Pizza is one of the world’s most beloved foods, with countless variations to satisfy every taste preference.
From classic thin-crust New York slices to deep Chicago pies, pizza comes in numerous regional styles that reflect local traditions and ingredients.
Understanding the different types of pizza can help you discover new favorites and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each unique style.
As you explore various pizza types, you’ll find that differences in crust thickness, sauce preparation, cheese selection, and topping combinations all contribute to the distinctive character of each pizza style.
Whether you prefer traditional combinations like Margherita or more adventurous toppings like BBQ chicken, there’s always something new to try in the wonderful world of pizza.
1. Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is the original style from Naples, Italy. It has a thin, soft crust with a puffy, charred edge called the cornicione.
Traditional Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at very high temperatures for just 60-90 seconds. This quick cooking gives it its signature slightly chewy texture.
There are two main classic varieties: the Margherita with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil; and the Marinara, which is simpler with just tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil (no cheese).
Other popular Neapolitan toppings include mushrooms, spinach, eggplant, and capers. These pizzas are typically eaten with a knife and fork in Italy.
2. New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza features large, thin slices that you can fold while eating. This pizza has a crispy yet flexible crust, often containing sugar and oil for better flavor and browning.
The classic version comes with tomato sauce and cheese that melt together during baking. Many places just serve cheese pizza, with pepperoni being the most popular meat topping when added.
What makes this style special is its simplicity and the distinctive fold. When you eat it properly, you’ll hold it folded to manage the wide slice without making a mess.
3. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza stands out with its thick, tall crust that forms a bowl-like shape. Unlike regular pizzas, this style has the sauce on top of the cheese.
The pizza features an impressive amount of mozzarella cheese that creates an amazing “cheese pull” when served. When you take a bite, you’ll notice the crispy exterior and soft interior of the crust.
Traditional deep-dish places in Chicago include Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, Pizzeria Uno, and Pizano’s. These restaurants have been serving this style for generations.
While tourists often seek out deep-dish, locals know there’s also a “tavern style” thin crust that’s popular among Chicago residents.
4. Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza stands out with its thick, pillowy dough. Unlike regular pizza, it’s often cut into squares rather than triangular slices.
This style originated in Sicily, Italy, but the American version has evolved over time. Traditional Sicilian pizza from Sicily has a slightly thicker dough compared to Neapolitan pizza.
The crust is a key feature, typically made crunchy on the outside while remaining soft inside. Toppings usually include cheese and various ingredients placed on top of the dough.
In Los Angeles, you can find Sicilian pizza at places like Apollonia’s Pizzeria, Prince Street Pizza, and Quarter Sheets. These spots offer their own take on this delicious square-cut style.
5. Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-Style pizza is known for its distinctive square shape and thick, airy crust. It originated in Detroit, Michigan, and has gained popularity across the country.
The pizza features a focaccia-like base that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. What makes it special is the cheese that goes all the way to the edges, creating a caramelized, crispy cheese crust often called the “crown.”
Unlike traditional pizzas, Detroit-Style typically has the toppings under the sauce. Brick cheese, a soft Wisconsin variety, is traditionally used for its perfect melt.
Some call the sauce on top “racing stripes,” a nod to Detroit’s automotive heritage. Popular spots like Buddy’s Pizza and Cloverleaf are known for their authentic versions.
6. St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza stands out with its distinctive characteristics. It features an unleavened cracker-thin crust that provides a satisfying crunch with each bite.
What truly makes this pizza unique is Provel cheese, a St. Louis creation that blends cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. This cheese gives the pizza a smooth yet sharp flavor profile unlike any other style.
The pizza is typically cut into squares (also called “party cut” or “tavern cut”) rather than traditional triangular slices. This cutting style is practical for sharing and snacking.
You’ll find this pizza style primarily in the St. Louis area, where locals either love it passionately or prefer other varieties.
