What type of pizza is your favourite?
Pizza has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient civilizations. The modern pizza that we know and love today originated in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century.
Since then, pizza has evolved and taken on many different forms, each with its own unique characteristics. From the classic Margherita pizza to the more experimental dessert pizzas, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pizza.
- Margherita: A classic pizza made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
- Pepperoni: A pizza topped with spicy pepperoni slices.
- Hawaiian: A pizza topped with ham and pineapple.
- Meat Lovers: A pizza topped with various meats such as sausage, bacon, and ham.
- Vegetarian: A pizza topped with various vegetables such as peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Pizza has also evolved to cater to different dietary needs, with gluten-free and vegan options becoming increasingly popular.
Overall, pizza remains a beloved dish that has stood the test of time, with new variations and flavours being created every day.
Types by Crust
When it comes to pizza, the crust is just as important as the toppings. There are several different types of pizza crust, each with its own unique texture and flavour. Here are some of the most popular types of pizza crust.
Neapolitan
Is the original pizza. It originated in Naples, Italy, and is made with simple, fresh ingredients. The crust is thin and crispy, with a slightly chewy texture. Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature, which gives it its signature charred spots.
New York-Style
Pizza is perhaps the most famous type of pizza in the world. It is characterized by its large, foldable slices and thin, crispy crust. The crust is often slightly chewy and has a nice crunch on the outside. New York-style pizza is typically cooked in a deck oven, which gives it a nice, even bake.
Chicago Deep Dish
Is a thick, hearty pizza that is baked in a deep dish pan. The crust is similar to a pie crust and is usually buttery and flaky. The toppings are piled high, and the pizza is typically served in slices. Chicago deep dish pizza is cooked in a deep dish pan and takes longer to cook than other types of pizza.
Sicilian
Is a thick, square pizza that is usually served in large slices. The crust is thicker than other types of pizza and is often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings. Sicilian pizza is typically cooked in a rectangular pan and has a soft, doughy texture.
Greek
Pizza is a thin, crispy pizza that is typically topped with feta cheese, olives, and other Mediterranean ingredients. The crust is similar to a New York-style crust but is usually slightly thicker and has a nice crunch. Greek pizza is typically cooked in a deck oven.
California Style
Is a thin, crispy pizza that is typically topped with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The crust is usually made with sourdough and has a nice tangy flavour. California-style pizza is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven and has a nice, smoky flavour.
St. Louis Style
Pizza is a thin, crispy pizza that is typically topped with Provel cheese, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone cheeses. The crust is usually very thin and has a nice crunch. St. Louis-style pizza is typically cut into squares and is cooked in a high-speed conveyor oven.
Detroit Style
Style pizza is a thick, rectangular pizza that is typically cooked in a blue steel pan. The crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a nice, buttery flavour. Detroit-style pizza is typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings, and is often served in squares.
Types by Toppings
Pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of toppings. Here are some of the most popular pizza toppings that you can find in pizzerias around the world.
Margherita
Is a classic Italian pizza that has a simple yet delicious topping of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. It is a perfect choice for those who prefer a lighter and more traditional pizza.
Pepperoni
Pizza is a popular choice in the United States and Canada. It has a topping of spicy pepperoni sausage, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. This pizza is perfect for meat lovers who enjoy a bit of spice in their pizza.
Hawaiian
A controversial pizza that has a topping of ham and pineapple. Some people love it, while others hate it. It is a sweet and salty pizza that is perfect for those who enjoy a unique flavour combination.
Meat Lovers
Is a pizza that is loaded with different types of meat toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham. It is a hearty and filling pizza that is perfect for those who enjoy a meaty flavour.
Vegetarian
Is loaded with different types of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes. It is a healthy and delicious pizza that is perfect for those who prefer a vegetarian diet.
BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken pizza is a pizza that has a topping of BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and mozzarella cheese. It is a sweet and tangy pizza that is perfect for those who enjoy a smoky flavour.
Buffalo Chicken
Is a pizza that has a topping of spicy buffalo sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and mozzarella cheese. It is a spicy and flavourful pizza that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their pizza.
Supreme
Is loaded with different types of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives. It is a pizza that has a little bit of everything and is perfect for those who enjoy a variety of flavours.
In conclusion, pizza is a dish that can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a meaty meat lovers pizza, there is a pizza out there for everyone.
