A Guide to Pizza Styles from Classic to Creative
Pizza is just facsinating, isn’t it? So many regional styles and every one of them with something special.
Nino’s Pizza offer a variety of styles, from thick crusts like Chicago-style to creative and interesting toppings like a California pie - and everything in between. Let’s explore the diverse world of pizza, delving into the origins, ingredients, and distinct features of the most popular pizza types enjoyed around the world today.
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is the original pizza, dating back to the 18th century in Naples, Italy. It was created as an affordable and convenient food for the working class, sold by street vendors to the residents of this coastal city. Known for its thin crust, Neapolitan pizza is traditionally topped with simple ingredients like tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. This style of pizza is so delicate that it's often eaten with a fork and knife, respecting the age-old etiquette that has been passed down through generations.
Typical Toppings found on a Neapolitan Pizza:
Pizza Marinara: Tomatoes, garlic, oregano, extra virgin olive oil.
Pizza Margherita: Tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil.
Pizza Margherita Extra: Extra virgin olive oil, basil, tomatoes, mozzarella from Campania.
Chicago Pizza (Deep-Dish Pizza)
Chicago pizza, commonly known as deep-dish pizza, originated in the Windy City in the early 1900s as Italian immigrants sought to recreate the beloved Neapolitan-style pizza. However, Chicago's take on pizza became something entirely different. With a thick, pie-like crust that rises high along the edges, this pizza is generously layered with mozzarella, meats, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, making it a hearty and filling meal. The unique construction and bold flavors of Chicago pizza have earned it a special place in the hearts of pizza lovers.
Typical Toppings found on a Chicago Pizza:
Ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, Parmesan cheese.
New York Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is a legendary American pizza variety that has become iconic for its large, foldable slices and crispy yet chewy crust. Originally inspired by Neapolitan pizza, New York-style pizza has evolved into its own distinct style, celebrated for its generous toppings and the unique taste that some say comes from New York City’s tap water. Whether enjoyed plain with just tomato sauce and mozzarella or loaded with toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms, New York-style pizza is a staple of American pizza culture.
Typical Toppings found on a New York Pizza:
Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, anchovies.
Additional Spices: Oregano, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder.
Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza, or "sfincione," is a thick, hearty pizza that originated in Sicily, Italy, and made its way to the United States with Sicilian immigrants in the 19th century. Characterized by its spongy, rectangular crust and robust tomato sauce, Sicilian pizza is often baked in square pans and topped with cheese, onions, and anchovies beneath the sauce to prevent sogginess. After World War II, this style of pizza gained popularity in America, where it remains a beloved variation known for its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Typical Toppings found on Sicilian Pizza:
Tomato slices, onion, anchovies, herbs.
Greek Pizza
Greek pizza is a unique style that was developed by Greek immigrants in America who were influenced by Italian pizza but brought their own flavors and techniques to the table. Popular in New England, Greek pizza is known for its thick, chewy crust, which is cooked in shallow, heavily oiled pans to achieve a crisp, almost fried bottom. The pizza is typically topped with a tangy, oregano-flavored tomato sauce, a blend of cheeses, and often Greek-inspired toppings like feta cheese, black olives, and red onions, making it a flavorful and distinctive option.
Typical Toppings found on Greek Pizza:
Oregano-flavored tomato sauce, provolone cheese or mozzarella and cheddar mixture, feta cheese, black olives, red onion.
California Pizza (Gourmet Pizza)
California pizza, also known as gourmet pizza, emerged in the late 1970s as a creative and innovative take on traditional pizza. This style was pioneered by Chef Ed LaDou, who experimented with unconventional toppings at Prego, an Italian restaurant in California. His inventive combinations caught the attention of renowned chef Wolfgang Puck, who helped popularize California pizza with its emphasis on fresh, exotic ingredients. With no fixed toppings, California pizza invites culinary creativity, allowing for endless possibilities from goat cheese and artichokes to eggs and chicken.
Typical Toppings found on California Pizza:
No customary toppings—use of creative ingredients like goat cheese, egg, chicken, artichokes.
Detroit Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is a regional favorite that was born in the Motor City in the 1940s. It is distinguished by its square shape, thick, airy crust, and a crispy, caramelized cheese edge that comes from baking the pizza in a square steel pan originally used for auto parts. Topped with pepperoni, Wisconsin brick cheese that stretches to the edges, and a rich tomato sauce layered on top, Detroit pizza is a hearty, satisfying dish that has become a beloved staple in the pizza world.
Typical Toppings found on Detroit Pizza:
Tomato sauce, pepperoni, brick cheese, mushrooms, olives.
St. Louis Pizza
St. Louis pizza is known for its ultra-thin, cracker-like crust that is distinct from other pizza styles. Originating from the Italian-American community in St. Louis, this pizza is typically cut into small, rectangular slices known as "party" or "tavern" cuts. The crust, made without yeast, is topped with a sweet, oregano-heavy tomato sauce and Provel cheese—a creamy blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar. This unique combination of flavors and textures has made St. Louis pizza a regional specialty with a devoted following.
Typical Toppings found on St. Louis style Pizza:
Provolone cheese, sweet tomato sauce with oregano, various other toppings supported by sturdy dough.