7. California-Style Pizza
California-Style Pizza stands out with its thin, crispy crust similar to New York-style pizza. What makes it unique is its creative and innovative toppings.
This pizza style emerged from California’s culinary scene, embracing fresh, local ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations. You’ll often find non-traditional toppings like artichokes, goat cheese, or even BBQ chicken.
California Pizza Kitchen helped popularize this style nationwide. The focus is on fresh, sometimes seasonal ingredients that reflect California’s diverse food culture.
You can recognize California-style pizza by its thin base and gourmet, often unconventional topping combinations that push the boundaries of traditional pizza.
8. New Haven Apizza
New Haven-style pizza, also known as “apizza,” is a distinctive thin-crust pizza from Connecticut. It’s coal-fired with a crispy, charred crust that sets it apart from other styles.
The “Big 4” pizzerias in New Haven include Sally’s, Pepe’s, Modern, and Bar. Each has loyal fans who debate which serves the best pie.
What makes New Haven apizza special is its Neapolitan roots combined with local innovation. The crust is chewy yet crisp, and traditional pies often come with minimal toppings.
When you visit New Haven, you’ll find locals pronounce it “ah-BEETS.” Many consider the white clam pizza from Pepe’s to be a must-try signature dish.
9. Greek Pizza
Greek pizza is known for its unique pan-baked style that produces a thicker, chewier crust with a crispy bottom. The pizza is typically cooked in shallow, oiled pans instead of being stretched by hand.
Common toppings include feta cheese, black olives, red onions, and Mediterranean vegetables like artichokes and roasted red peppers. Some versions add spinach or basil for extra flavor.
You’ll often find Greek pizza topped with a blend of cheeses including mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone along with the traditional feta. The sauce is usually a tomato-based one, creating a foundation for the flavorful Mediterranean toppings.
10. Grandma Pizza
Grandma Pizza is a classic New York-style pizza known for its thin, crisp crust. It’s typically rectangular in shape and baked in a sheet pan, giving it a distinctive look.
The crust is usually crispy on the bottom and slightly chewy inside. Grandma Pizza often features a layer of cheese first, then topped with a simple tomato sauce, creating an “upside-down” style.
Garlic is a key flavor in authentic Grandma Pizza, giving it a bold, aromatic quality. You can find excellent Grandma slices throughout New York City, especially in Queens where some pizzerias offer amazing Sicilian and Upside Down Sicilian variations.
11. Quad City-Style Pizza
Quad City-style pizza comes from the Quad Cities region on the Illinois-Iowa border. It features a distinctive crust made with malt barley and sometimes molasses, giving it a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
The pizza has a unique layering approach. The lean, fennel-heavy sausage is placed directly on the crust, then covered with a thick blanket of mozzarella cheese rather than having toppings on top.
When served, Quad City pizza is cut into strips with scissors instead of traditional triangle slices. This style has a devoted following for its spicy aroma and distinct flavor that hits you even before you take your first bite.
12. Colorado-Style Pizza
Colorado-style pizza, primarily associated with Beau Jo’s restaurant since 1973, features a distinctive hand-rolled crust that sets it apart from other regional varieties.
The crust uses honey instead of sugar, creating a unique sweetness. Many locals even dip the outer crust in honey as a dessert-like finish to their meal.
These “Mountain Pies” are known for their thick edges and generous toppings. The sauce tends to be slightly spicy, adding another layer of flavor to this regional specialty.
One unusual feature of Colorado pizza is the occasional use of cream cheese as a topping, something rarely found in other pizza styles.
13. Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian pizza stands out with its unique combination of pineapple and ham toppings. Despite being called “Hawaiian,” it was actually invented in Canada.
The sweet pineapple chunks create a delicious contrast with the savory ham. This sweet-and-salty combination is what makes Hawaiian pizza special.
Some people like to add bacon as an alternative to or alongside ham for extra flavor. For an interesting twist, you could try adding sliced almonds and a dusting of cinnamon.
