Pizza, a beloved culinary delight, has captured the hearts and palates of people all around the world. From its humble origins in Italy to its countless variations across different cultures, pizza has become a global phenomenon. In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the various types of pizza, provide recipes for each type, guide you through the steps of making each pizza from scratch, offer valuable cooking tips, and discuss the essential equipment needed to create a pizza masterpiece. Get ready to embark on a journey through the delicious world of pizza!
I. Introduction to Different Types of Pizza
A. Neapolitan Pizza
B. New York Style Pizza
C. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
D. Sicilian Pizza
E. Margherita Pizza
F. California Style Pizza
G. Greek Pizza
H. Detroit Style Pizza
I. Gluten-Free Pizza
J. Vegan Pizza
A. Neapolitan Pizza:
Neapolitan pizza is a classic Italian pizza with a thin, soft, and chewy crust. It is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with fresh ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
B. New York Style Pizza:
New York style pizza is characterized by its large, foldable slices and thin, crispy crust. It is often hand-tossed, has a slightly chewy texture, and is typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings.
C. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza:
Chicago deep dish pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust that is more similar to a pie crust. It is layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce, resulting in a deep and hearty pizza experience.
D. Sicilian Pizza:
Sicilian pizza features a thick and airy rectangular crust with a crispy bottom. It is often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings, allowing for a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
E. Margherita Pizza:
Margherita pizza is a classic Neapolitan pizza that represents the colors of the Italian flag. It features a thin crust topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
F. California Style Pizza:
California style pizza is known for its innovative and diverse toppings, often inspired by the fresh produce of the region. It embraces a variety of flavors and ingredients, including avocado, arugula, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
G. Greek Pizza:
Greek pizza typically has a thick and chewy crust resembling focaccia bread. It is topped with tomato sauce, feta cheese, olives, onions, and oregano, offering a unique Mediterranean twist.
H. Detroit Style Pizza:
Detroit style pizza is characterized by its rectangular shape and thick, crispy crust. It is baked in a well-oiled pan, resulting in a caramelized cheese crust around the edges, providing a delightful crunch.
I.
Gluten-free pizza caters to individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It involves using alternative flours, such as rice flour or almond flour, to create a crust that is both gluten-free and delicious.
J. Vegan Pizza:
Vegan pizza eliminates animal-based ingredients and incorporates plant-based alternatives. It utilizes vegan cheese, vegetable toppings, and creative plant-based sauces to create a satisfying pizza experience for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Now that we have a better understanding of each type of pizza, let's dive into the recipes, steps, tips, and equipment needed to create these delicious pizzas.
I. Neapolitan Pizza:
A. Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Tipo "00" flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough on low speed for the same duration.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Let them rest for 15 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside. Preheating the stone or steel is crucial for achieving a crisp crust.
9. On a lightly floured surface, take one dough ball and gently stretch it into a 10-12 inch round shape, leaving the edges slightly thicker.
10. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Add your desired toppings, such as tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
12. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or oven mitts. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
B. Steps:
1. Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk together flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a greased bowl.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
8. Let the dough balls rest for 15 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven with a pizza stone or baking steel at the highest temperature.
10. Stretch one dough ball into a round shape on a lightly floured surface.
11. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. Add toppings like tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
14. Let the pizza cool before slicing and serving.
C. Tips:
- Use Tipo "00" flour for an authentic Neapolitan crust, but if unavailable, you can use bread flour as a substitute.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.
- Stretch the dough gently to maintain its airy texture.
- Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce, as they have a rich flavor.
- Tear the buffalo mozzarella into pieces rather than slicing it for better distribution on the pizza.
D. Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl
- Pizza peel or baking sheet with parchment paper
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Oven
II. New York Style Pizza:
A. Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough on low speed for the same duration.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Let them rest for 15 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside. Preheating the stone or steel is crucial for achieving a crisp crust.
9. On a lightly floured surface, take one dough ball and gently stretch it into a 14-inch round shape, leaving the edges slightly thicker.
10. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Add your desired toppings, such as tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and various toppings.
12. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
13. Remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or oven mitts. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
B. Steps:
1. Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk together bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a greased bowl.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
8. Let the dough balls rest for 15 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven with a pizza stone or baking steel at the highest temperature.
10. Stretch one dough ball into a 14-inch round shape on a lightly floured surface.
11. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. Add toppings like tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and various toppings.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
14. Let the pizza cool before slicing and serving.
C. Tips:
- Bread flour works best for achieving a chewy texture, but all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps develop flavor and texture.
- Stretch the dough thin in the center and leave a slightly thicker edge for a traditional New York style crust.
