Not many people will deny their love for pizza, and Pizza is arguably one of the most popular and beloved foods in the world.
With its crispy crust, savory sauce, and mouth-watering toppings, pizza has become a staple in many cultures around the globe.
From family pizza nights to birthday parties, gathering of friends, or any occasion – pizza is a global favorite for a reason.
Did you know that there are different types of pizza? Did you know that pizza types differ per country?
Every country has its own unique methods and ingredients for making pizza.
From classic cheese and pepperoni to unique toppings and regional styles, pizza has evolved into a diverse and dynamic dish.
In this article, we will explore the various types of pizza based on ingredients and different countries.
Style of Pizza based on Ingredients:
Veggie Pizza:
A vegetarian pizza is loaded with delicious and healthy vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and olives.
Pepperoni Pizza:
Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the United States, and for a good reason. This savory and spicy meat adds an incredible flavor to any pizza.
Suggested reading: Ultimate Beef Pizza Recipe
Margherita Pizza:
The traditional Italian pizza known as “Margherita” was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy. The San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves are often added to the thin, crunchy crust before baking.
Red tomatoes, white cheese, and green basil serve as symbols for the three colors of the Italian flag in the arrangement of the toppings.
Pizza with a Margherita crust is renowned for its simple and delicious flavors that let the freshness of the ingredients shine through. It is commonly regarded as the benchmark for assessing a pizzeria’s quality because it is the most traditional and authentic pizza.
New Haven-style pizza
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Pizza made in the New Haven style is coal-fired and originates in Connecticut, home to Yale University.
If you want to try something different, you can also order a pizza with white clams in addition to the coal-charred pizzas, which have a harsh red sauce on top.
Hawaiian Pizza:
A pizza originating in Canada but gaining popularity in the United States, this pizza features pineapple, ham, and tomato sauce.
Focaccia
Focaccia bread is flat, leavened, oven-baked Italian bread often referred to as “white pizza” and has a similar appearance and texture to a normal pizza crust. Focaccia can be used as a sandwich bun or as a side dish. It could be square, rectangle, or spherical.
It can also be served as a starter with a lovely garlic taste.
BBQ Chicken Pizza:
My personal favorite 🙂 The BBQ chicken pizza with tangy BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, and onions is perfect for those who love a little sweetness in their pizza.
Popular Types of Pizza Styles based on Different Countries
Italian Pizza
The majority of people believe that pizza was first created in Italy. Italian pizza.
Pizza made in the traditional Neapolitan style is characterized by a crust that is very thin and crispy, as well as toppings that are particularly fresh.
Some of the most popular toppings include tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
Chicago style
Pizza made in the Chicago style, which is also known as deep-dish pizza, is distinguished by its thick and buttery crust that lines a deep dish. After that, tomato sauce, cheese, and a wide variety of meats and vegetables are spread on the surface of the pizza.
Detroit-style pizza
Detroit-style pizza was created in the 1940s on a square pan for auto parts due to the city’s close ties to the auto sector. A Detroit pizza is first topped with pepperoni.
Brick cheese is then spread to the pan’s edge, creating a caramelized cheese edge. Chicago-style pizza is prepared by adding sauce to the base of the pie.
The crust on this pizza is particularly thick and crunchy. The inside is light and plush.
New York Pizza
Pizza made in the New York style is easily recognizable by its signature big, paper-thin slices that are both crunchy on the exterior and chewy on the inside. This style of pizza is often hand tossed.
Pizza is typically offered by the slice, and consumers frequently fold their slices in half so they can consume them while on the move.
Cheese and pepperoni are two of the most typical toppings, but for a more interesting flavor, you may also add pesto and shrimp to your pizza.
Greek Style Pizza
The crust of a Greek pizza is typically more substantial, similar to that of bread, and it is topped with ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, onions, and peppers. In addition to that, it could come topped with gyro meat, spinach, and tomatoes.
Neapolitan Pizza
The first pizza was made in Neapolitan. In the 18th century, Naples, Italy, was the birthplace of this delicious pie.
Poor residents in this seaside city frequently purchased inexpensive, rapidly consumable food during this time.
Yet, they were fortunate in that it was simple and inexpensive to purchase Neapolitan pizza from street sellers.
Variations of the Neapolitan type of pizza
One of the popular variants of the Neapolitan pizza is known as the ‘Pizza Marinara’.
