Exploring Different Types of Pizza All Around The World!

Pizza is more than just a meal; it's a beloved global favourite. Whether it's a quick bite of woodfired pizza after a long day or the centrepiece of a social gathering, pizza has a way of bringing people together. From its origins in Italy to becoming a worldwide icon, there’s a pizza style to suit every taste.

In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most popular types of pizza, with a special focus on wood-fired pizza, renowned for its irresistible flavor and distinctive cooking style.

1. Neapolitan Pizza: The Classic

Let’s start with the basics. The Neapolitan pizza is the original pizza, dating back to Naples in the late 1700s. This classic style is all about keeping things simple, with a thin crust, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. The dough is made with just a few ingredients (flour, water, salt, and yeast), giving it a soft, airy texture that’s perfect for that crispy, slightly charred finish when cooked in a wood-fired oven.

What sets Neapolitan pizza apart is the authenticity of the ingredients. Everything from the mozzarella to the tomatoes is carefully selected to ensure the most natural flavours. And when it’s cooked in a wood-fired oven at super high temperatures, the flavours really pop. The result? A pizza that’s light, fresh, and utterly delicious.

2. New York-Style Pizza: The Foldable Slice

Ah, New York-style pizza. If you’ve ever been to the Big Apple, you’ve probably had the chance to grab a big, foldable slice from a street vendor. This pizza style is known for its large, thin slices that are perfect for folding in half and devouring on the go. Unlike the soft Neapolitan crust, New York-style pizza has a slightly thicker, crispier base that can hold a variety of toppings without getting soggy.

The classic toppings are simple yet satisfying: mozzarella cheese, a tangy tomato sauce, and your choice of additional toppings—pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives, to name a few. What makes this pizza stand out is its portability. You can grab a slice, fold it, and enjoy it while walking down the street; Perfect for a quick lunch or a late-night snack.

3. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: The Pizza Pie

When you think of Chicago deep-dish pizza, think of a pizza that’s more like a pie. The crust is thick and buttery, almost like a savoury pastry, and it’s filled with layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings. Unlike your traditional pizza, Chicago deep-dish is baked in a deep, round pan, which allows for all the ingredients to be stacked high.

One of the most famous features of Chicago deep dish is the chunky tomato sauce, which is placed on top of the cheese and toppings. The crust holds it all together, creating a pizza that’s rich, hearty, and filling. You definitely need a knife and fork for this one—it’s not your grab-and-go pizza, but rather a comforting meal that you take your time with.

4. Sicilian Pizza: The Square Slice

Sicilian pizza is a thicker, square-cut pizza that originates from the island of Sicily. The dough is a little more bread-like than other pizza styles, and it’s typically baked in a rectangular pan. This pizza is often topped with a generous amount of sauce, cheese, and various toppings, such as onions, anchovies, or sausage.

What makes Sicilian pizza stand out is its substantial crust, which is soft on the inside with a crispy exterior. The square shape makes it easy to share, and the thicker crust means it’s a bit more filling. If you’re craving a hearty pizza that’s perfect for a group, Sicilian pizza is a great choice.

5. Wood-Fired Pizza: The Smoky, Charred Delight

Wood-fired pizza is a game-changer. Cooking pizza in a traditional wood-fired oven gives it a distinct flavour that you just can’t replicate with a regular oven. The high heat of the wood fire cooks the pizza in just a couple of minutes, giving the crust a beautiful, smoky char and a crispy texture that’s both chewy and crunchy.

The ingredients used for wood-fired pizza are often simple, but the way they come together in the oven creates a flavour profile that’s next-level. The smoke from the wood infuses the crust, and the quick cooking time locks in the freshness of the toppings. You’ll often find wood-fired pizza places using fresh, seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, which add to the light, fresh flavour of the pizza.

The unique thing about wood-fired pizza is the way the oven adds complexity to the crust. The slight char, combined with the smokiness, gives the pizza an earthy flavour that’s simply irresistible. If you’ve never tried a wood-fired pizza, it’s definitely worth seeking out in Piccolino Pizza.

6. California-Style Pizza: The Creative Toppings

California-style pizza is all about creativity. It’s a style that emerged in California during the 1980s, and it’s known for its unconventional toppings and fresh, seasonal ingredients. This pizza is often made with a thin crust, and the toppings can range from the classic (mozzarella and tomato sauce) to the unexpected (goat cheese, smoked salmon, or even barbecue chicken).

California-style pizza is perfect for those who like to experiment with flavours. The thin, crispy crust is the ideal base for all kinds of unique toppings, and because California is known for its abundance of fresh produce, you can expect to find lots of seasonal vegetables on top of these pies.

7. Greek Pizza: The Mediterranean Twist

Greek pizza is a little different from the other styles because of its thick, bread-like crust, which is often brushed with olive oil before baking. The crust is dense, almost like focaccia, and it’s the perfect base for Mediterranean-inspired toppings like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, spinach, and tomatoes.

Greek pizza tends to be on the heavier side compared to other pizza types, but the flavours are bold and satisfying. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and oregano creates a tangy, aromatic base, and the feta adds a creamy, salty kick. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, Greek pizza is a great way to enjoy those flavours in a pizza form.

8. St. Louis-Style Pizza: The Thin, Crispy Slice

St. Louis-style pizza is known for its super-thin, crispy crust that’s almost cracker-like. This pizza is a little different from most because it doesn’t use traditional mozzarella. Instead, it’s topped with Provel cheese, a processed blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that melts into a smooth, gooey layer.

The pizza is also cut into squares, making it easy to share and snack on. St. Louis-style pizza tends to have a tangy tomato sauce, and the thin crust makes it a lighter option compared to the more dough-heavy pizzas. It’s definitely a unique variation that offers a crisp, crunchy texture that’s perfect for people who love thin-crust pizza.

9. Detroit-Style Pizza: The Square, Thick-Crust Favourite

Detroit-style pizza is another rectangular option, but what sets it apart is the way the cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the crust, creating a crispy, caramelized border. The dough is thick, but light and airy on the inside. The pizza is typically topped with a tangy tomato sauce, mozzarella, and various meats.

Detroit-style pizza is often cut into squares, making it a great option for sharing. The thick crust provides a hearty base that can support a lot of toppings, and the crispy cheese along the edges makes every bite extra satisfying.

Conclusion

Pizza is one of those foods that’s constantly evolving, with new styles and flavours popping up all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Neapolitan, the hearty Chicago deep-dish, or the smoky wood-fired pizza, there’s a style to suit everyone’s taste. Wood-fired pizza, in particular, stands out for its unique cooking process and smoky flavour, offering a truly special experience that you won’t find with other types of pizza.

So next time you’re in the mood for a slice, consider trying a new style—you might just discover a new favourite! Also, read here to learn more about types of pasta.