11 Popular Pizza Types You Need to Try
Types of pizza showcase the incredible versatility and creativity of one of the world’s favorite dishes.
From classic Margherita to unconventional toppings, each pizza type brings unique flavors and textures to the table.
Each type has its own story and culinary heritage.
For more details, here are 11 best pizza varieties around the world.
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza represents the heart of Italian culinary tradition.
Originating in Naples during the 18th century, this dish reflects a rich history tied to its humble beginnings.
A thin crust serves as a canvas for fresh ingredients, allowing each flavor to shine without overwhelming the palate.
The balance between simplicity and quality makes pizza become a special dish.
Read on and discover Neapolitan pizza through its variations, toppings, and baking suggestions.
Different Styles Of Neapolitan Pizza
The Margherita highlights the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients.
It’s a straightforward pizza that lets the tomato sauce shine and is perfect for garlic lovers.
Classic Toppings For Neapolitan Pizza
Popular ones are tomatoes, fresh mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala Campana or Fior di Latte), fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, an oregano.
Tips For Baking Neapolitan Pizza
To honor tradition, the finest Neapolitan pizza is prepared just as it has been for centuries: in a wood-fired oven reaching temperatures of 800 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using this method, the thin crust bakes in just 70 to 90 seconds.
New York-Style Pizza
New York City has a special connection with pizza, particularly its famous New York Style.
Known for its large, hand-tossed thin crust, this pizza can be enjoyed by the slice, making it convenient for anyone on the go.
Some believe that the city's tap water gives the pizza a distinct taste due to unique minerals found in it.
Regardless of this theory, many agree that New York pizza is delicious and an essential part of any visit to The Big Apple.
Classic Toppings For New York-Style Pizza
Traditional toppings for New York-Style pizza include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, anchovies, and fresh basil.
Tips For Baking New York-Style Pizza
For an authentic experience, you can bake this pizza in a wood or coal-fired oven, staying true to its roots.
However, many also opt for gas deck ovens, which deliver equally delicious results.
Chicago Pizza
Chicago-style pizza stands out as a strong contender among American pizza types.
Known for its deep dish, this variety features a tall crust baked in a pan, offering a hearty experience.
Italian immigrants created this style in the early 1900s by opting for an unconventional approach that resembles pie more than traditional pizza.
Traditional Toppings For Chicago Pizza
Chicago-style pizza normally includes mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and sometimes spinach, often layered with a chunky tomato sauce and topped with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Baking Recommendations For Chicago Pizza
To create the perfect Chicago pizza, start by grabbing a pan and greasing it to prevent the crust from sticking.
Keep in mind that this pizza requires a longer baking time, around 30 minutes, to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.
Greek Pizza
Greek pizza enjoys great popularity in New England, capturing the taste buds of many.
Thick crusts define this dish, baked in shallow pans that create higher edges and a unique deep-fried bottom.
Contrary to its name, this style did not originate in Greece; it emerged from Greek immigrants who were inspired by Italian pizza yet wanted to add their own twist.
Signature Toppings For Greek Pizza
Greek pizza include mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onions, tomatoes, spinach, green peppers, and oregano, often topped with a drizzle of olive oil and sometimes a sprinkle of tzatziki sauce.
Baking Tips For Greek Pizza
For Greek-style pizza, be sure to use plenty of oil to grease your pan, ensuring a crispy, chewy crust full of flavor.
Similar to Chicago deep-dish pizza, this pizza needs to be fried for about 30 minutes to reach perfection before serving.
St. Louis Pizza
St. Louis pizza features an incredibly thin crust, making it a light and enjoyable meal.
This unique dough does not use yeast, contributing to its delicate texture.
The recipe originated from Amedeo Fiore, an immigrant who created it at his Italian restaurant near Chase Park Plaza Hotel.
Instead of the usual triangular slices, this style is cut into rectangular pieces known as tavern cut.
Louis Pizza Toppings
They include a slightly sweet tomato sauce, combined with cheddar, provolone, and Swiss cheeses, topped with various additions like sausage, bacon, and mushrooms.
Louis Pizza Baking Ideas
Due to the thin crust, it's important to monitor the baking time, as it’s quite short.
Using a genuine pizza stone or a thin baking sheet is recommended.
