What's Your Individual Pizza Style?

One of the favorite foods for Americans is pizza. This cheesy delicacy is a favorite of young and old alike and is available in several different styles, depending on where you live. From the Neapolitan style usually found in New York to the modern styles found on the West Coast there is a style that can be enjoyed.

One of the more popular styles is the Neapolitan style that originated in the Naples area of Italy. For it to qualify as a true Neapolitan, it must be cooked in a wood-burning oven. One of the most common Neapolitan is the Margherita, which is topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil. This style is usually served in the traditional Italian neighborhoods in New York.

Another style that is common in New York is what is usually considered to be New York Style and is a round, thin, and chewy crust style that is usually eaten "folded". It can be topped with anything you desire, but is commonly eaten "regular" or with just cheese.

A popular way of cooking pizza is to grill it. This style was invented in Providence, Rhode Island and usually has a thin crust that is cooked quickly right on the grate of the grill and flipped so that each side is cooked. Because of its quick cooking, any toppings that you want put on it should be cooked before the bread is put on the grill.

Chicagoans like their pizzas and the Windy City is known for several different styles of pizza. These are:

• Deep dish - This is the most popular style and is cooked in a deep pan. The crust is cooked first, then the toppings are added and it is cooked again, long enough to cook the toppings. It is usually eaten with a knife and fork instead of with your hands. It can be found outside of Chicago, but is usually better when eaten there.

• Stuffed Pizza - This style is very similar to the deep dish except that it has a crust and another layer of tomato sauce on top and usually has thicker toppings and cheese.

• Chicago Thin Crust - This style is often overlooked when referring to Chicago style pizza. It has a think flaky pastry-like crust and is often served in bars or taverns within the city. They are usually cut in squares instead of triangular shaped wedges.

Finally, a unique style that is served in specialty pizzerias around the country is California style. This style has more unique toppings, such as goat cheese, eggs, or fresh produce and is popular in California, and other places on the West Coast as well as the larger cities across the country.

Whether you prefer traditional toppings or unique, or whether you prefer thin pizza that you can fold, or thick gooey pie style, there is one out there for you to fall in love with.