The Pizza Marinara has extra virgin olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and oregano.
Neapolitan Pizza
Which is also known as pide, often has the form of an oblong and is topped with ingredients such as ground lamb, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. It’s common to have a dollop of yogurt sauce on the side when you order it.
American Style
The word “American pizza” is a catch-all phrase that, depending on where you are in the country, may refer to a variety of distinct types of pizza. Some common American pizza styles include New York-style pizza, Chicago-style pizza, and California-style pizza.
St. Louis Pizza
Pizza from St. Louis has a cracker-like thin crust that is cooked without yeast. St. Louis pizza is typically cut into three- or four-inch-long rectangles because the dough is so crunchy.
Provel is the name of the processed cheese on this pizza. It is a melty combination of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses.
Many Italians arrived in St. Louis in the 1800s in search of employment. The majority of the people that prepared the St. Louis-style pizza were from Milan and Sicily. Its sweet sauce demonstrates the influence of Sicily.
Mexican Pizza
Refried beans, ground beef, salsa, and cheese are typically found on top of Mexican pizza, which is often prepared using a tortilla or a crust that is very thin and baked in the oven. Furthermore, jalapenos, avocados, and cilantro may be found on top of it.
Argentine pizza
The crust of the traditional Argentine pizza is often thick and bread-like, and it’s topped with ingredients like ham, peppers, onions, olives, and cheese. Furthermore, eggs and bacon might be placed on top of it.
Brazilian Pizza Style
The crust of Brazilian pizza is often very thin and crispy, and it’s topped with ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and ham. Moreover, it might have corn, green peas, and bacon on top of it.
The Colombian pizza
The crust of a typical Colombian pizza is typically more substantial, and common toppings include chorizo, cheese, and tomatoes. As toppings, you also have the option of adding black beans, plantains, and avocado.
German Style Pizza
The crust of German pizza is typically more substantial, similar to that of bread, and it is topped with ingredients like sausage, onions, and cheese. On top of it, it could also have sauerkraut, mushrooms, or red bell peppers.
French Pizza Style
French pizza is sometimes termed “tarte flambée.” Its crust is often very thin and crispy, and it’s topped with things like bacon, onions, and crème fraiche. Moreover, it might contain cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms on top of it.
Spanish Pizza Types
The typical toppings for Spanish pizza include tomato sauce, cheese, and peppers, and the crust is often thin and crispy. In addition to that, it could come topped with chorizo, ham, and shellfish.
Sicilian Pizza
The thick slice of “sfincione,” or Sicilian pizza, contains soft dough, a crunchy crust, and a potent tomato sauce. Pizza that is served either with or without cheese is cut into squares.
To prevent the pie from becoming mushy, the cheese is frequently placed beneath the sauce. In the 1800s, immigrants from Sicily introduced Sicilian pizza to America.
After World War Two, it gained popularity in the US.
Hungarian Pizza:
The crust of Hungarian pizza is typically bread-like and thicker, and it features toppings such as sour cream, sausage, and cheese. In addition to onions, peppers, and mushrooms, it might have those on top.
St. Louis-style pizza
The most contested type of pizza in the United States is likely made in Missouri, which is in the middle of the country.
There are many ardent admirers of the cracker-thin St. Louis-style pizza, but there are also some who are shocked or even repulsed by it.
According to Feast, Jimmy Kimmel is infamous for disliking Imo’s, the greatest spot to find pizza made in the St. Louis manner.
Even visitors from St. Louis to his presentation are questioned about their opinions. Yet it also has a large following.
The St. Louis native Jon Hamm said to Jimmy Kimmel in the same piece that the beverage “tastes like 11 World Series victories.” So, it is evident that people favor this look.
The genuine distinction between the most popular forms of pizza may be found at https://www.tastingtable.com/396619/.
Danish Pizza
The typical toppings for Danish pizza are tomato sauce, cheese, and ham, and the crust is typically thin and crispy. On top of that, it might also feature pineapple, red bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Type of Norway Pizza
Pizza in Norway often has a crust that is very thin and crispy, and it is topped with ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and bacon.
Pizza al Taglio
Italian pizza known as “pizza al taglio” is baked in rectangular trays and is offered in squares or rectangles. Pricing can be displayed either per pizza slice or per kilo. The first pizza al taglio was created in Rome in the late 1950s. On top, there was tomato sauce and olive oil.