- Use a pizza stone or baking steel to create a crispy bottom crust.
- Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to prevent a soggy crust.
D. Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl
- Pizza peel or baking sheet with parchment paper
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Oven
III. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza:
A. Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ¼ cup cornmeal (for sprinkling in the pan)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
4. Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough on low speed for the same duration.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Press the dough into a deep-dish pizza pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides of the pan. Sprinkle cornmeal evenly over the dough.
8. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
9. Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
10. Add your desired toppings, such as Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, or any other toppings you prefer.
11. Pour the pizza sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
12. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
B. Steps:
1. Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk together all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
4. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a greased bowl.
7. Punch down the risen dough and press it into a deep-dish pizza pan, covering the bottom and sides. Sprinkle cornmeal over the dough.
8. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
9. Layer shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
10. Add toppings like Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, or any desired toppings.
11. Pour pizza sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Let the pizza cool before slicing and serving.
C. Tips:
- The dough should be thick and buttery for a Chicago deep dish pizza.
- Letting the dough rise helps create a light and airy crust.
- Use a deep-dish pizza pan to accommodate the thickness of the pizza.
- Sprinkling cornmeal in the pan adds a nice texture to the crust and prevents sticking.
- Layer the toppings starting with cheese, followed by meat and vegetables, and finish with sauce.
D. Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl
- Deep-dish pizza pan
- Oven
IV. Margherita Pizza:
A. Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough on low speed for the same duration.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Let them rest for 15 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside. Preheating the stone or steel is crucial for achieving a crisp crust.
9. On a lightly floured surface, take one dough ball and gently stretch it into a 14-inch round shape, leaving the edges slightly thicker.
10. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
12. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
13. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
14. Remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or oven mitts. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top of the hot pizza.
15. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
B. Steps:
1. Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk together bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
6. Shape the
dough into a ball and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a greased bowl.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
8. Let the dough balls rest for 15 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven with a pizza stone or baking steel at the highest temperature.
10. Stretch one dough ball into a 14-inch round shape on a lightly floured surface.
11. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
13. Arrange sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
14. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
15. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.
16. Let the pizza cool before slicing and serving.
C. Tips:
- Use high-quality fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy and flavorful Margherita pizza.
- Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant and fresh taste to the pizza.
- Preheating the oven with a pizza stone or baking steel helps create a crisp crust.
- A light brushing of olive oil on the edges of the crust before baking can enhance the flavor.
D. Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl
- Pizza peel or baking sheet with parchment paper
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Oven
V. Sicilian Pizza:
A. Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., pepperoni, olives, onions, mushrooms)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough on low speed for the same duration.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a greased and rimmed baking sheet, pressing it down to cover the bottom of the sheet.
8. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
10. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
11. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire surface.
12. Add your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni, olives, onions, mushrooms, or any other desired toppings.
13. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
14. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
B. Steps:
1. Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk together bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a greased bowl.
7. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased and rimmed baking sheet.
8. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes, covered with plastic wrap.
9. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
10. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
11. Sprinkle shredded mo
zzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire surface.
12. Add toppings of your choice.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
14. Let the pizza cool before slicing and serving.
C. Tips:
- Sicilian pizza has a thick, doughy crust. Make sure to let the dough rise adequately for a fluffy texture.
- A rimmed baking sheet is essential for creating the characteristic rectangular shape of Sicilian pizza.
- Using a good-quality tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese enhances the flavors of the pizza.
- Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preference.
D. Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Plastic wrap
- Oven
VI. Hawaiian Pizza:
A. Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a round shape of desired thickness.
3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire surface.
6. Distribute diced ham, pineapple chunks, and red onion slices over the cheese.
7. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. Remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or oven mitts.
9. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the hot pizza.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
B. Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to the highest temperature setting.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a round shape.
3. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire surface.
6. Distribute diced ham, pineapple chunks, and red onion slices over the cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over it.
9. Let the pizza cool before slicing and serving.
C. Tips:
- The combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham creates the distinctive flavor of Hawaiian pizza.
- You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch.
- Adding red onion and cilantro provides a fresh and vibrant taste.
- Experiment with different cheese options, such as a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
D. Equipment:
- Pizza peel or baking sheet with parchment paper
- Oven
By now, you have learned about six popular types of pizza: Neapolitan, New York Style, Chicago Deep Dish, Margherita, Sicilian, and Hawaiian. Each pizza has its own unique style and flavor profile, allowing you to explore various options when it comes to making or ordering pizza. With the detailed recipes, step-by-step instructions, tips, and equipment suggestions provided, you can confidently create delicious homemade pizzas that cater to different tastes and preferences. Enjoy the art of pizza-making and savor the delightful results!