The Ultimate Guide to the Different Types and Styles of Pizza

Introduction to the Various Types of Pizza

Pizza is one of the most popular foods around the world. What started in Italy has now become a staple food in many countries. The basic concept of pizza is dough topped with tomato sauce and cheese that is then baked in an oven. However, throughout the years, many variations of pizza have emerged leading to an extensive range of options.

There are two main categories of pizza - Neapolitan pizza and Non-Neapolitan pizza. Neapolitan pizza adheres to traditional methods of preparation with simple toppings. Non-Neapolitan encompasses all the contemporary types of pizza available today. Within these categories, there are numerous styles of pizza to satisfy any craving.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza, also known as Naples-style pizza, follows traditional methods used in Naples, Italy. The dough contains only flour, water, salt, and yeast. It is kneaded by hand and must undergo fermentation for at least six hours. Neapolitan pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, with basil leaves added after baking. The pizza is baked at high temperatures which allows the crust to puff up slightly and develop char marks along the outer edge.

1. Marinara Pizza

The Marinara pizza contains tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. It does not contain cheese, making it suitable for those who cannot eat dairy products. The tomato sauce and garlic provide plenty of flavor. The Marinara pizza allows you to enjoy the taste of quality pizza dough and sauce.

2. Margherita Pizza

The Margherita pizza contains tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. It is the most popular Neapolitan pizza and has a balanced composition of flavors. The tomato sauce provides acidity, the mozzarella contributes the richness, and the basil gives fragrance. The red, white and green color scheme represents the Italian flag.

3. Quattro Formaggi Pizza

As the name suggests, the Quattro Formaggi or four cheese pizza contains a blend of four cheeses. Typically it includes mozzarella and parmesan along with gorgonzola and taleggio cheese. The combination of soft and hard cheeses pairs nicely with the pizza dough to create a very flavorful pie.

Non-Neapolitan Pizza Styles

Beyond the traditional Neapolitan pizza, many styles have emerged throughout the years as pizza has spread globally. Non-Neapolitan pizzas do not adhere to the strict guidelines governing Neapolitan pizza. The dough, sauces, cheeses, and toppings used in non-Neapolitan pizzas vary immensely depending on the region and cultural influences.

4. New York-Style Pizza

New York-style pizza has a thin, hand-tossed crust which is folded when eaten. The crust is crispy along the outer rim but soft and pliable enough to fold from the center. New York-style pizzas are typically larger than Neapolitan pizzas. They contain tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese as the default, with additional toppings as desired.

5. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

Chicago deep-dish pizza has a thick, tall crust that forms a deep bowl shape. The crust has a buttery taste and contains cornmeal and olive oil. Rather than tomato sauce, slices of mozzarella are placed directly atop the crust, along with chunks of tomato. Additional toppings like sausage and pepperoni come next, followed by another layer of cheese. Due to the thick crust, Chicago deep-dish takes longer to bake than thin crust pizzas.

6. California-Style Pizza

California-style pizza originated in California and is characterized by unusual ingredients inspired by the diverse food culture of the state. The crust is typically thin but can be thick or multi-grain wheat. California pizzas may include non-traditional toppings like chicken, barbeque sauce, goat cheese, egg, and avocado. The emphasis is on novel ingredient combinations not found elsewhere.

7. Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza hails from Sicily but became popular in the United States. It has a thick, spongy crust which is typically rectangular but can also be round. The dough contains semolina flour, yeast, olive oil, sugar, salt, and tomato sauce. Sicilian pizza is topped first with cheese then tomato sauce for a unique order of layers. Anchovies, onion, and oregano seasonings are common toppings.

Types of Pizza Crust

The crust is the foundation of any pizza that supports the toppings. There are many options when it comes to pizza crust, which significantly impacts the eating experience.

Thin Crust

Thin crust is flexible and slightly crispy on the outside. Neapolitan and New York style pizzas have thin crusts. It provides the right balance between crunch and softness. Thin crust allows you to fully taste the pizza toppings in each bite.

Thick Crust

Thick crust is doughy and soft on the inside with a nicely browned exterior. Chicago deep dish pizzas have very thick crusts up to 2 inches tall. The abundant dough balances out the rich fillings. Thick crust is very filling so typically 2-3 slices is enough.

Stuffed Crust

Stuffed crust contains cheese melded into the outer perimeter of the dough. As the pizza bakes, the cheese in the crust melts creating the signature pull-apart quality with cheese oozing out. Pepperoni and other meats are also used to stuff the crust and provide pockets of flavor.

Cauliflower Crust

Cauliflower crust is a gluten-free option made using cauliflower, eggs, cheese, and seasonings. The veggies are processed into dough then baked. Cauliflower crust has fewer carbohydrates and calories than traditional dough, appealing to those with dietary needs.

Whole Wheat Crust

Whole wheat crust is healthier than white flour crust but denser with a nuttier flavor. The whole wheat flour contains the bran and germ making it higher in fiber and nutrients. Whole wheat crust pairs well with vegetable toppings and lighter sauces.

Pizza Toppings

Toppings personalize pizza and complement the crust and sauce. From classics like pepperoni to unique options like pineapple, toppings provide texture and flavor.

Meats

Popular meat toppings are pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, ground beef, and chicken. Pepperoni is the most prevalent, adding spice and a crispy texture. Sausage and bacon crumbles infuse pizza with smoky, savory notes.

Vegetables

Common vegetable toppings are mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach, black olives, and pineapple. Mushrooms and onions enhance the savoriness of pizza. Peppers and pineapple add sweetness. Tomatoes, spinach, and olives contribute brightness.

Cheese

Beyond the cheese in the sauce, extra cheese makes pizza even more decadent. Options like cheddar, feta, goat cheese, and plant-based cheeses take pizza to the next level. Blends of cheese create interesting flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Pizza began as a simple peasant dish in Italy but has exploded into an international phenomenon with limitless interpretations. There are countless styles, crusts, sauces, cheeses and toppings to customize your perfect pizza. Whether you prefer thin or thick, meaty or veggie, traditional or funky, there is a pizza out there to suit your cravings.

FAQs

What are the most popular types of pizza crust?

The most popular types of pizza crust are thin crust, thick crust, and stuffed crust. Thin crust is crispy and flexible like Neapolitan or New York-style pizza. Thick crust is doughy and soft inside but crispy outside like Chicago deep dish pizza. Stuffed crust contains cheese melted into the outer perimeter that oozes out when eating.

What are some unique pizza toppings?

Some unique pizza topping options include pineapple, egg, barbeque chicken, goat cheese, cauliflower, avocado, and plant-based meats. California-style pizzas often use inventive ingredients not found on traditional pizzas. The use of premium or gourmet toppings like prosciutto, arugula, and figs is also becoming popular.

Which pizza uses semolina flour in the crust?

Sicilian pizza traditionally uses semolina flour in the crust recipe. Semolina is coarsely ground durum wheat that gives the crust a thick, spongy texture. It has a sweeter, nuttier flavor than typical pizza dough made from all-purpose or bread flour.

What are the typical toppings on a Margherita pizza?

A traditional Margherita pizza contains tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. This simple but delicious combination provides the colors of the Italian flag - red, white, and green. The Margherita showcases high quality dough and ingredients.

Which pizza style has the thinnest crust?

New York-style pizza is known for having an extremely thin crust. The crust is hand tossed then stretched to form a very thin, flexible base with crispy outer edges. This allows the crust to be folded when eating a slice of New York pizza.