In Rome and the rest of Italy, the dish is currently among the most well-liked street snacks. It’s crucial to allow the dough more time to rise and ferment while preparing pizza al taglio. Typically, the dough is baked, topped, and then baked once more. This results in a pizza that is easy to consume, light, and evenly cooked.
The Hidden History of Our beloved Pizza
Pizza has been around for thousands of years.
Even though pizza, as we know it now, came from Italy, its roots can be found in ancient cultures.
People think ancient Greeks and Romans ate flatbreads like pizza with olive oil and spices on top.
The first pizzas were simple and plain, but they were the building blocks for the tasty dish we know and love today.
In its infancy, the pizza looked nothing like we know it today. This changed in the 1600s in Naples, Italy.
In the city of Naples, the simple Margherita pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil was made for the first time. According to this article by India Today, the Margherita pizza was named after the consort of Italy, Queen Margherita of Savoy, who fell in love with the dish when she went to Naples in 1889.
It is believed that toward the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, Italian immigrants brought their love for pizza to the United States, where it became very popular very quickly.
New York-style pizza is known for its large slices and thin, crispy crust.
Pizza has drastically changed and adapted to different cultures and tastes over time.
In today’s age, many kinds of pizza, from Chicago-style pizza with a deep dish to California-style pizza with unusual toppings to overflowing amounts of cheese in cheesy pizzas have taken the world by storm.
At Tonight We Pizza, we soon found out how much people love making their own pizza dough and homemade pizzas.
In fact, many would argue that homemade pizza often tastes far better than takeaway pizza or frozen pizza.
Pizza has drastically changed since it was first made as a simple flatbread. It has evolved over time to fit different cultures and tastes.
But one thing remains, pizza is and will always be a global hit and loved by many.
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The Types of Pizza Crust
Pizza crusts can be different sizes, textures, and even tastes. Here are some of the most common types of pizza crust:
Thin crust:
Pizza with a thin crust is often crispy and crunchy. It is usually made with a thin layer of dough that is rolled out and stretched to fit the pizza pan. People who like a lighter, less doughy pizza like thin crust pizza.
Thick crust:
Pizza with a thick crust is different from pizza with a thin crust. It has a thicker layer of dough that often tastes like chewy bread. People who like a more filling and substantial pizza will like thick-crust pizza.
Stuffed crust:
Pizza with a stuffed crust is a fairly new idea that has become popular at many pizza chains. It’s done by putting cheese or other toppings inside the crust, so every bite is a cheesy, gooey surprise.
New York-style crust
New York-style pizza crust is known for being chewy and for having large slices that can be folded. It is often made with flour that is high in gluten and baked at a high temperature to make a crust that is crisp.
Neapolitan crust
The thin, crispy crust and slightly charred edges of Neapolitan-style pizza are what makes it famous. Usually, it is made with a simple dough that is left to rise for a few hours before it is baked in an oven that is heated by wood.
Gluten-free crust
Almond, rice, or potato flour are used to make gluten-free pizza crust so that people who are sensitive to gluten can eat it. It can be thin or thick, depending on the type.
Cauliflower crust
A popular low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust is cauliflower crust pizza. It is made with cauliflower rice, cheese, and an egg to make a delicious crust that is crispy and tasty.
The Different Types of Cheeses for Pizza
No one can resist the smell and taste of a beautiful cheese pizza. What types of chees go on Pizza?
But, not all cheeses are created equal. Especially when adding chees to your favorite homemade pizza.
We have put together a list of the different types of cheeses that can go on your pizza, as well as the differences in taste.
Mozzarella Cheese
It is a semi-soft, fresh cheese that is made from the milk of water buffaloes or cows. Traditionally, mozzarella cheese was made from the milk of water buffaloes, which is why it is sometimes called “buffalo mozzarella”.
Mozzarella cheese originated in Italy near Naples (specifically in the Campania region).
When making Mozzarella cheese, the milk is curdled with rennet or an acidic substance, like vinegar or lemon juice, to make mozzarella cheese.
Curdling the milk with rennet or an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice produces mozzarella cheese.
Then, the curds are removed from the whey and cooked and stretched to achieve the cheese’s signature texture.
Mozzarella cheese is stretchy in texture and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It has a soft, moist consistency when first made, but as it ages, it hardens and dries up.
