The 10 Most Popular Varieties of Pizza in the United States

At its core, pizza consists of three things: dough, sauce, and toppings. Throughout the years, this simple dish has transformed to include hundreds of variations and multiple different “styles.” The most popular and well-known styles include:

1. The Original Neapolitan

Credit: Valerio Capello at English Wikipedia

Also known as Naples-style pizza, this is the ultimate pizza classic, made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Traditionally, it’s thin crust with minimal toppings and is wood-fired.

2. California Style

California-style pizza combines New York and Italian thin crust with toppings from California cuisine. Toppings are fresh and unusual, such as egg, garden vegetables, and scallops.

3. Chicago Deep Dish

Chicago is known for a pizza baked in a special pan that gives it a characteristically high edge with ample space for large amounts of cheese and a chunky tomato sauce. This deep crust is thin to medium thickness and covered with a thick layer of toppings.

4. Chicago Thin Crust

While less widely known than deep dish, Chicago also has a classic thin crust pizza version, featuring a crisp and crunchy crust, spicy sauce, and a large amount of meat. Typically cut into squares.

5. Detroit Style

This rectangular/square pizza features a thick crust that is crispy and chewy. It is traditionally topped with Wisconsin brick cheese that goes all the way to the edges. The pizza was originally baked in rectangular steel trays designed for use as automotive drip pans or hold small industrial parts in factories.

6. New England Greek Style

Pizza that traditionally features a thick and crunchy golden crust, topped with typical Greek ingredients. Its influences are heavily Greek as well as that authentic bar single-serve style.

7. New York Thin Crust

A modification of the Original Neapolitan style, featuring thin and crunchy crust that is soft on the inside and a perfect balance of thin tomato sauce and cheese. Usually sold by the slice.

8. St. Louis Style

St. Louis is known for pizza with a thin, cracker-like crust made without yeast and topped with Provel cheese. Typically cut into squares or rectangles.

9. New Jersey Style

Also known as the tomato pie, this style of pizza has the toppings and cheese placed underneath the sauce.

10. Franco’s Pizza

Franco’s style pizza isn’t actually a national favorite, but it definitely is a local one! Find out why our pizza is the most delicious option in Buffalo today.

Customers throughout Kenmore, Tonawanda, Amherst, and Buffalo, NY love Franco’s pizza! The perfect crust, the delicious sauce, and the freshest toppings combine to create a pizza experience you will never forget. Call one of our convenient locations today to place your order! Not a fan of the phone? We offer pizza online ordering options as well!