is a folded Pizza, it is not overly thick and can contain vegetables, and is full of flavor. Though you might need to use a knife and fork to eat, Calzone is a delicious alternative to a standard Pizza.

9. Detroit Style Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

Detroit-style Pizza was initially baked in a square automotive parts pan in the 1940s, reflecting the city’s deep ties to the auto industry. This type of Pizza has a caramelized cheese perimeter because it is spread with brick cheese after topping it with pepperoni first. Similar to Chicago-style Pizza, the sauce is then spooned over the Pizza. The Detroit-style Pizza is tender and airy on the inside while having a thick and extra crispy crust. Because it is pan-fried, the base of this Pizza is crunchier.

Traditional toppings of Detroit Pizza are brick cheese (usually Wisconsin brick cheese), tomato sauce, and pepperoni. Mushrooms and olives are other typical toppings of this Pizza.

Baking suggestions for Detroit-type Pizza is to use a specialized Detroit pan. While pushing the dough to the edges of the pan, make sure to press the air out. To get the perimeter of the edges caramelized, make sure to spread the cheese generously. Cook it for 10 to 15 minutes at the highest temperature.

10. St. Louis Style of Pizza:


Image Source: Freepik

St. Louis Pizza is one of the favorite pizza flavors for people looking for a light slice. This Pizza dough is made without yeast and has a thin crust with a cracker-like consistency. St. Louis Pizza is usually cut into three or four-inch rectangles known as a tavern or party cut due to the crispy crust. In addition, a combination of cheddar, swiss, and provolone cheeses called Provel processed cheese, is featured in this Pizza. Finally, it has a Sicilian influence in its sweet sauce, created by the Italian community, mainly from Milan and Sicily.

Traditional toppings of St. Louis Pizza include sweeter tomato sauce with a hefty dosage of oregano and Provel cheese. You can add toppings of your choice since the firm crust of this Pizza can support it.

Baking suggestions of St. Louis Pizza include using the lowest rack position. Also, use a pizza stone or a thin baking sheet.

There are different types of Pizza options available that you can choose from with the help of this article. Each Pizza has its unique taste since they are made slightly differently. But still, people tend to have preferences. By going through this article, you can have an idea about the different types of Pizzas before you try something new for your next family dinner. Don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!

See More: MushroomVarieties To Eat

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

1. What are the different types of pizza crusts?

Ans: The foundation of creating a delicious pizza is the dough and crust. Two of the most popular styles of Pizza crusts are thin and thick, though there are several ways to mold and shape your Pizza.

  • Thin crust Pizza: In these pizzas, the edge is crunchy yet doughy, while it is slimmer in the centre where all the ingredients are placed.
  • Thick crust Pizza: These pizzas have a thick crust throughout the Pizza to handle the toppings and sauce’s weight.

2. Do different styles of Pizza require other supplies and equipment?

The supplies and equipment required to make it vary, just like each Pizza is different. Bulk spices, pizza peels, pizza cutters, and convection ovens are some of the supplies needed to prepare a general Pizza. For example, a cast iron pan or deep dish is used to prepare a Chicago-style pizza. In contrast, a pizza screen is used to prepare California and NewYork style Pizzas traditionally. So if you want to design a homemade pizza, make sure you choose the right supplies.

3. What are some of the popular Pizza toppings for non-vegetarian Pizza?

Ans: One of the best-loved fast foods worldwide for people of all ages is Pizza. Several food joints provide you with a variety of Pizzas, and here is the list of some of the popular toppings if you are a non-vegetarian:

  • Pepperoni.
  • Bacon.
  • Salami.
  • Chicken breasts.
  • Sausages.
  • Ham.

4. Why is pepperoni Pizza so famous?

Ans: The mixture of cured pork and beef is used in Pepperoni Pizza, and non-vegetarians agree that it is a favorite. Pepperonis provide a tangy taste to your Pizza with its spicy nature. So, go for pepperoni toppings if you are a fan of spice.

5. What are the popular toppings for a vegetarian Pizza?

Ans: Who said you could not enjoy the taste of Pizza with vegetarian toppings? Here are some of the popular toppings used in many vegetarian Pizzas:

  • Mushrooms.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Black olives.
  • Bell peppers.
  • Onions.
  • Figs.
  • Corn.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is based on pure research and not a professional opinion. The website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.

Yashasvi

About Yashasvi

Yashasvi developed a deep passion for writing ever since she was completed her Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity. A Parenting expert who believes in communicating effectively with a personal touch, she writes about pregnancy, baby care, lifestyle, and just about anything else.
ADVERTISEMENT