Types by Cooking Method
Pizza is a versatile dish that can be cooked in many ways. The cooking method used can affect the flavour, texture, and appearance of the pizza. Here are some of the most common methods of cooking pizza:
Wood-Fired
Is cooked in a traditional brick oven that is heated by burning wood. The high heat of the oven cooks the pizza quickly, resulting in a crispy crust and a chewy interior. The wood fire also imparts a smoky flavour to the pizza that is difficult to replicate with other cooking methods. Wood-fired pizza is often associated with Neapolitan-style pizza, which is characterised by its thin crust and simple toppings.
Grilled
Grilled pizza is cooked on a grill or barbecue rather than in an oven. The pizza dough is placed directly on the grill grates, resulting in a charred, smoky flavour. Grilled pizza can be cooked with a variety of toppings, but is often served with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Baked
Baked pizza is cooked in a conventional oven, often on a baking stone or pizza pan. This method of cooking pizza is the most common and is used in many pizzerias and restaurants. Baked pizza can be cooked with a variety of toppings, from classic Margherita to more creative combinations.
In conclusion, the cooking method used can greatly affect the flavour and texture of the pizza. Whether it’s wood-fired, grilled, or baked, each method has its own unique qualities that can make for a delicious pizza.
Regional Variations
Pizza is a versatile dish that has evolved over time to include a wide variety of regional variations. From Italy to America and beyond, pizza has taken on local flavours and ingredients to create unique and delicious variations. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular regional pizzas from around the world.
Italian Regional Pizzas
Italy is the birthplace of pizza, and it’s no surprise that the country has a rich tradition of regional pizza styles. Some of the most famous Italian regional pizzas include:
- Neapolitan Pizza: This pizza originated in Naples and is characterised by its soft, chewy crust and simple toppings. Neapolitan pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
- Sicilian Pizza: This pizza hails from the island of Sicily and is known for its thick, rectangular crust. Sicilian pizza is typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various meats and vegetables.
- Roman Pizza: Roman pizza is a thin-crust pizza that is cooked in a wood-fired oven. It is typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of meats and vegetables.
American Regional Pizzas
Pizza has become a staple of American cuisine, and the country has developed its own unique regional pizza styles. Some of the most popular American regional pizzas include:
- New York-style Pizza: This pizza is characterised by its large, foldable slices and thin, crispy crust. It is typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various meats and vegetables.
- Chicago-style Pizza: This pizza is known for its deep-dish crust and generous toppings. Chicago-style pizza is typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various meats and vegetables.
- California-style Pizza: This pizza is a fusion of Italian and Californian cuisine. It is typically made with a thin crust and topped with non-traditional ingredients such as goat cheese, arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Global Influences
Pizza has become a global phenomenon, and many countries have put their own spin on this classic dish. Some of the most interesting global pizza variations include:
- Japanese Pizza: Japanese pizza is typically made with a thin, crispy crust and topped with seafood, mayonnaise, and other non-traditional ingredients.
- Indian Pizza: Indian pizza is typically made with a naan bread crust and topped with spicy curry sauce, paneer cheese, and other traditional Indian ingredients.
- Mexican Pizza: Mexican pizza is typically made with a tortilla crust and topped with refried beans, salsa, cheese, and other traditional Mexican ingredients.
As you can see, pizza has taken on many different forms around the world. Whether you prefer a classic Neapolitan pizza or a non-traditional California-style pizza, there is a pizza out there for everyone.
Diet-Specific Pizzas
Pizza is often considered a guilty pleasure, but it doesn’t have to be. In recent years, many pizza places have started offering diet-specific pizzas to cater to different dietary needs. Here are some popular diet-specific pizzas:
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free pizza is perfect for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Gluten-free pizzas use crusts made from alternative flours such as rice flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. Toppings are usually the same as regular pizzas, but it’s essential to check if they are gluten-free as well. Some popular gluten-free pizza chains include Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.
Vegan
Vegan pizza is a great option for people who follow a plant-based diet. Vegan pizzas use cheese substitutes made from soy, almond, or cashews. Toppings often include vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. Some vegan pizza places use vegan meat substitutes such as seitan or tofu. Popular vegan pizza chains include Pizza Express and Zizzi.
Keto
Keto pizza is perfect for people following a low-carb, high-fat diet. Keto pizza crusts are usually made from almond flour, coconut flour, or cauliflower. Toppings often include high-fat ingredients such as cheese, bacon, avocado, and olives. Some keto pizza places use low-carb tomato sauce or pesto instead of regular tomato sauce. Popular keto pizza chains include Blaze Pizza and Marco’s Pizza.
In conclusion, diet-specific pizzas are a great way to enjoy pizza without compromising on taste or health. Whether you’re gluten intolerant, vegan, or following a keto diet, there’s a pizza out there for you.
