Pizza is a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. Its simple base of dough, sauce, and cheese provides a canvas for countless flavor combinations.

From classic styles to unique regional creations, pizza has evolved to suit different tastes and preferences.

You can find 15 distinct types of pizza, each with its own special qualities. These pizzas vary in crust thickness, toppings, and cooking methods. Some are tied to specific places, while others have gained popularity across many regions.

Learning about these different styles can expand your pizza knowledge and help you find new favorites to try.

1. Margherita

Margherita pizza is a classic Italian favorite. You’ll recognize it by its simple yet delicious toppings.

The base is a thin, round crust made from pizza dough. On top, you’ll find red tomato sauce, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves. These colors match the Italian flag.

The cheese is usually fresh mozzarella, cut into slices or torn into chunks. Good quality olive oil is drizzled over the pizza before or after baking.

The pizza is cooked in a very hot oven, often wood-fired. This gives the crust a crispy texture with slightly charred edges.

Margherita pizza has a light, fresh taste. It’s perfect when you want something tasty but not too heavy.

2. Pepperoni

Pepperoni pizza is a classic favorite. This spicy, cured sausage adds a bold flavor to your pie.

Most pepperoni is made from a mix of pork and beef. It’s seasoned with paprika and chili peppers, giving it a distinctive red color and zesty kick.

When baked, pepperoni often curls up at the edges. This creates small cups that hold delicious pools of oil.

You can find different styles of pepperoni on pizzas. Some are sliced thin and lay flat, while others are thicker and cup-shaped.

For a twist, try turkey pepperoni. It’s a leaner option that still delivers great taste.

3. BBQ Chicken

BBQ chicken pizza combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the comfort of pizza. You’ll find a tangy barbecue sauce base instead of traditional tomato sauce.

Shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce is the star topping. Red onions add a sharp crunch, while melted mozzarella cheese ties it all together.

Some recipes include cilantro or sliced green onions for freshness. You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own for the crust.

To make this pizza, spread BBQ sauce on the dough, add the toppings, and bake at high heat until the crust is golden and the cheese melts.

4. Hawaiian

Hawaiian pizza is a unique and tasty pizza variety. It features a mix of sweet and savory flavors that many pizza lovers enjoy.

The key toppings on a Hawaiian pizza are ham and pineapple. These sit on top of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-Canadian, created this pizza in 1962. He made it at his restaurant called Satellite in Ontario, Canada.

You can find Hawaiian pizza at many pizza places. Some people love it, while others don’t like the idea of fruit on pizza.

Try a Hawaiian pizza to see if you like the blend of flavors. You might be surprised by how well the ingredients work together.

5. Veggie Supreme

Veggie Supreme pizza is a colorful and flavorful choice for vegetable lovers. It’s topped with a variety of fresh veggies on a tomato sauce base.

Common toppings include bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives. Some versions add zucchini, tomatoes, or spinach for extra nutrition and taste.

To make this pizza at home, start with a pre-baked crust. Spread tomato sauce evenly, then layer on your chopped veggies. Finish with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of oregano.

Bake your Veggie Supreme in a hot oven until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden. The result is a crispy, veggie-packed pizza that’s both delicious and satisfying.

6. Meat Lovers

Meat lovers pizza is a carnivore’s dream. This hearty pie is loaded with various types of meat toppings.

You’ll typically find pepperoni, sausage, and bacon on a meat lovers pizza. Some versions also include ham and ground beef for extra protein.

The meats are layered over a tomato sauce base and topped with melted cheese. This creates a rich, savory flavor profile that meat enthusiasts crave.

When ordering a meat lovers pizza, you can expect a filling meal. The combination of different meats offers a range of textures and tastes in every bite.

7. Buffalo Chicken

Buffalo chicken pizza combines two beloved foods into one tasty dish. The pizza crust is topped with spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheese, and sometimes blue cheese or ranch dressing.

