This pizza blog will certainly spark the interest of any foodie looking for the best styles of American pizzas. Though Italy may have created pizza, the United States has certainly perfected it. Each region has its own specialty, which can include anything from crispy, thin-crust pizza to sloppy, deep-dish slices. In this post, I will share five important pizzas from different regions of America and their unique toppings, preparation methods, nutrition facts, and allergen details.
New York-Style Pizzas
These slices feature the most unique crust of all American pizzas. The crunchy, yet foldable crust is paired with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, and sprinkled with oregano or chili flakes and other spices. The dough is then placed in an oven with extremely high temperatures to bake the pizza. Baking your pizza in high temperatures will provide you with a crispy bottom crust along with soft and chewy edges. Most people eat it on the go, which is also why people love it the most for city life. Each slice contains a high percentage of gluten and dairy.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Losing track of time while devouring pizza, where it seems like the crust might be more pie than flatbread? Well, that would be because you are indulging in the famously known Chicago deep-dish pizza, where there are several layers of cheese, an endless amount of toppings like sausage and vegetables and then the final chunk of tomato sauce, which makes this dish hearty. This pizza is rich in protein and vegetables, yet indulgent enough to enjoy on your cheat day. Deep-dish pizza graciously includes gluten and dairy, so be careful if you have an intolerance. Without a doubt, one of the most iconic pizzas served in America.
California Gourmet Pizza
California-style pizza puts the creativity of the chef to a test while using locally grown, fresh toppings. The unique, slender crust is served with exotic toppings such as arugula, goat cheese, and barbecued chicken—or even smoked salmon. This gourmet dish, tossed in an oven alongside other gourmet meals served at super-fast intervals, offers a light, airy bite while still maintaining its bold toppings. It is sometimes served with healthier options such as fresh greens and lean protein, while still containing gluten and dairy in manageable amounts. People all over the world serve and love this modern pizza style.
Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit’s signature pizza has a rough, crusty surface like a loaf with a thick, fluffy inside that is rectangular in shape. The pizza has a hard crust with cheese melted around the edges, caramelized on the sides, and sauce typically added on top of the cheese. This technique provides a person a cheesy, crunchy bite of sauce on every slice. The different textures and overwhelming tastes stand out. The person with the wheat and dairy allergy should stand clear of this one. If you are a cheese lover, this is one of the best regional pizzas in America.
St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis has a specialty pizza with a very thin, cracker crust. It’s topped not with mozzarella like most pizzas, but with a very creamy blend of cheddar, processed Swiss, and provolone cheese called Provel. There is a variety of toppings from pepperoni to vegetables, and instead of the traditional triangular shape, this pizza is served in squares. This pizza is lightweight and crispy so it is ideal to be served at parties. There is gluten and dairy, and the Provel cheese can be shocking to those unfamiliar with it. This is a very unique and underrated regional pizza in America.
Conclusion
Each area infuses its own character into the culture of pizza, ranging from New York’s thin crust to Chicago’s deep-dish masterpiece. These five styles of American pizzas exemplify more than just food but customs and culture as well. While traveling and cooking are two acts, the best American pizzas are categorized regionally, and the experience is especially fulfilling.
