Pizza is the world’s favourite food. It’s a food that unites people wherever they are. Whether you’re in New York, Naples or Tokyo, pizza is comfort food. It’s easy to find, fun to eat and infinitely customisable. Today we’re diving into “The Pizza Edition” to explore why it’s so popular, the different styles and what the future holds for pizza lovers everywhere.
Finding The Pizza Edition
Finding the perfect pizza is a problem. With so many options, from thick crust to thin, from deep dish to Neapolitan, it’s all too much. Some like a classic Margherita, others like pineapple or anchovies. And then there’s the question of whether pineapple belongs on a pizza at all!
The problem is with all these options, how do you find The Pizza Edition? What makes a pizza great? And why does it matter?
The Pizza Wars
Pizza is a war zone for foodies. In cities like New York and Chicago the different styles of pizza are at war. New Yorkers are loyal to their thin crust slices, Chicagoans to their deep dish pies. These pizza wars aren’t just about taste, they’re about identity.
In Italy, the birthplace of pizza, the debate is just as fierce. Traditionalists say only a wood fired oven can produce a true pizza, others say modern ovens and new techniques can produce something just as good.
Pizza chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut have also entered the fray, with their own versions of the classic. But are mass produced pizzas as good as artisanal pies from local pizzerias? Many would say no and that’s where the frustration comes in. With so many options how do you know which pizza is worth your time and money?
The Pizza Edition—A Guide to the Best Pies
The Pizza Edition we’re going to solve the pizza dilemma. We’ll explore the different styles of pizza, from Neapolitan to Detroit-style and everything in between. We’ll also look at the history of pizza, how it’s evolved over the years and what makes each style unique.
We’ll show you where to find the best pizza in your area, traditional pizzeria or modern. And for those who want to make pizza at home we’ll give you the expert tips on how to get the crust, sauce and toppings right.
A Brief History of Pizza
Pizza as we know it today was born in Naples, Italy in the late 18th century. The classic Margherita pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil was created to honour Queen Margherita of Savoy. This simple yet delicious combination of ingredients quickly took off and pizza spread throughout Italy and beyond.
In the early 20th century Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States. It first became popular in cities like New York and Chicago where local styles emerged. New York style pizza is big, foldable slices with a thin crust. Chicago style is a deep dish pie with a thick crust and layers of cheese and toppings.
Today pizza is a global phenomenon. You can find it in almost every country and each region has its own version. In Japan you’ll find corn and mayonnaise on top. In Brazil you might find hearts of palm and catupiry cheese.
The Different Types of Pizza
There are many types of pizza, each with its own characteristics. Here are some of the most popular:
- Neapolitan Pizza: This is the original pizza from Naples, Italy. Thin crust, soft and cooked in a wood fired oven. Toppings are simple, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
- New York Style Pizza: Big, thin and crispy slices. Sold by the slice. Easy to fold and eat on the go. A classic New York choice.
- Chicago Style Deep Dish: All about the crust. Thick and buttery with layers of cheese, sauce and toppings. More like a pizza pie than a traditional pizza.
- Detroit Style Pizza: A newcomer to the pizza scene. Rectangular with a thick chewy crust. Baked in a pan which gives it a crispy edge. Sauce is often on top of the cheese and toppings.
- Sicilian Pizza: Thick square crust. Topped with tomato sauce, onions, anchovies and herbs. A hearty filling pizza popular in Italy and the US.
- California Style Pizza: Known for its creative toppings. Avocado, goat cheese and arugula are common. A lighter, more modern take on traditional pizza.
St. Louis Style: Thin crust, cracker like. Topped with Provel cheese (a processed cheese blend). Cut into squares.
Find the Best Pizza in Your Area
Finding the best pizza is worth the hunt. Here’s how to find the top pizzerias in your area:
- Ask Around: Word of mouth is the best way to find a great pizza place. Ask friends, family and coworkers for their go to’s.
- Read Reviews: Online reviews are helpful but read a variety of them. Some people might like a certain style of pizza you don’t so take reviews with a grain of salt.
- Look for Fresh Ingredients: The best pizzas are made with fresh high quality ingredients. Look for pizzerias that use fresh mozzarella, homemade sauce and locally sourced toppings.
- Try Different Styles: Don’t be afraid to branch out and try different styles of pizza. You might find a new favorite!
- Go Local: While pizza chains are convenient local pizzerias offer more authentic and unique pizzas. Support your local businesses and give them a try.
Make Pizza at Home
If you love pizza why not make it at home? It’s easier than you think and you can customize it to your liking. Here’s how to make the perfect homemade pizza:
- Start with Good Dough: The dough is the base of your pizza. You can make your own from scratch or buy pre-made dough from a grocery store. If you’re making your own be sure to let it rise properly for a light airy crust.
- Use High Quality Ingredients: Just like at a pizzeria the quality of your ingredients matter. Use fresh mozzarella, good quality tomatoes for your sauce and fresh herbs and toppings.
- Don’t Overload on Toppings: It’s tempting to pile on the toppings but less is more when it comes to pizza. Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and hard to cook evenly.
- Preheat Your Oven: A hot oven is key to a crispy crust. Preheat your oven to its highest temperature and if you have a pizza stone use it to get that perfect crust.
Try Different Toppings: The best part of making pizza at home is you can try different toppings.
The Future of Pizza
Pizza is always changing and it’s looking good for pizza lovers. New styles and flavours are being created all the time and technology is making it easier than ever to get a pizza delivered to your door.
One of the trends that’s on the rise is alternative flours for pizza bases. Gluten free and cauliflower bases are becoming more popular for those with dietary restrictions. Vegan pizzas are also on the up, with more pizzerias offering plant based cheese and meat substitutes.
Another trend is ghost kitchens – restaurants that only exist for delivery. These kitchens allow pizzerias to reach more customers without the overhead of a traditional restaurant. So more options for pizza lovers as ghost kitchens can offer more styles and flavours.
Finally pizza vending machines are starting to appear in cities around the world. They can make a fresh pizza in a few minutes, perfect for pizza on the go.
FAQs
What’s the most popular pizza topping?
Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the US. It’s a classic.
How do I get a crispy base at home?
Preheat your oven to its highest temperature and use a pizza stone if you have one. Don’t overload your pizza with too many toppings or the base will be soggy.
What’s the difference between Neapolitan and New York style?
Neapolitan has a soft thin base and is cooked in a wood fired oven. New York style has a thin crispy base and is sold in large slices that can be folded.