To make it, spread buffalo sauce on the crust instead of tomato sauce. Add shredded chicken tossed in more buffalo sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake the pizza until the crust is crispy and the cheese melts. For extra flavor, drizzle more buffalo sauce or blue cheese dressing on top after baking.

You can customize this pizza with toppings like red onions or mushrooms. The spicy, tangy flavors make it a popular choice for pizza lovers who enjoy some heat.

8. Four Cheese

Four cheese pizza is a tasty option for cheese lovers. It combines four different cheeses on a single pizza. The most common cheeses used are mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, and fontina.

This pizza can be made with or without tomato sauce. The white version lets the cheese flavors shine. The red version adds a tangy contrast to the rich cheeses.

You can find four cheese pizza at many pizzerias. It’s also easy to make at home. Just spread your favorite cheeses on pizza dough and bake until melted and bubbly.

For the best taste, eat your four cheese pizza right away while it’s hot and gooey.

9. Prosciutto e Funghi

Prosciutto e Funghi is a tasty Italian pizza you’ll love. It combines ham and mushrooms for a savory treat.

The base is topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Thin slices of prosciutto (Italian ham) are added. Mushrooms, often champignons, complete the toppings.

You can find this pizza in two styles. The “rossa” version has tomato sauce. The “bianca” style skips the sauce for a white pizza.

This pizza offers a mix of flavors and textures. The salty ham pairs well with the earthy mushrooms. It’s a popular choice in Italy and beyond.

10. Capricciosa

Capricciosa is a popular Italian pizza that offers a mix of flavors. You’ll find it topped with a variety of ingredients on a tomato sauce base.

The name “capricciosa” means capricious or whimsical in Italian. This fits perfectly because the toppings can change depending on where you eat it.

Most versions include mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, artichokes, and ham. You might also see olives, sliced hard-boiled eggs, or prosciutto on top.

In some parts of Italy, green peas are added to the mix. The combination of these toppings creates a tasty and satisfying pizza experience.

You can try making capricciosa at home or find it at many Italian restaurants. It’s a great choice if you like pizzas with lots of different toppings.

11. Quattro Stagioni

Quattro Stagioni means “four seasons” in Italian. This pizza features four distinct sections, each representing a different season.

The toppings are arranged in separate quarters on the pizza. You’ll find artichokes for spring, tomatoes and basil for summer, mushrooms for fall, and ham or prosciutto for winter.

The base is typically a thin crust with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Each quarter gets its unique topping, creating a visually appealing and flavorful pizza.

You can enjoy a variety of tastes in one pizza with Quattro Stagioni. It’s a popular choice in Italy and around the world for those who like different flavors in their meal.

12. Diavola

Diavola pizza brings the heat to your taste buds. This Italian classic features a spicy kick that sets it apart from milder varieties.

The star of diavola pizza is spicy salami, often pepperoni or soppressata. These zesty meats create a bold flavor profile that pizza lovers crave.

Tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese form the base of this fiery pie. Some versions add extra heat with chili flakes or fresh peppers.

You’ll find diavola pizza served in pizzerias across Italy and around the world. Its name means “devil” in Italian, hinting at its spicy nature.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, diavola offers a perfect balance of flavors. The spiciness pairs well with the creamy cheese and tangy sauce.

13. Pesto Primavera

Pesto Primavera pizza combines the fresh flavors of pesto with spring vegetables. You’ll find a vibrant green pesto sauce spread on the crust instead of traditional tomato sauce.

The toppings typically include a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Some versions may add artichokes or asparagus for extra flavor.

Mozzarella cheese is often sprinkled on top, melting into the vegetables and pesto. A final drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves complete this light, flavorful pizza.

Pesto Primavera offers a tasty way to enjoy seasonal produce on your pizza. It’s perfect for those who want a change from classic tomato-based pizzas.

14. Seafood

Seafood pizza offers a tasty twist on traditional toppings. You can find a variety of ocean-inspired options to satisfy your cravings.

