5 Regional Pizza Styles You Must Try

Pizza is a dish that is as diverse as the United States itself. Travel from one end of the country to the other, and you'll find a vast array of regional pizza styles. Throughout the course of this brief article, you'll learn a little bit about just a few of these styles and what makes them distinct.

Jersey Style

Jersey style pizza, per its namesake, is popular in the state of New Jersey. It is often referred to as a tomato pie, due to the fact that the toppings of a Jersey style pizza sit under the tomato sauce, rather than on top of it, as is the custom with most other styles. It is also considered relatively sweeter and tarter than other styles of pizza.

California Style

California style is a relatively new addition to the world of pizza styles. It was developed in the 1980s in Los Angeles by chef Ed LaDou. California style uses a light and fluffy dough, although it is spread thin. The distinct thing about California style pizza, however, is its use of unconventional toppings. Items like red peppers, pate, and ricotta cheese are commonplace on California-style pies.

St. Louis Style

This Midwestern dish has a distinct flavor for two reasons: it has a thin, crispy, almost cracker-like crust and it uses a cheese popular to St. Louis palettes known as provel. In mozzarella's stead, provel is a processed cheese that is created by combining mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.

Chicago Deep Dish

One of the most popular styles of pizza is the Chicago deep dish. Chicago deep dish is created by using a deep pan, with the cheese and toppings stuffed inside of the pizza and the sauce resting gently on top of it. The sauce also has a distinct, sweet flavor. Although the pie itself is deep, the crust and dough is light and flaky, giving it a texture that is almost like a pastry.

New York Style

New York style is generally considered the first distinctly American style of pizza. It has a thin crust and biting sauce. It is generally considered to be best enjoyed with light or no toppings, aside from cheese, and folded in half when eaten.

No matter where you are in the country, chances are you will find a distinctly original style of pizza pie. Whether you're in the Midwest or either of the coasts, each area will have a unique style that is just as interesting and original as the people who created it. Further your exploration with visits to pizza restaurants like Original Italian Pizza Pa.