Like the selection of toppings at your favorite pizza parlor, there are a variety of pizza styles found across the United States. In fact, one food-focused website says there are at least two dozen different types.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the styles you can find at some of Missouri’s popular pizza spots.
New York– Noted for its thin crust and generous, triangular cut, New York-style pizza is generally folded in half – almost like a taco – while eaten. A slice or two usually fills you up. Try the sausage and green pepper pie at Brooklyn Pizzain Fulton.
St. Louis– Thanks to the cracker-like thin crust, square slices and Provel cheese, St. Louis-style pizza, made popular by the Imo’s chain, has plenty of loyalists … and detractors. Order up a hamburger and bacon pizza from the Fourth Street location in downtown St. Louis.
Deep-Dish– Often referred to as Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza offers a thick crust and abundant toppings. One slice is very filling, but you’ll be tempted to go for a second. Sample the Delmar, which includes Pappy’s Smokehouse barbecue sauce, roasted chicken, and red and green peppers at Pi Pizzeria in St. Louis’ Central West End.
Greek– A thin, airy crust, light layers of sauce and cheese, and a generous amount of toppings come together in Greek-style pizza. Arris’ Pizza Palace has been serving this style of pizza in Jefferson City since the 1960s and now has locations in Columbia, Springfield, Republic and Osage Beach. For a heaping helping of meat, order The Hercules – topped with ground beef, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Greek sausage and breakfast bacon.
Wood-Fired – Baked in a brick-, clay- or concrete-lined oven, wood-fired pizza is cooked quickly at a very high temperature. At Prison Brews in Jefferson City, try the BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza with slow-cooked, shredded pork tossed in barbecue sauce, sliced red onions, cilantro, and mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Il Lazzarone Pizzain St. Joseph fires up its ovens to create Neapolitan pizza made with San Marzano tomatoes grown in Italy. The traditional Margherita pie is topped with mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil and sea salt.