Best Pizza Styles Ranked
Ranked pizza styles refer to the various regional and traditional variations of pizza, each distinguished by unique ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural significance. From the iconic Neapolitan pizza of Italy to the deep-dish style of Chicago, these rankings often reflect personal preferences, culinary traditions, and the diverse palate of pizza enthusiasts worldwide.
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The diversity of pizza styles highlights the creativity and regional influences that have shaped this beloved dish over the years. Neapolitan pizza, with its thin crust and simple toppings of San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and fresh basil, emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional techniques. In contrast, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza features a thick crust that serves as a deep vessel for layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce, offering a hearty and indulgent experience. Other popular styles include New York’s foldable slices, Detroit-style’s square shape with a crispy, caramelized crust, and California-style, which embraces unconventional toppings and gourmet flavors. Each style carries its own story and appeal, creating a rich tapestry of pizza culture that continues to evolve, ensuring that pizza remains a universally loved dish across the globe.
New York StyleView AllNew York Style - Thin, foldable crust; large, wide slices; classic toppings.
Chicago Deep DishView AllChicago Deep Dish - Thick, buttery crust; layered cheese, toppings, and sauce.
SicilianView AllSicilian - Thick, rectangular crust; layered cheese and toppings.
Detroit StyleView AllDetroit Style - Thick, rectangular, crispy crust with cheese and toppings.
St. Louis StyleView AllSt. Louis Style - Thin, crispy crust with provel cheese and toppings.
Greek StyleView AllGreek Style - Thick, chewy crust; baked in a rectangular pan.
California StyleView AllCalifornia Style - Thin crust, fresh toppings, gourmet ingredients, vibrant flavors.
Thin CrustView AllThin Crust - Crispy, lightweight base with minimal toppings.
Pan PizzaView AllPan Pizza - Thick, crispy crust with a soft interior, baked in a pan.
Best Pizza Styles Ranked
1.
New York Style
New York Style pizza is a beloved American classic characterized by its large, foldable slices and a thin, yet sturdy crust. Originating in New York City, this pizza features a simple tomato sauce topped with mozzarella cheese, often enhanced with various toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms. The crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, achieving the perfect balance for easy handling. Typically sold by the slice, New York Style pizza is known for its casual, street-food vibe, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Pros
Crispy yet foldable crust- bold tomato sauce flavor
- generous cheese coverage
- diverse topping options
- iconic street food experience.
Cons
Greasy texture- often too thin
- toppings slide off easily
- less flavorful crust
- can be overly chewy.
2.
Chicago Deep Dish
Chicago Deep Dish pizza is a renowned style that features a thick, buttery crust, resembling a pie more than traditional pizza. This distinctive crust is formed in a deep, round pan, creating high edges that hold a generous amount of toppings. Layers typically include mozzarella cheese, a variety of meats and vegetables, and a chunky tomato sauce poured over the top, preserving the freshness of the ingredients. Its hearty, filling nature and rich flavors have made it a beloved staple of Chicago cuisine, attracting pizza lovers from around the world.
Pros
- Rich
- buttery crust
- Hearty and filling
- Layers of gooey cheese
- Flavorful tomato sauce
- Great for sharing
Cons
- Too filling
- Soggy crust can occur
- Long cooking time
- Not portable
- Can overshadow toppings flavor.
3.
Sicilian
Sicilian pizza is a thick, rectangular pie known for its fluffy, airy crust and a crispy bottom. Originating from Sicily, Italy, this style features a generous layer of sauce, often made from San Marzano tomatoes, and is topped with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, meats, and vegetables. Unlike traditional Neapolitan pizza, Sicilian pizza is baked in a pan, allowing for a unique texture and a heartier bite. Its robust flavors and satisfying dimensions make it a popular choice among pizza lovers seeking a comforting and filling meal.
Pros
- Thick
- chewy crust
- Ideal for sharing
- Versatile toppings
- Crispy edges
- Great for meal prep
Cons
- Thick crust may be too doughy
- Toppings can overwhelm the base
- Less crispy than other styles
- Longer baking time required
- Can be greasy if overloaded.
4.
Detroit Style
Detroit-style pizza is a unique take on the classic Italian dish, originating from Detroit, Michigan, in the mid-20th century. Characterized by its rectangular shape, thick, airy crust, and a crispy, caramelized edge, it is typically baked in a well-oiled steel pan. The pizza is layered with cheese that extends to the edges, creating a crunchy crust, and topped with toppings placed under a robust, chunky tomato sauce. Often featuring pepperoni, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a beloved choice among pizza enthusiasts.