Shrimp is a popular choice, often paired with garlic for extra flavor. Smoked salmon adds a rich, smoky taste to your slice.

For a luxurious touch, try pizzas topped with scallops or crab meat. These delicate seafood options pair well with creamy sauces.

Some seafood pizzas feature a mix of different fish and shellfish. This gives you a chance to enjoy multiple flavors in one bite.

Don’t forget to add some veggies like arugula or red onions to balance out the seafood flavors. A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the taste too.

15. Truffle Mushroom

Truffle mushroom pizza is a luxurious twist on classic mushroom pizza. It combines earthy mushrooms with the intense flavor of truffles.

You’ll find a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, porcini, or cremini on this pizza. The star ingredient is truffle, usually added as truffle oil or shaved truffle pieces.

The base often includes a creamy white sauce or olive oil instead of tomato sauce. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese complement the rich truffle flavor.

For extra depth, garlic and herbs like thyme or chives are common additions. The result is a savory, aromatic pizza that feels fancy and indulgent.

History of Pizza

Pizza has a rich history spanning thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, and it has evolved into a beloved global dish with countless variations.

Origins and Evolution

Pizza’s roots go back to ancient times. Flatbreads with toppings were eaten by many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Greeks. The Romans had a similar dish called focaccia.

In 16th century Naples, Italy, poor workers needed cheap, quick meals. They topped flatbread with tomatoes, cheese, and herbs – creating what we now know as pizza.

In 1889, pizza gained royal approval when Queen Margherita of Italy enjoyed a pizza with tomato, mozzarella, and basil toppings. This pizza, matching the colors of the Italian flag, became known as Pizza Margherita.

Pizza’s Global Influence

As Italians migrated around the world, they brought pizza with them. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants introduced pizza to the United States. New York-style pizza, with its thin crust and wide slices, became popular.

Pizza adapted to local tastes in different countries. In Chicago, deep-dish pizza was created. Brazil combined pizza with local ingredients like bananas and chocolate. Japan experimented with toppings like eel and squid ink.

Today, pizza is enjoyed worldwide. You can find pizza chains in most countries. Frozen pizzas are common in supermarkets. Pizza has become a global comfort food, with endless variations to suit every taste.

Essential Pizza Ingredients

Pizza relies on a few key components to create its iconic flavor and texture. The right ingredients make all the difference in crafting a delicious pie.

Traditional Dough Bases

Pizza dough forms the foundation of any great slice. To make a basic dough, you’ll need flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and warm water.

Mix these ingredients until you get a shaggy dough, then knead it to develop gluten. Let the dough rise for at least an hour before shaping.

For a crispier crust, try adding semolina flour to your dough mix. This gives the crust extra crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and more fiber.

Proofing your dough overnight in the fridge can improve its texture and taste. This slow fermentation process builds more complex flavors in your crust.

Variety of Sauces

Tomato sauce is the classic pizza topping, but you have many options.

For a traditional red sauce, use crushed canned tomatoes with herbs like basil and oregano. Cook the sauce briefly to keep its fresh flavor.

White pizzas use olive oil or a creamy garlic sauce instead of tomato. Pesto makes a great base for veggie pizzas.

For a twist, try BBQ sauce or even a spicy buffalo sauce.

Don’t overload your pizza with sauce. A thin layer is enough to add flavor without making the crust soggy.

Cheese Variations

Mozzarella is the go-to cheese for most pizzas.

Low-moisture mozzarella melts well and doesn’t make your pizza watery. For extra flavor, mix in some Parmesan or Romano cheese.

Try fresh mozzarella for a Neapolitan-style pizza.

It has a softer texture and milkier taste. Provolone adds a sharp flavor that pairs well with meat toppings.

For non-dairy options, there are many plant-based cheese alternatives available.

These can melt and stretch similarly to dairy cheese.