Mozzarella is a popular pizza topping as it melts quickly and becomes deliciously gooey when cooked.
Ricotta
Whey, a byproduct of producing cheese, is used to make ricotta, a form of fresh cheese. The whey is often cooked before being combined with an acid like vinegar or lemon juice.
As a result, curds are formed from the whey proteins adhering to one another. A soft, creamy, slightly sweet, and grainy cheese is created by draining and pressing the curds.
For pasta meals like lasagna or ravioli, ricotta cheese is frequently used as the filler. It may also be spread or dipped. It can also be combined with other cheeses or used alone as a pizza topper.
Ricotta cheese is typically put on the dough before other toppings are added when it is used to make pizza. It can be used to create a great and satisfying pizza by combining it with spinach, mushrooms, or sausage.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese was first made in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. The consistency is somewhat dry and crumbly because it is produced with cow’s milk and then aged for a certain period of time.
Then, milk is curdled with rennet or another coagulant. After the curds have been chopped and drained, the cheese is matured for a minimum of a few months until it reaches its final form, flavor, and texture.
Depending on the length of the aging process, cheddar cheese can have a wide range of flavors. In contrast to the harsh and acidic taste of old cheddar cheese, the mild and slightly sweet flavor of fresh cheddar cheese is a result of its shorter aging time.
Despite cheddar cheese being a solid option for dishes such as Mac and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s a standard addition to pizzas.
Gorgonzola Cheese
Gorgonzola cheese is a type of blue cheese that originated in the town of Gorgonzola, in Milan in the late Middle Ages.
Gorgonzola cheese is created by heating milk, combining it with rennet, and cutting and letting the curds drain. After being salted, the curds are allowed to age for a few months. During this time, they are punctured with needles to let air flow and encourage the growth of the blue-green mold.
Pizza frequently has gorgonzola cheese as a topping because of the dish’s rich, complex flavor that it imparts. Moreover, it can be melted into pasta sauces or crumbled over salads. Gorgonzola is a fantastic cheese to serve on a cheese board with crackers or toast, as well as with fruit and nuts.
Gorgonzola cheese has a flavor that is robust and pungent, acidic, slightly sour, and can be fairly salty. Because of the mold, the texture is creamy and crumbly with a moist, slightly gritty consistency. The blue-green mold veins give the food an overall earthy and peppery flavor.
Pecorino-romano
Italian cuisine frequently uses the hard, salty cheese called Pecorino Romano, which is manufactured from sheep’s milk. Its name comes from the Lazio region of Italy, namely from the area around the city of Rome.
Sheep’s milk is boiled and curdled with animal rennet to create Pecorino Romano. Following this, the curds are removed from the whey, pressed, and matured for at least eight months.
During this time, the cheese hardens and its flavor becomes sour and sharp. Throughout the aging process, the cheese is frequently rubbed with vinegar and olive oil to improve its flavor.
As Pecorino Romano can be grated, sliced, or consumed on its own. It is frequently used in Italian meals like pasta, risotto, and pizza because its sour flavor contrasts with other components’ richness.
Pecorino Romano gives a salty, savory flavor to pizza when it is utilized, and it is often sprinkled on top of the other toppings.
Pecorino Romano cheese tastes stronger than Parmesan cheese and has a crisp, acidic flavor.
Similar to other hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged Cheddar, it has a hard, crumbly texture. In general, Pecorino Romano is a tasty cheese for pizza!
Goat Cheese
Goats cheese is a type of cheese made from goat’s milk known as “goat cheese,” or “chèvre” in French.
Its origins can be dated back to the oldest Middle Eastern and Mediterranean civilizations. Although it is now produced globally, the best goat cheese comes from France.
To make goat cheese, the milk is coagulated using rennet or another coagulant. The curd can be shaped into a broad range of shapes after draining, including logs, rounds, and pyramids. The cheese is then aged for a period of time to improve its taste and texture preferences.
Goat cheese has a creamy, occasionally crumbly texture and a tangy, somewhat acidic flavor that can change depending on age and the manufacturing process.
Due to its versatility, goat cheese can be used in a variety of settings, but it is suggested to use goat cheese as an additional cheese topping to sprinkle over your pizza as a topping.
