Pizza types vary based on different factors like crust, toppings, shape, and other criteria. There are probably thousands of pizza types on the planet and this number continues to grow overtime. Other pizza varieties are also named after the places where they originated, with a distinct touch that is unique on that type. Pizza makers, pizza companies, and pizza restaurants continue to put innovation into their pizza products, adding yet new varieties to an already vast selection. Pizza lovers from all over the world have lots to choose from and the list of possibilities are simply infinite.
However, there are pizza varieties that are very common and widely recognized in various parts of the globe. These pizza varieties are those that are often offered in the menu of pizza parlors and restaurants. Here are the common varieties and their distinct features:
Chicago Style Pizza- This pizza style is invented in Chicago, and known for its buttery crust with plenty of tomato sauce and abundant amount of cheese. There are also Chicago style varieties that have stuffed crusts.
New York Style Pizza- The most notable features of this pizza type include thin and crispy crusts. Traditional toppings use mozzarella and tomato. It is light on sauce and served in thin, wide slices. It is cooked in a coal burning oven and takes longer to cook than those baked in brick ovens. These pizzas are bigger than other common varieties.
Italian Pizza- This variety is an oven baked, flat and round pizza that is commonly topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Some regions in Italy make use of other toppings.
Greek Pizza- This pizza variety is widely known for its assorted range of toppings. It has an herby base and tasty toppings. Common used toppings include mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes, onion, olives, bell peppers, mozzarella, manouri cheese, basil and olive oil.
Sicilian Pizza- This pizza variety originated from Palermo, a place in Sicily. It is known for its thick crust. Traditional toppings include pecorino cheese and anchovies. In the United States, this variety is square with very thick crust.
French bread Pizza- It uses French bread which is cut into half and topped with pizza toppings.
Grilled Pizza- As suggested by its name, this pizza is cooked on the grill.
Pan Pizza- This pizza type features a much thicker crust as compared to other pizza kinds. It uses various toppings.
Stuffed Crust Pizza- This revolutionary pizza type has crusts whose outer rims are stuffed with cheese.
Thick Crust Pizza- This type of pizza features a thick crust which is made by letting the dough rise for an hour or so before baking.
Thin Crust Pizza- This pizza type has crispy and crunchy crust.
Vegetarian Pizza- This type of pizza uses vegetarian choices of toppings. Many pizza outlets are offering this pizza variety.
White Pizza- This type of pizza does not use tomato sauce, but uses pesto and dairy products like sour cream. The toppings are often only cheese and may be drizzled with olive oil, fresh basil, and garlic.
You can check out your favorite pizza outlets for available pizza types.