Hawaiian pizza remains somewhat controversial among pizza enthusiasts, but those who enjoy it often consider it the perfect balance of flavors.
14. Vegetarian Pizza
Vegetarian pizza proves you don’t need meat for a satisfying pie. This meatless option features a variety of colorful vegetables and plant-based toppings.
Popular veggie toppings include mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and olives. Many pizzerias also offer artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and jalapeños for added flavor.
You can enjoy vegetarian pizza with traditional tomato sauce or try variations like pesto for a different taste experience. Some recipes even include BBQ mushrooms as a meaty alternative.
The combinations are endless, making vegetarian pizza both versatile and delicious. You get to enjoy your veggies in the most appetizing way possible.
15. White Clam Pizza
White Clam Pizza is a unique pie that breaks traditional pizza rules. Instead of tomato sauce and mozzarella, it features fresh clams as the star ingredient.
This pizza style originated in New Haven, Connecticut, where it remains a signature dish at Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria. The classic version includes freshly shucked clams, garlic, oregano, grated pecorino romano, and olive oil.
Some variations add bacon for extra flavor. The combination creates a salty, garlicky taste that seafood lovers enjoy.
You can find this specialty in many Connecticut pizzerias, including Modern Apizza and Eli’s Brick Oven Pizza.
16. BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ chicken pizza offers a delicious twist on traditional pizza flavors. The tangy BBQ sauce replaces regular tomato sauce as the base.
Topped with grilled chicken chunks, this pizza satisfies with its protein-packed goodness. Red onions add a sharp crunch that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Many versions include cilantro for freshness and a mix of cheeses. You might find mozzarella and cheddar commonly used for the perfect melt.
This pizza style has become incredibly popular in restaurants and home kitchens alike. You can customize it with additional toppings like bell peppers or bacon for extra flavor.
17. Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza is perhaps the most iconic American pizza variety. The spicy, slightly smoky rounds of cured meat create a perfect contrast to the cheese and sauce beneath.
When cooked just right, pepperoni curls into small “cups” that hold delicious pools of oil, adding extra flavor to each bite. Some popular pepperoni brands among pizza enthusiasts include Ezzo and Molinari’s.
You can easily customize your pepperoni pizza by changing the thickness of the slices. Thinner slices tend to crisp up more, while thicker cuts stay chewier.
For the best pepperoni experience, look for pizzas with a generous amount of meat that covers most of the surface.
18. Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza is one of the most iconic Italian pizzas you can enjoy. It features a simple combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves on a Neapolitan-style crust.
The colors of the pizza—red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil)—represent the Italian flag. This pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Italy.
Traditional Margherita uses San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce. Some versions may include fresh tomato slices along with the sauce.
You’ll find Margherita pizza at most authentic Italian pizzerias. It’s a great choice when you want to enjoy classic Italian flavors without too many toppings.
19. Meat Lover’s Pizza
Meat Lover’s Pizza is packed with different types of meat on a pizza crust. This hearty option usually includes pepperoni, bacon, sausage, and ham all on one pizza.
The combination of meats creates a rich, savory flavor that many pizza fans enjoy. Some versions also add ground beef or prosciutto for even more meaty goodness.
When all these meats cook together, they release their flavors into the cheese and sauce. The result is a protein-packed pizza that satisfies your hunger.
You can find this pizza style at most pizza restaurants, or make it at home by adding your favorite meat toppings. It’s perfect for when you’re really hungry or feeding a crowd.
20. Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the comfort of pizza. This tasty variation features tangy buffalo chicken as the star topping.
You can easily make this at home using precooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Common toppings include red onions and banana peppers for extra flavor.
Some people prefer it with blue cheese, while others opt for ranch dressing drizzled on top. Either way, the combination of spicy chicken and melty cheese creates a pizza that’s perfect for game day.
