Introduction
Pizza is one of America’s most beloved comfort foods, famous for its versatility and regional variations. Across the country, distinct pizza styles have developed that showcase unique crusts, sauces, toppings, and baking techniques. Whether you like the thin, foldable slices of New York or the thick, hearty Chicago deep-dish, knowing the popular types of pizza in the U.S. adds flavor to your pizza journey.
Here are 11 of the most popular types of pizza that Americans absolutely love to dig into.
1. New York-Style Pizza
Arguably the most iconic, New York-style pizza is characterized by large, thin, and foldable slices with a crispy yet chewy crust. It typically features a simple tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and classic toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms.
2. Pepperoni Pizza
By far America’s favorite topping, pepperoni pizza consists of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and plenty of spicy, cured pepperoni slices, baked to crispy edges.
3. Margherita Pizza
Rooted in Italian tradition, Margherita is simple but exquisite with fresh tomato sauce, sliced fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and olive oil. It’s celebrated for its balance of fresh flavors and thin crust.
4. Chicago Deep-Dish
Featuring a thick, buttery crust pressed up the sides of a deep pan, Chicago deep-dish pizza boasts layers of cheese beneath chunky tomato sauce, often with hearty toppings such as sausage or pepperoni. It’s a filling meal that’s eaten with a knife and fork.
5. Detroit-Style Pizza
Known for its rectangular shape, the Detroit-style has a thick, airy crust with a crispy underside. It’s famously topped with Wisconsin brick cheese that caramelizes to the edges and a tomato sauce ladled on top after baking.
6. Sicilian Pizza
A thick, square pizza with a spongy crust, Sicilian is often heavily topped with sauce, cheese, and other ingredients. It’s popular in many U.S. cities and served in rectangular portions.
7. New Haven-Style Pizza (Apizza)
Known locally as “apizza,” this thin-crust pizza is cooked in coal-fired brick ovens, giving it a slightly charred, chewy crust. Topped typically with tomato sauce and grated Romano cheese, mozzarella is considered a topping rather than a baseline ingredient.
8. Grandma Pizza
A thin, rectangular slice with a simple tomato sauce and mozzarella, Grandma pizza is reminiscent of homemade pies baked by Italian-American families without special ovens. Often cooked on sheet pans, it has a rustic appeal.
9. Roman-Style Pizza
This style is usually baked on a sheet pan with a thin, cracker-like crust and focuses on high quality olive oil and fresh ingredients. It’s long, rectangular, and crispy.
10. Greek-Style Pizza
Popular in New England, Greek pizza has a thicker, chewy crust baked in a pan greased with olive oil. Commonly topped with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and oregano, it has a distinct Mediterranean flair.
11. California-Style Pizza
Known for inventive toppings and fusion flavors, California-style pizza often uses non-traditional ingredients like barbecue chicken, fresh produce, nuts, or specialty cheeses, catering to more adventurous palates.
Crusts, Sauces, and Toppings – What Makes Each Type Unique?
- Crust: Ranges from the thin, flexible crust of New York to the thick buttery crust of Chicago deep-dish to the crispy, pan-cooked Detroit style.
- Sauce: Most styles use a tomato-based sauce, but some, like California style, experiment with barbecue or white sauces.
- Toppings: Classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers are common, but some regional pizzas use unique ingredients such as brick cheese in Detroit or Provel cheese in St. Louis.
FAQs About Popular Pizza Types
- What are the 10 most popular pizzas in the world?
Globally popular pizzas include Margherita, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Neapolitan, Sicilian, Meat Lover’s, BBQ Chicken, and Four Cheese. - Which pizza type do most people prefer?
In the U.S., pepperoni pizza and New York-style pizza are often the crowd favorites. - Which type of pizza is most delicious?
This depends on personal taste; however, New York-style and Neapolitan are highly praised for balanced flavor and quality. - What is the most popular pizza in the USA?
Pepperoni pizza is the top-selling pizza, commonly found on menus nationwide. - What is the classic type of pizza?
Neapolitan pizza, with its simple tomato, mozzarella, and basil ingredients, is the classic original. - What kind of pizza is available?
A wide variety, including thin crust, deep dish, pan, stuffed, square-cut, and regional adaptations like Detroit, New Haven, Greek, and California style.
