Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, but nothing beats the unique flavors and styles of regional pizzas found across the United States. From the deep-dish pies of Chicago to the thin, crispy slices of New York, each region has its own delicious take on this classic favorite. Join us as we explore some of the most famous regional pizzas you need to taste, each offering a mouthwatering experience that reflects the local culture and culinary traditions.
New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is renowned for its thin, hand-tossed crust, which is both crispy and foldable. This pizza is often characterized by its large, wide slices and tangy tomato sauce topped with generous amounts of mozzarella cheese. Ideal for eating on the go, New York-style pizza is a staple of city life and is often served with simple toppings like pepperoni or sausage, letting the high-quality ingredients shine through.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago deep-dish pizza is famous for its thick, buttery crust that forms a bowl-like structure filled with layers of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and various toppings. Baked in a deep pan, this pizza resembles a savory pie more than a traditional pizza. The rich, hearty flavors and the substantial nature of each slice make it a comfort food favorite in the Windy City.
Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is known for its rectangular shape and thick, chewy crust with a crispy, caramelized cheese edge. Baked in a steel pan originally used for auto parts, this pizza is layered with Wisconsin brick cheese and topped with stripes of tomato sauce, often extending to the edges, which creates a unique and satisfying texture.
St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza features an ultra-thin, cracker-like crust made without yeast. Topped with Provel cheese—a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone—this pizza offers a distinctively creamy and tangy flavor. Cut into squares rather than traditional slices, St. Louis-style pizza is perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends.
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza hails from Naples, Italy, and is known for its simple, high-quality ingredients. It has a soft, chewy crust with a slight char, thanks to its quick bake in a wood-fired oven. Traditional toppings include San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, making for a classic and flavorful pizza experience.
California-Style Pizza
California-style pizza is characterized by its inventive toppings and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Pioneered by chefs like Alice Waters and Ed LaDou, this pizza often features non-traditional toppings such as artichokes, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula. The crust is usually thin and crisp, serving as a canvas for creative culinary expressions.
New Haven-Style Pizza (Apizza)
Originating in New Haven, Connecticut, this pizza is known for its thin, charred crust and simple, yet flavorful toppings. Baked in a coal-fired oven, the crust achieves a perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness. The classic “white clam pie” with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and grated cheese is a must-try specialty.
Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza is a thick, square pizza with a spongy, bread-like crust. Often topped with a robust tomato sauce, mozzarella, and sometimes anchovies or onions, this pizza is baked in a rectangular pan, giving it a distinctive shape and hearty texture. It’s a satisfying option for those who prefer a thicker crust and bold flavors.
Greek Pizza
Greek pizza is characterized by its thicker, chewy crust and is often cooked in a shallow, oiled pan, giving it a crisp, almost fried bottom. The toppings typically include a blend of mozzarella and feta cheese, olives, red onions, green peppers, and sometimes artichokes or spinach, resulting in a tangy, savory pie with a Mediterranean twist.
Roman Pizza (Pizza al Taglio)
Roman pizza, or pizza al taglio, is known for its rectangular shape and variety of toppings. Baked in large sheets and sold by weight, this pizza features a light, airy crust with a crisp bottom. Toppings range from classic margherita to more adventurous options like potato and rosemary or zucchini flowers and anchovies.
Tomato Pie
Tomato pie, popular in parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, features a thick, focaccia-like crust topped with a robust tomato sauce and usually served cold or at room temperature. It may be sprinkled with grated Romano cheese and herbs, making it a delicious and unique pizza option that focuses on the quality of the tomato sauce.
Colorado-Style Pizza (Mountain Pie)
Colorado-style pizza, or mountain pie, is known for its thick, braided crust that can be filled with cheese or other ingredients. This hearty pizza often includes a variety of toppings, ranging from classic combinations to more adventurous choices like green chilies or bison sausage, reflecting the local flavors of the Rocky Mountain region.
Quad Cities-Style Pizza
Quad Cities-style pizza, originating from the Quad Cities area along the Mississippi River, features a malty, slightly sweet crust made with brewer’s malt. The sauce is typically zesty and spicy, and the pizza is cut into strips rather than slices. Toppings are often placed under the cheese, resulting in a unique and flavorful pizza experience.
New York Sicilian Pizza
New York Sicilian pizza is a variation of the traditional Sicilian pizza, featuring a thick, airy crust with a crispy bottom. The toppings often include a rich tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various meats and vegetables. It’s typically cut into large, square slices, making it a hearty and satisfying option for pizza lovers.
Old Forge Pizza
Hailing from Old Forge, Pennsylvania, this pizza is known for its rectangular shape and unique blend of cheeses, often including American and mozzarella. The crust is thick and airy, similar to a focaccia, and the pizza is cut into strips. The sauce is typically sweet and rich, making for a distinctive and delicious pizza experience.
Buffalo-Style Pizza
Buffalo-style pizza, from Buffalo, New York, features a medium-thick, airy crust with a slightly crispy bottom. The sauce is often tangy and slightly sweet, and the cheese blend typically includes mozzarella and white cheddar. This pizza is cut into large, square slices and often topped with a variety of meats and vegetables.
Trenton Tomato Pie
Trenton tomato pie, a specialty of Trenton, New Jersey, is similar to a traditional pizza but with the cheese placed directly on the dough and the sauce ladled on top. This results in a unique texture and flavor, with a crisp, thin crust and a robust tomato sauce that stands out as the star of the dish.
California BBQ Chicken Pizza
Popularized by California Pizza Kitchen, this pizza features a thin, crispy crust topped with barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, cilantro, and a blend of cheeses. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce complements the savory toppings, creating a flavorful and satisfying pizza that’s become a favorite across the country.
Tavern-Style Pizza
Tavern-style pizza, popular in the Midwest, particularly Chicago, features a thin, crispy crust that’s cut into small, square pieces, known as “party cut” or “tavern cut.” This pizza is perfect for sharing and often features simple toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and vegetables, allowing the crispy crust to take center stage.
Maine Italian Pizza
Maine Italian pizza is known for its unique combination of toppings inspired by the classic Italian sandwich. It typically includes ham, salami, cheese, green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, black olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. The crust is thin and crispy, and the pizza is often served with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Bar-Style Pizza
Bar-style pizza, popular in New England, features a thin, cracker-like crust that’s often cooked until it’s crispy and charred around the edges. The toppings are typically sparse, focusing on high-quality ingredients like fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and pepperoni. This pizza is perfect for enjoying with a cold beer in a cozy pub setting.
Pinsa Romana
Pinsa Romana, a modern take on an ancient Roman recipe, features a unique dough made from a blend of wheat, soy, and rice flours, resulting in a light, airy crust that’s easy to digest. Topped with high-quality ingredients like fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula, this pizza offers a refined and flavorful dining experience.
Rhode Island Pizza Strips
Rhode Island pizza strips, also known as bakery pizza, feature a thick, focaccia-like crust topped with a tangy tomato sauce and often sprinkled with grated cheese and herbs. This pizza is typically served at room temperature and cut into strips, making it a convenient and delicious snack or party food.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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