Bake the pizza at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza, known as sfincione, features a thick crust similar to focaccia bread.
Served in rectangular slices, this style makes it easy to grab and enjoy on the go.
An intriguing aspect involves layering cheese beneath the sauce; this clever technique keeps the dough from becoming soggy.
Originating from sunny Sicily, each bite showcases a delightful mix of flavors and textures that highlight local ingredients.
Traditional Toppings For Sicilian Pizza
Traditional toppings for Sicilian pizza include mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, anchovies, and sometimes olives or green peppers, all layered on a thick, square crust.
Baking Advice For Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza should be baked on a sheet pan in the oven.
It’s common to let the dough rise before handling and baking, which contributes to its soft, fluffy texture.
Detroit Pizza
Pepperoni takes center stage in Detroit-style pizza, making it a must-try for enthusiasts.
Originating in the 1940s at Buddy’s Rendezvous, this dish reflects the spirit of Detroit.
Initially baked in square automotive parts pans due to a lack of suitable options, it has evolved over time.
Today, specialized baking pans are used to achieve that signature crust and texture.
This pizza remains one of the city’s most cherished culinary treasures.
Classic Toppings For Detroit Pizza
It includes mozzarella cheese, pepperoni (often placed under the cheese), Italian sausage, and a chunky tomato sauce, typically spread over the top in stripes after baking.
Baking Tips For Detroit Pizza
You should use a specialized Detroit pan or a jelly roll pan.
Spread the dough evenly, ensuring it reaches the edges and has no air pockets.
Bake at high temperatures, between 500 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, for 15 minutes.
California Pizza
California pizza deserves a spot on your plate.
This thin-crust delight combines traditional Italian style with fresh, local toppings that reflect the region's flavors.
A taste of this pizza can evoke memories of sunny days and the relaxed Californian lifestyle.
Different Styles Of California Pizza
A popular variation of California pizza is BBQ chicken pizza, topped with grilled chicken and tangy BBQ sauce.
Traditional Toppings For California Pizza
Common toppings include mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado, bacon, smoked salmon, and various seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Often, these pizzas feature a light tomato sauce or no sauce at all, allowing the toppings to shine.
Baking Suggestions For California Pizza
Some prefer to bake this pizza in a wood-fired oven, which provides a quick cooking time.
Roman-Style Pizza
Originating in Rome, Roman pizza has gained popularity worldwide.
Known for its thick crust resembling focaccia bread, this style is typically served in slices similar to New York-style pizza.
A few toppings keep the flavors fresh and light, making it a great choice during warm months.
Classic Toppings For Roman Pizza
They are mozzarella cheese, anchovies, capers, olives, mushrooms, prosciutto, and fresh basil.
Baking Tips For Roman Pizza
You can easily bake a Roman pizza, but be sure to use slightly lower temperatures to ensure the dough cooks thoroughly without burning the toppings.
Mexican Pizza
The world of food has seen many exciting combinations, and Mexican pizza is a standout example.
This dish emerged in 1985 when Taco Bell introduced it to their menu.
Blending the flavors of burritos and pizza creates a mouthwatering experience that appeals to fans of both cuisines.
Varieties exist that mix different culinary traditions, showcasing creativity in the kitchen.
Enjoying this fusion can be a delightful treat for anyone who loves bold flavors!
Traditional Toppings For Mexican Pizza
Refried beans, seasoned ground beef or chicken, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and olives are popular choices.
Baking Advice For Mexican Pizza
Since the crust for this pizza is made from tortillas rather than traditional dough, you'll need to bake them separately in a pan first.
Then, place one tortilla on a baking sheet, top it with beef, another tortilla, and the remaining ingredients.
Bake the pizza in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Dessert Pizza
Dessert pizza deserves attention for its creative blend of flavors.
Combining sweet toppings like fruits, chocolate, caramel, cream, or peanut butter creates a delightful dish.
Trying this unique dish might surprise those who are skeptical about mixing pizza and dessert.
Classic Toppings For Dessert Pizza
They feature ingredients like Nutella, cream cheese, chocolate chips, fresh fruits (such as strawberries, bananas, or apples), marshmallows, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Baking Tips For Dessert Pizza
The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your dough.