Pizza is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. While the basic ingredients of pizza are fairly standard – dough, sauce, and cheese – there are countless variations on this classic dish, with different styles of pizza emerging from different regions and cultures. Pizza has been seen in many different styles across the globe. Today, I will explore the differences between the Neapolitan, Roman, New York, and Detroit styles of pizza.
1. What is the Neapolitan pizza style?
One of the oldest and most traditional pizza styles is Neapolitan pizza, which originated in Naples, Italy. Neapolitan pizza is characterized by its thin, soft crust, which is made from simple ingredients like flour, water, salt, and yeast. Check out our guide on PizzApp the easiest way for you to generate the right recipe that works for you.
The sauce is usually made from fresh, high-quality tomatoes, and the cheese is typically mozzarella. Neapolitan pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a unique, smoky flavor.
Although a wood-fired oven is the traditional way of cooking Neapolitan pizza, the most important aspect is the heat the oven produces. This is why you can achieve incredible results in gas-fired ovens, such as the Ooni Koda 16 which can produce 500 degrees Celcius (950 degrees Fahrenheit).
Neapolitan pizza is typically cooked at a high temperature (around 900°F) for a short period of time (usually less than 90 seconds). This results in a crust that is soft and chewy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
While the two most traditional versions of the Neapolitan pizza is the Marinara and the Margherita it is available in all kind of variations. One of the defining characteristics of Neapolitan pizza is the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients. The sauce is typically made from ripe, juicy tomatoes, and the cheese is typically mozzarella di bufala, which is a type of mozzarella made from the milk of water buffalo. Other common toppings for Neapolitan pizza include fresh basil, olive oil, and cured meats like prosciutto or salami.
Neapolitan pizza has a long history and is considered to be one of the oldest styles of pizza in the world. It is so highly regarded that it has been granted special designation by the Italian government, which has recognized it as a “traditional specialty guaranteed” (TSG) food product. This means that in order to be called a “true” Neapolitan pizza, it must be made using certain traditional methods and ingredients. Also, it can never be sold frozen, semi-frozen, or vacuum-packed.
2. What is the Roman pizza style?
Roman pizza, also known as pizza al taglio, is a pizza style that originated in Rome, Italy. It is characterized by its large, rectangular shape and thick, crispy crust, which is made from a mixture of flour, water, salt, and yeast. Unlike traditional Neapolitan pizza, which is cooked in a wood-fired oven, Roman pizza is typically baked in a gas-fired oven, which gives it a crispier, drier texture.
One of the defining characteristics of Roman pizza is its toppings. Roman pizza is typically topped with a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses, and is known for its generous portions. The pizza is usually cut into small, rectangular slices and is sold by weight, with customers choosing the specific toppings and quantities they desire.
Roman pizza is typically served at room temperature, making it a popular choice for a quick, casual meal. It is often sold at pizzerias or specialized “pizza al taglio” shops, where it is displayed in large, rectangular pans and can be purchased by the slice.
In addition to its distinctive shape and toppings, Roman pizza is also known for its unique cooking method. Rather than being cooked in a single pie-shaped disc, Roman pizza is baked in large, rectangular pans and then cut into slices. This allows the pizza to be cooked evenly, resulting in a crust that is crispy and chewy at the same time.
Overall, Roman pizza is a delicious and unique pizza style that is enjoyed by people all over the world for its thick, crispy crust and generous toppings. If you’re in Rome and looking for a quick, tasty meal, be sure to give Roman pizza a try!
3. What is the New York pizza style?
New Yor pizza style is a type of pizza that is characterized by its large, thin slices and foldable crust. It is typically made with a high-gluten flour dough that is stretched out to create a thin, crispy crust. The crust is then topped with a simple tomato sauce, cheese (usually mozzarella), and a variety of meats, vegetables, and other toppings.
New York-style pizza is known for its large size – the slices are typically larger than those of other styles of pizza and are meant to be folded in half before eating. The pizza is usually served in slices and is often sold by the slice at pizzerias. It is a popular choice for both takeout and delivery and is often enjoyed by New Yorkers and tourists alike.
One of the defining characteristics of New York-style pizza is its crust, which is thin and crispy, but still chewy and flexible enough to be folded in half. The pizza style is typically baked in a gas-fired oven, which gives it a crispy, slightly burnt texture. The sauce is usually made from simple, high-quality ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, and the cheese is typically mozzarella.
Overall, New York-style pizza is a classic. If you’re in New York (or anywhere else in the world) and in the mood for pizza, be sure to give New York pizza style a try!
4. What is the Detroit and Chicago pizza style?
Detroit pizza style is a type of pizza that originated in Detroit, Michigan, and is characterized by its thick, rectangular crust and generous toppings. The crust is typically made from a mixture of high-gluten flour and cornmeal, which gives it a unique, slightly crispy texture. The pizza is typically baked in a square or rectangular pan, which gives it a deep-dish appearance.
One of the defining characteristics of Detroit-style pizza is its toppings. The pizza is usually topped with a generous amount of cheese (typically mozzarella and/or provolone), as well as a variety of meats, vegetables, and other toppings. The toppings are usually placed on top of the cheese, rather than underneath it, which gives the pizza a distinctive, layered appearance.
Detroit-style pizza is typically cut into small, square slices and is served either hot or at room temperature. It is often enjoyed as a casual meal or snack and is a popular choice for takeout and delivery.
Chicago pizza style, also known as deep-dish pizza, is another popular style of pizza that originated in the Chicago area. It is characterized by its thick, buttery crust and generous toppings, and is baked in a deep-dish pan, which gives it a distinct, layered appearance.
The crust of Chicago-style pizza is typically made from a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and butter, and is formed into a deep, round pan before being filled with toppings and cheese. The pizza is usually topped with a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses, and the toppings are typically placed on top of the cheese, rather than underneath it.
Chicago-style pizza is typically cut into small, wedge-shaped slices and is served hot. It is a popular choice for both takeout and delivery and is enjoyed by people all over the world for its thick, hearty crust and generous toppings.
Overall, both Detroit-style and Chicago-style pizzas are delicious, hearty styles of pizza that are loved by people all over the world for their thick, buttery crusts and generous toppings. If you’re a fan of deep-dish pizza, be sure to give these styles a try!
Which pizza style to go for?
You should go for whatever pizza style you prefer and are in the mood for! All of them have their own delicious characteristics. So no matter what style of pizza you prefer, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Neapolitan pizza or you prefer something a little more creative, there is a pizza out there that will suit your taste. So next time you’re in the mood for pizza, don’t be afraid to try something new – you might just discover your new favorite style!