For a healthier version, you can find recipes like the 21 Day Fix Buffalo Chicken Pizza that maintains the flavor while cutting calories.
21. Vegan Pizza
Vegan pizza is a plant-based alternative that skips animal products but doesn’t sacrifice flavor. You can enjoy pizza without cheese or with dairy-free alternatives made from nuts, soy, or tapioca.
Popular vegan pizza toppings include marinated mushrooms, artichokes, and colorful vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Many vegans also enjoy banana peppers, pepperoncini, and green olives for extra flavor.
The best vegan pizzas often feature a garlic-herb crust and simple tomato sauce as the base. You can make them at home with flatbread or gluten-free options if needed.
For a simple approach, try a zucchini and onion pizza with olive oil and sea salt instead of using cheese substitutes.
History of Pizza
Pizza has evolved from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s most beloved foods. Its journey spans centuries and continents, transforming from simple flatbreads to the diverse varieties we enjoy today.
Origins in Italy
Pizza’s roots trace back to ancient civilizations that baked flatbreads in stone ovens. The Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans all created early versions of pizza-like foods.
However, modern pizza as we know it developed in Naples, Italy during the 18th century.
Naples was a working-class city where people needed affordable, quick meals. Flatbreads with toppings became the perfect solution.
These early pizzas were simple—featuring lard, salt, garlic, or cheese.
The pivotal moment in pizza history came in 1889 when pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza for Queen Margherita of Italy. He topped it with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. This became the famous Pizza Margherita that’s still popular today.
Global Influence
Pizza began its international journey with Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They brought their culinary traditions to the United States, opening the first American pizzeria—Lombardi’s—in New York City in 1905.
After World War II, pizza’s popularity exploded across America. Returning soldiers who had served in Italy developed a taste for it, creating a new market. The first Pizza Hut opened in 1958, and Domino’s followed in 1960, helping standardize and spread pizza nationwide.
Each region began developing its own style. New York became known for large, foldable slices. Chicago created deep-dish pizza. Detroit developed square pies baked in industrial pans.
Today, pizza has been adapted worldwide with unique regional variations. From Japan’s seafood pizzas to Brazil’s chocolate dessert versions, pizza continues to evolve while maintaining its Italian heritage.
Pizza Dough Varieties
The foundation of any great pizza starts with the dough. Different dough preparations create distinct textures and flavors that define regional pizza styles around the world.
Traditional Dough
Neapolitan dough represents the original pizza style from Naples, Italy. It contains just four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast.
The dough requires a high-protein flour (tipo 00) and minimal kneading to develop a soft, elastic texture.
New York style dough adds oil and sugar to the Neapolitan base. This creates a slightly crispy exterior with a chewy interior that can hold up to toppings while remaining flexible enough to fold.
Chicago offers two distinct dough varieties. Their famous deep dish uses a cornmeal-enriched dough with higher fat content, creating a flaky, almost pastry-like crust. Chicago thin crust, less known but equally delicious, has a cracker-like consistency and is typically cut into squares.
Sicilian dough stands out with its thick, focaccia-like texture. It’s proofed longer and contains more oil, resulting in a light, airy interior beneath a crispy exterior.
Gluten-Free Options
Rice flour dough offers a neutral flavor profile that works well with traditional pizza toppings. It has a slightly crispier texture than wheat-based doughs, making it ideal for thin-crust preparations.
Cauliflower dough has gained popularity as a low-carb alternative. You can make it by combining riced cauliflower with eggs, cheese, and herbs. This creates a surprisingly sturdy base with a mild flavor that complements most toppings.
Almond flour dough delivers a nutty flavor and works well for personal-sized pizzas. It has a more delicate structure that benefits from pre-baking before adding toppings.
Chickpea flour (also called socca) produces a protein-rich crust with a slightly earthy flavor. This Mediterranean-inspired option creates a thin, crispy base that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and herbs.
