11 Types of Pizza – How Many Have You Tried?

Pizza is, without a doubt, one of the most popular, quintessentially American foods. 

So much so, that according to the National Association of Pizza Operators, we purchase three billion of them per year!

With that staggering statistic in mind, why not experiment a little and try out one of the many delicious types of pizza available? In this guide, we look at the many varieties of pizza, where’s best to buy them and how to make them at home. 

11 Different but Equally Tasty Types of Pizza

Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Check out our list of some of the most mouth-watering pizza recipes from across the world. 

1. Neapolitan Pizza

Also known as pizza Napolitana or Naples-style pizza, Neapolitan is a traditional type of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. 

It features a thin crust and basic, but very fresh topping. This makes for a delicious, harmonized taste that melts on the palette without various different flavors competing with one another (as often is the case with more “busy” pizzas). 

As the saying goes – “all great things are simple.”

Traditional toppings

• (Buffalo) Mozzarella cheese
• (San Marzano)Tomatoes
• Basil

Where to get Neapolitan pizza 

Believe it or not, the traditional way of making a Neapolitan pizza has been awarded UNESCO status. Furthermore, the True Neapolitan Pizza Association, known as the ‘Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana’ certifies restaurants around the world who meet its strict guidelines for making traditional Naples-style pizzas. 

Californian-based Settebello is one of the most popular places to try a real Neapolitan pizza that is created out of great respect for its traditional roots.

How to make it

If you are looking to create a traditional Neapolitan pizza at home, the key is to go for authentic ingredients and to buy the very best mozzarella and tomatoes that are available. You’ll also need a 00 flour type and a seriously hot oven.

Check out this Neapolitan pizza recipe right here, for outstanding results.

2. New York-Style Pizza

Boasting a thin, foldable base with a large, thick crust, New York-style pizza can be eaten whole or is also commonly sold in slices for eating on-the-go. 

New York-style pizzas tend to feature more cheese than their Neapolitan equivalents, and as they are cooked for slightly longer on a lower heat, they are made with mozzarella with a lower moisture content. 

Many NY neighborhoods feature traditional pizza stands where you can grab a slice to go, hence the importance of being able to fold your pizza and prevent your toppings from falling off. 

Traditional toppings

• Mozzarella cheese
• Tomatoes

Where to get it

For a traditional New York-style pizza, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Di Fara Pizza in Midwood, Brooklyn. This no-frills pizza takeaway has become a New York institution and is popular with pizza lovers from all over.

How to make it

Making a New York-style pizza at home isn’t too complicated, provided you’re willing to put time and effort into getting your dough just right. Here’s all you need to know on how to make NY-style pizza and its tomato-based sauce.  

3. Chicago/Deep-Dish Pizza

This style of pizza is baked in a pan, which creates a high crust and plenty of space for lots of toppings. 

Due  to its relatively long cooking times, the toppings are placed in reverse order on a Chicago pizza. You start with the cheese, followed by other toppings, then finish off with the tomato sauce that also serves as a protective layer.

Traditional toppings

• Cheese
• Tomatoes
• Meat: sausage, pepperoni
• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers

Where to get it

To get the real deep-dish pizza experience, try out the original Uno Pizzeria and Grill, Chicago’s very first deep-dish pizza restaurant. It’s the place to go for an unbeatable and authentic Chicago pizza.

How to make it

Deep-dish pizza is easy to get just right at home. Make sure that your dough rises well, cook up a delicious pizza sauce, then top and bake your Chicago pizza for around 35 minutes. 

Here’s all you need to know to recreate an authentic Chicago pizza in your kitchen.

4. Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza is typically rectangular with a thick crust of over one inch. 

As its name implies, it originated in Sicily, Italy, and was first sold in Italian bakeries where it is known as sfincione. You can think of today’s Sicilian pizza as being a little like a focaccia bread smothered with various toppings.

Traditional toppings

• Tomatoes
• Strong cheeses (Sicilian toma)
• Onions
• Anchovies
• Herbs

Where to get it

One of the best places to get an original-style Sicilian pizza is L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn. 

How to make it

For a soft, chewy crust traditional Sicilian pizza at home, check out this recipe and be sure to let your dough rise sufficiently before baking. Bake untopped, then remove, add your toppings and bake again until golden brown.

5. Californian Pizza

Californian pizza dates back to the 1980s and, like California cuisine in general, is defined by its use of fresh, local and seasonal produce. It features a thin crust and its toppings can vary considerably, with some novel combinations – including gourmet picks.

Traditional toppings

• Goat’s cheese
• Tomato
• Baby vegetables
• Smoked salmon
• Red onions
• Pepperoni
• BBQ chicken

Where to get it

The California Pizza Kitchen is a popular chain that specializes in California-style pizza, with a great selection of California-inspired flavors and toppings.

How to make it

To make great tasting California pizza at home, you’ll need to make a traditional thin base, then top with fresh produce. 

Californian-style BBQ chicken pizza is one of the most popular versions, check out this recipe for an authentic, mouth-watering treat.

6. Detroit Pizza

Detroit-style pizza is rectangular in shape with a thick, chewy crust. 

It was often originally baked in spare industrial trays from Detroit factories, giving it its depth and shape. The crust is served crispy on the bottom, often brushed with butter before baking. 