Best Types of Cheese To Use On Your Pizza
Type of pizza Toppings for the All-time Favourites
| Pizza Type | Popular Toppings |
|---|---|
| Italian Pizza |
|
| Chicago-style Pizza |
|
| Detroit-style Pizza |
|
| New York Pizza |
|
| Greek Style Pizza |
|
| Neapolitan Pizza |
|
| American Style Pizza |
|
| St. Louis Pizza |
|
| Mexican Pizza |
|
Follow the list of items as well:
Italian Pizza:
- Margherita toppings (tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil)
- Prosciutto and arugula toppings (prosciutto, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan)
- Four cheese toppings (mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmesan)
Chicago-style Pizza:
- Deep dish toppings (sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and green peppers)
- Spinach and mushroom toppings (spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella)
- Italian beef toppings (roast beef, giardiniera, and provolone)
Detroit-style Pizza:
- Pepperoni toppings
- Sausage toppings
- Green pepper and onion toppings
New York Pizza:
- Classic cheese toppings (mozzarella and tomato sauce)
- Pepperoni toppings
- Sausage toppings
- Mushroom and onion toppings
Greek Style Pizza:
- Spinach and feta toppings
- Gyro meat and tzatziki toppings
- Olive and tomato toppings
Neapolitan Pizza:
- Margherita toppings (tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil)
- Marinara toppings (tomato sauce, garlic, and oregano)
- Prosciutto and arugula toppings (prosciutto, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan)
American-Style Pizza:
- Pepperoni toppings
- Sausage toppings
- Mushroom and onion toppings
St. Louis Pizza:
- Provel cheese toppings
- Sausage toppings
- Bacon toppings
Mexican Pizza:
- Taco toppings (ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheddar cheese)
- Chicken fajita toppings (grilled chicken, peppers, and onions)
- Chorizo and jalapeno toppings
- Red onions and red peppers
Argentine Pizza:
- Fugazzeta toppings (onion, mozzarella, and oregano)
- Prosciutto and arugula toppings (prosciutto, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan)
- Roquefort and ham toppings (blue cheese and ham)
Brazilian Pizza Style:
- Brazilian sausage and onion toppings
- Heart of palm and olive toppings
- Catupiry cheese toppings
The Colombian Pizza:
- Pineapple and ham toppings
- Bacon and mushroom toppings
- Colombian chorizo toppings
German Style Pizza:
- Sauerkraut and sausage toppings
- Ham and mushroom toppings
- Potato and bacon toppings
French Pizza Style:
- Ratatouille toppings (eggplant, zucchini, tomato, onion, and bell pepper)
- French onion soup toppings (caramelized onions and gruyere cheese)
- Goat cheese and fig toppings
Spanish Pizza Types:
- Patatas bravas toppings (potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, and aioli)
- Chorizo and manchego toppings
- Seafood toppings (shrimp, calamari, and mussels)
Sicilian Pizza:
- Classic tomato sauce and mozzarella toppings
- Sausage and broccoli rabe toppings
- Anchovy and breadcrumb toppings
Hungarian Pizza:
- Paprika chicken toppings
- Sausage and onion toppings
- Mushroom and sour cream toppings
St. Louis-style Pizza:
- Provel cheese toppings
- Sausage toppings
- Bacon toppings
Pizza al Taglio:
- Classic margherita toppings
- Potato and rosemary toppings
- Artichoke and pancetta toppings
Have you tried the easy beer pizza dough recipe?
In Summary
Pizza is truly a global phenomenon, and the different types of pizza reflect the unique cultures and flavors of each country.
Whether you prefer a classic Margherita pizza or a hearty Chicago-style pizza, there is a pizza for everyone to enjoy. So the next time you order a pizza or make one at home, think about the different types of pizza and the delicious flavors they bring to the table.
Not many people will deny their love for pizza, and Pizza is arguably one of the most popular and beloved foods in the world.
With its crispy crust, savory sauce, and mouth-watering toppings, pizza has become a staple in many cultures around the globe.
From family pizza nights to birthday parties, gathering of friends, or for any reason – pizza is a global favorite for a reason.
Did you know that there are different types of pizza?
Did you know that pizza types differ per country?
Every country has its own unique methods and ingredients for making pizza.
From classic cheese and pepperoni to unique toppings and regional styles, pizza has evolved into a diverse and dynamic dish.
In this article, we will explore the various types of pizza based on ingredients and different countries.
