For those who love food, especially pizza, it should come as no surprise that the United States is home to an astonishing variety of styles. From the towering depths of Chicago's famous deep-dish to the crispy, cheesy edges of Detroit's square-cut pies, American pizza is as diverse as the country's landscape. But why has pizza, a humble dish brought over by Italian immigrants, evolved into so many distinct forms across the US? The answer lies in a fascinating mix of history, culture, and local ingredients.
A Brief History of Pizza in America
Pizza’s journey to America began with Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly those settling in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. In these cities, Italian communities introduced what we now know as pizza — then, a simple flatbread with tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs. As pizza shops sprang up across these urban centres, different regions started putting their own unique spin on the classic recipe.
As pizza became more than just a niche Italian dish, it was embraced by working-class Americans as an affordable and convenient meal. Each city's pizzerias began experimenting with ingredients, baking methods, and serving styles, driven by regional preferences, available ingredients, and even the size of local ovens.
The Major Pizza Styles of America
New York Style Pizza: New York’s pizza scene is iconic for its large, foldable slices (known as the 'NY Fold') with a thin but sturdy crust, typically topped with a layer of rich tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The thin base and chewy, crispy edges make it perfect for grabbing a slice on the go, reflecting the fast pace of city life. Whether you're munching in Manhattan or Brooklyn, the pizza culture here is vast, with classic joints like Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village keeping tradition alive while hip new places add innovative toppings.
Chicago Style Pizza: Chicagoans took pizza to new heights — literally. The famous deep-dish pizza is known for its tall, pie-like crust that’s filled to the brim with layers of cheese, meats, vegetables, and chunky tomato sauce on top. For the ultimate indulgence, there’s stuffed pizza, which adds a second layer of dough over the fillings, making it a pizza lover’s dream. Restaurants like Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s have been serving up these hearty, knife-and-fork-required meals for decades, becoming a must-try for any pizza aficionado visiting the Windy City.
Detroit Style Pizza: A relative newcomer to the global pizza stage, Detroit style pizza is known for its rectangular shape, thick yet airy crust, and a crispy, cheesy edge. Baked in square pans — originally designed for car parts in Motor City — this pizza is topped with Wisconsin brick cheese that caramelises at the edges, creating its signature crunch. The toppings, often placed beneath the cheese, and the sauce, drizzled on top in stripes, give Detroit-style pizzas their unique flair. Locals swear by Buddy’s Pizza, the birthplace of this regional delight.
New Haven Style Pizza (Apizza): Hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, apizza (pronounced “ah-beets”) is a coal-fired masterpiece with a thin, slightly charred crust that gives it a smoky flavour. Simplicity reigns here — toppings like clams, bacon, and grated pecorino Romano cheese often feature on the best pies. Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana, founded in 1925, is synonymous with this style and remains a pilgrimage spot for true pizza connoisseurs.
St. Louis Style Pizza: In the Midwest, St. Louis style pizza has its own personality. The crust is ultra-thin and cracker-like, unleavened for a distinct crispness. This pizza is typically cut into small squares, a departure from the triangular slices more common elsewhere. The real standout? Provel cheese, a processed blend of cheddar, Swiss and provolone, which gives the pizza a creamy texture that’s unlike any other style. Imo’s Pizza is a staple in the St. Louis area, serving up this distinctive version of pizza for generations.
California Style Pizza: Of course, leave it to California to reinvent the pizza game with fresh, vibrant, and often health-conscious toppings. In the 1980s, chefs like Wolfgang Puck brought California style pizza to life, combining a traditional thin crust with unexpected ingredients like arugula, goat cheese, smoked salmon, and even edible flowers. California pizzas often emphasise seasonal produce and artisanal ingredients, reflecting the state’s farm-to-table ethos. Today, chains like California Pizza Kitchen have popularised this trend nationwide, though local restaurants still experiment with the freshest of toppings.
Why So Many Styles?
So, why have different regions in the US developed such distinct pizza identities? A major factor is the influence of local ingredients and the culinary traditions of immigrants who brought their own twists on pizza-making. In New York, high-gluten flour and coal ovens shaped the crispy yet chewy crust of New York style pizza. In Detroit, industrial blue-collar workers found inspiration in rectangular pans from car factories, while St. Louis relied on a locally produced cheese blend to differentiate its pies. Meanwhile, California’s focus on fresh, farm-to-table produce led to more creative and lighter pizzas.
But beyond just ingredients, each region’s style reflects the cultural fabric of the city itself. New York’s slices are made for fast-paced living, while Chicago’s deep-dish is a hearty, sit-down affair perfect for the city’s cold winters. In the Midwest, where a strong emphasis is placed on family meals, the square-sliced pizzas of Detroit and St. Louis are perfect for sharing.
Where to Find These Pizza Styles in the UK
Though deeply American, these pizza styles have crossed the pond, with restaurants across the UK offering a taste of New York, Chicago, and even Detroit. For Chicago style, Japes in London serves up deep-dish delights, while fans of Detroit style can visit Ramona in Manchester for a square slice. New York style is easy to come by, with places like Voodoo Ray's, Alley Cats Pizza and Yard Sale Pizza offering foldable slices. While not strictly California style, chains like Franco Manca, Pizza East and Pizza Pilgrims are known for their creative, customisable pizzas that emphasise fresh and seasonal toppings, which reflect the ethos of California cuisine.
The hardest to find in the UK are St. Louis and New Haven style pizzas. Your closest bet would be The Stable. With locations in various UK cities including Bristol, Bath, and Winchester, The Stable specialises in pizza and pints. This pizza chain offers a variety of pizzas that include creative toppings and a thin crust similar to aspects of these unique American style pizzas.
Pizza, once a humble immigrant food, has now become a global sensation, with each region in America putting its own stamp on the dish. Whether you're a fan of thin, crispy crusts or thick, cheesy slices, America’s pizza diversity offers something for every palate. And with more places across the UK bringing these styles to the table, there's never been a better time to indulge.
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