Who doesn’t love a good pizza? It’s the perfect comfort food, and with so many varieties and toppings to choose from, it’s no wonder pizza is a global phenomenon. From thin and crispy to thick and chewy, there’s a pizza for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the top pizza varieties across the globe, and what makes them so unique.
Margherita – Italy
We couldn’t start this article without mentioning the classic Margherita pizza. Originating from Naples, Italy, the Margherita pizza is a simple yet delicious creation that consists of a thin crust, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. Many believe that the colors of the ingredients represent the Italian flag, making it a patriotic pizza. The simplicity of the Margherita allows the flavors of each ingredient to shine through, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Neapolitan – Italy
Another pizza variety that originated from Naples, Italy, is the Neapolitan pizza. This pizza is made with a thicker, chewier crust, and is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature, giving it a charred appearance. The toppings on a Neapolitan pizza are usually minimal, with the traditional toppings being San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. This pizza is perfect for those who prefer a chewier crust and a simple yet delicious combination of flavors.
Chicago-style – United States
Moving over to the United States, we have the Chicago-style pizza. This deep-dish pizza is believed to have originated in the windy city, and it’s easy to see why it’s become so popular. The crust on a Chicago-style pizza is thick and buttery, and the toppings are placed on the pizza in reverse order. This means that the cheese goes on first, followed by the toppings, and then the tomato sauce goes on top. This creates a pie-like pizza that’s filled with flavor, making it a must-try for any pizza lover.
New York-style – United States
Another popular pizza variety in the United States is the New York-style pizza. This pizza is known for its large, wide slices and thin, foldable crust. The sauce on a New York-style pizza is often made with San Marzano tomatoes, and the cheese is typically a blend of mozzarella and provolone. The toppings on a New York-style pizza are endless, making it a pizza that can be customized to anyone’s liking. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, there’s a New York-style pizza for you.
Calzone – Italy
Although not technically a pizza, the calzone is a stuffed pizza that’s worth mentioning. Originating from Naples, Italy, the calzone is essentially a pizza that’s folded in half and baked. The filling is usually a combination of cheese, tomato sauce, and meats or vegetables. The outer crust is crispy, and the filling is hot and gooey, making it the perfect comfort food. Calzones aren’t as well-known as regular pizzas, but they’re definitely worth giving a try.
Hawaiian – United States
The Hawaiian pizza is a divisive pizza variety that’s loved by some and hated by others. It’s typically made with a thin crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings of ham and pineapple. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs well with the salty ham and tangy tomato sauce, creating a unique flavor profile. Although not typically found in Italy, the Hawaiian pizza has become a favorite in the United States and is worth a try for anyone who hasn’t tried it.
Margarita – Mexico
In Mexico, the Margarita pizza is a popular variation of the classic pizza. It’s typically made with a thin crust, tomato sauce, cheese, and sliced tomatoes. The pizza is then topped with fresh avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. The addition of the avocado and cilantro gives the pizza a Mexican twist, and the lime juice brings a refreshing, tangy flavor.
Tartiflette – France
Moving away from the traditional Italian-style pizzas, we have the Tartiflette pizza from France. This pizza is made with a potato-based crust and is topped with bacon, onions, and Reblochon cheese. Reblochon is a semi-soft cheese that’s made in the Alps region of France, and it melts beautifully, giving the pizza a creamy, flavorful topping. The potato-based crust adds a unique texture and flavor, making this pizza a must-try for anyone visiting France.
Conclusion
Pizza is a global phenomenon, and with so many varieties and toppings to choose from, it’s easy to see why it’s become such a beloved food. From the classic Italian Margherita to the deep-dish Chicago-style, there’s a pizza for everyone. Whether you prefer a chewy crust or a crispy one, a tangy tomato sauce or a sweet pineapple topping, there’s a pizza out there waiting for you to try it. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a slice and enjoy!