Traditional toppings

• Cheese
• Tomato sauce
• Pepperoni
• Mushrooms

Where to get it

For a genuine Detroit pizza, pay a visit to Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit. The chain serves its pizzas in blue steel pans and has branches throughout Southeastern Michigan.

How to make it

The secret to a great home-made Detroit style pizza is to make the dough the day before. Here’s how to make a delicious Classic Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza.

7. St. Louis Pizza

St. Louis pizzas are easily distinguishable by their wafer-thin crust. 

The crust is made without yeast, and as it is extremely brittle, this style of pizza is cut into rectangular slices rather than wedges. Most St. Louis pizzas are topped with a blended cheese, known as Provel, which originated in the city.

Traditional toppings

• Provel cheese (Combination of provolone, Swiss and white cheddar cheeses)
• Tomato sauce
• Oregano
• Bacon

Where to get it

For an authentic crispy crust with Provel cheese and a wide choice of toppings, you need to stop by at Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas in St. Louis itself. 

How to make it

Compared to most other types of pizza, St. Louis pizza is quick and easy to make at home. 

The crust is a simple mixture of flour, olive oil and water. Given its thinness, your pizza will cook through in next to no time – ideal for those rushed, midweek suppers. 

Check out this St. Louis Pizza Recipe and get cooking.

8. Greek Pizza

Common in New England and parts of New York State, Greek pizza features a spongy, airy crust. 

Proofed and baked in shallow pans, unlike regular pizzas, the dough is not stretched. While Greek-style pizzas are not very thin, they are also not as thick as Chicago or Detroit-style pizzas. They tend to predominantly feature popular ingredients from Greek cuisine.

Traditional toppings

• Feta cheese
• Olives
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Roasted red peppers

Where to get it

The majority of pizza parlors in New England serve up Greek-style pizza. If you are looking for a genuine Greek pizza and you’re in Missouri, Arri’s Pizza, located in Jefferson City, is as authentic as you can get.

How to make it

Greek pizza is easy to enjoy at home. If you’re stuck for inspiration, check out this delicious feta, tomato and spinach Greek-style pizza recipe.

9. Breakfast Pizza

With the ever-increasing popularity of brunch, the breakfast pizza is slowly becoming a staple of modern life. 

While you probably won’t want to tuck into one at six am before work, a breakfast pizza makes a great, hearty Sunday brunch. Simply substitute your toast with a pizza base and add your favorite breakfast items as toppings, what’s not to love?

Traditional toppings

• Bacon
• Sausage
• Cheese
• Egg
• Potatoes

Where to get it

More often enjoyed at home, you can get an excellent breakfast pizza at Rico’s in Burbank, LA. It comes complete with bacon, smoked salmon, eggs, and vegetables, and is sure to set you up for the entire day.

How to make it

Fancy making your own breakfast pizza? It’s pretty easy; simply cook your base then add on your ingredients and bake until golden. 

Try out this bacon and egg breakfast pizza next time you’re having a lazy morning. 

10. Bagel Pizza

Bagel pizzas are the quick and easy way to create a small pizza, whenever you like. 

Simply use a toasted bagel as the crust, add on your favorite pizza toppings and grill until golden. 

A pizza for one – in record time! 

While a bagel pizza is never going to replace a regular pizza, they make fantastic snacks or light meals for one.

Traditional toppings

• Cheese
• Tomato
• Bacon
• Smoked salmon
• Pepperoni
• Bell peppers
• Onions

Where to get it

If you are looking for a really tasty pizza bagel from the brains behind the idea of putting pizza toppings onto bagels, then you have to visit the Katz Bagel Bakery in Chelsea, Massachusetts. 

How to make it

Bagel pizzas are as versatile as sandwiches and just as easy to make, but a whole lot tastier. 

If you are stuck for inspiration when it comes to making your own bagel pizza, here’s one of our  favorite bagel pizza recipes to help get you started.

11. Dessert Pizza

Pizza doesn’t always have to be savory. If you’ve never tried a dessert pizza, then you’re really missing out. 

Once you set aside thoughts of your traditional pizza toppings and embrace the idea of sweet ones, you’ll never look back.

Traditional toppings

• Chocolate
• Caramel
• Cream
• Fruit
• Nuts

Where to get it

If you are in northern New Jersey, then Ferazzoli’s Italian Kitchen, in Rutherford, is well worth a visit. From chocolate spread to ice cream, nuts to marshmallows, there’s a dessert pizza to suit all tastes. 

How to make it

Need a quick and easy last-minute dessert? Take a look at this chocolate, strawberry and banana dessert pizza recipe. 

Dessert pizzas are fun, fast, and tasty. Simply bake your base and add on whatever takes your fancy. You can even add chocolate or fruits to the actual base itself if you are making it from scratch. 

What do you need to make your own Pizza?

To help you to make great pizzas at home, it helps to have a few essential pieces of kit. 

While you can get away with cooking some pizzas with just your regular cookware, if you really want to master the art of making great pizzas at home, then you may want to consider purchasing some of the following items.

Wrapping it up

Pizzas are one of the nation’s favorite dishes. But, many people stick to only one type of pizza, not realising there are so many varieties out there, all waiting to be enjoyed! 

Let us know what your favorite type of pizza is below in the comments, and if you’ve enjoyed this article, be sure to share it with a fellow pizza lover.