When it comes to pizza, you can eat anything. Around the world, there are a lot of different styles. Instead, it's that the different styles of pizza have totally different meanings because of where they came from and how they've been changed. Looking at those styles teaches you about history as well as food. There are big differences between pizzas in New York, chicago, and Detroit. America loves pizza, but pizza is made very differently in other countries. Moreover, the immigrants who brought these styles to the United States gave them their own unique qualities. Here's a look at some of the most popular pizza types and what makes them all so different, from the traditional pizzas from Naples to the insane ones made in California.
New York Style Pizza
Characterized by its large, thin, and foldable slices, New York-style pizza boasts a hand-tossed crust with a slightly crispy exterior and chewy interior. Toppings are generously layered, with a perfect balance of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. This iconic pizza is typically sold in large, wide slices, making it a popular street food choice in the bustling streets of New York City.
Roman Style Pizza
Roman-style pizza, also known as pizza al taglio, features a rectangular shape with a thick, airy crust. The dough is left to ferment for an extended period, resulting in a light and airy texture. Toppings vary widely and are often creatively arranged, with options ranging from classic Margherita to gourmet combinations featuring seasonal ingredients.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago deep-dish pizza is renowned for its thick, buttery crust that forms a deep dish to hold a generous amount of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. The crust is sturdy enough to support the weight of the toppings, creating a hearty and indulgent pizza experience. Baked in a deep pan, this pizza boasts layers of flavour and texture, with gooey cheese and savoury fillings that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is the symbol of simplicity, featuring a thin, chewy crust topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. The dough is stretched by hand and baked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures, resulting in a blistered crust with a soft and airy interior. This pizza is known for its fresh and rich flavours, with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
California Style Pizza
With its thin, crispy crust and unusual toppings, California-style pizza is a unique take on the standard Italian dish. Some popular additions are barbecue sauce, rocket, avocado and goat cheese. This shows how Californian food has been influenced by many different types of food. People love this pizza because it's made with creative combinations of fresh, seasonal vegetables and is often baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a smoky flavour.
Miami Style Pizza
Miami-style pizza is a fusion of Latin and American flavours, featuring a thin crust with a slightly crispy texture. Toppings often include Cuban-inspired ingredients such as ham, roasted pork, and pickles, alongside classic pizza toppings like mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. This unique pizza shows the lively culinary scene of Miami, with bold flavours and eclectic combinations that appeal to a diverse range of tastes.
Greek Style Pizza
Greek pizza is known for its layered toppings of feta and mozzarella cheeses atop a rich tomato sauce and a light, airy crust. Before baking, the crust is usually drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs, which enhance the scent and depth of flavour. A flavourful and filling pizza experience reminiscent of Mediterranean food is created when toppings such gyro meat, onions, peppers, and olives are used, which are influenced by Greek tradition.