Pros
- Crispy
- thick crust holds toppings well
- Unique rectangular shape offers generous slices
- Cheese caramelizes at the edges
- Robust flavor from sauce-on-top
- Ideal for sharing and gatherings.
Cons
- Thick crust may not appeal to thin crust lovers
- Heaviness can be overwhelming for some eaters
- Limited sauce distribution affects flavor balance
- Cheese can become greasy if overcooked
- Not as widely available as other styles.
5.
St. Louis Style
St. Louis style pizza is characterized by its thin, cracker-like crust, which is made without yeast, resulting in a crispy texture. This unique style is typically cut into small, rectangular pieces instead of traditional triangular slices. Topped with a blend of provolone cheese and a tangy tomato sauce, St. Louis pizza often features a variety of toppings, including the region’s signature ingredient: provel cheese, a processed blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. This distinctive pizza style is beloved for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, making it a regional favorite.
Pros
- Thin
- crispy crust
- Unique Provel cheese blend
- Flavorful and zesty toppings
- Easy to share slices
- Great for casual dining.
Cons
- Too thin crust
- overly sweet sauce
- lacks traditional toppings variety
- often too cheesy
- difficult to find outside St. Louis.
6.
Greek Style
Greek-style pizza is characterized by its thick, chewy crust, typically baked in a pan, which gives it a crispy bottom and a soft, airy interior. Originating from Greek immigrants in the United States, this pizza often features a slightly oily surface due to the use of olive oil in the pan. Topped with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and feta, Greek pizza commonly includes ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, and bell peppers, offering a robust flavor profile. Its unique preparation and toppings set it apart in the diverse world of pizza styles.
Pros
- Crispy
- thick crust
- Flavorful
- tangy sauce
- Generous cheese coverage
- Hearty toppings
- Satisfying
- filling portions.
Cons
- Soggy crust
- Heavy cheese
- Greasy texture
- Limited topping variety
- Less crispy than other styles
7.
California Style
California Style pizza is a unique and innovative approach to pizza-making that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients and a diverse array of toppings. Unlike traditional styles, it features a thin, crispy crust that serves as a canvas for unconventional combinations, such as barbecue chicken, goat cheese, or arugula. Often emphasizing seasonal produce, California Style reflects the state's culinary diversity and health-conscious ethos. This approach not only showcases creativity but also highlights the importance of quality ingredients, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Pros
- Fresh ingredients
- Unique flavor combinations
- Creative toppings
- Emphasis on local produce
- Vibrant culinary scene
Cons
- Too thick for traditional pizza lovers
- often lacks authentic Italian flavors
- can be overly cheesy
- toppings can overwhelm the crust
- may not appeal to minimalist pizza fans.
8.
Thin Crust
Thin crust pizza is a beloved style characterized by its delicate, crisp base that allows toppings to shine without overwhelming the palate. Originating from various regions, it’s particularly associated with New York and Italian styles, where the dough is rolled out to a thin layer before baking. This results in a crunchy texture, perfect for holding a variety of toppings, from classic tomato sauce and mozzarella to gourmet ingredients. Ideal for those who appreciate a lighter pizza experience, thin crust offers a satisfying crunch with each bite, making it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.
Pros
- Crispy texture
- Holds toppings well
- Lower in calories
- Quick baking time
- Great for dipping
Cons
- Lacks the chewy texture of thicker crusts
- toppings may slide off easily
- can be too crispy for some
- limited sauce absorption
- may feel less filling.
9.
Pan Pizza
Pan pizza is a beloved style characterized by its thick, airy crust that is baked in a deep, rectangular or round pan, giving it a crispy outer edge and a soft, chewy interior. Originating from Chicago, this pizza style often features a generous layer of cheese and toppings, which can sometimes be placed directly on the dough, followed by a rich tomato sauce on top. The high sides of the pan allow for ample toppings and a satisfying texture, making pan pizza a hearty and indulgent choice for pizza lovers.
Pros
- Crispy
- golden crust
- Cheesy edges
- Thick and hearty
- Excellent sauce retention
- Versatile toppings option
Cons
- Greasy texture
- Heavy crust
- Longer cooking time
- Limited toppings
- Can be overly filling.