A deep dive into the most iconic American pizza styles

American pizza styles – Chicago

Since the 19th Century when pizza was brought to the USA by Italian immigrants, it has become a favourite all across America. It’s such a popular dish that many American pizza styles exist in different states. Partly based on available ingredients but mostly a reflection of the area’s people, culture and taste, each variation features a unique element that locals boast about.

If you love pizza as much as we do, and as much as Americans do, read on for Expat Explore’s guide to America’s most iconic pizza styles. Learn more about their distinct differences and the destinations that made them famous. These culinary landmarks even inspire foodies worldwide to travel for a bite of regional pizza variations. Fancy a slice?

Related: Discover the different types of pizza dishes around the world.

Take a look at the top American pizza styles:

New York-Style Pizza

American pizza styles – New York
A New York slice is an easy meal to grab on the go.

Starting strong, the New York-style pizza is arguably America’s most popular. Since this variation was based on a tomato pie recipe from an Italian immigrant, it was truly America’s first introduction to pizza. Today, Lombardi’s, the restaurant where it all started, still stands and is open to the public for a taste of the original recipe that’s still used.

While Lombardi’s is a must-visit for the authentic origins of American pizza, the classic New York slice is also an unmissable treat! Huge, foldable, greasy and tangy, the New York slice is the perfect on-the-go meal for busy city goers. Today, it’s an American staple worth travelling for and is popular everywhere from Manhattan to Little Italy in New York.

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

American pizza styles – Chicago
Chicago deep dish pizza’s cheese is under the sauce!

Up next is a controversial contender for America’s favourite pizza style. Originating in Chicago’s working class, the deep-dish pizza was a way to make the beloved dish into a much heartier meal. Midwest appetites quickly grew fond of the indulgent portions of the classic and beloved pizza flavours. Many years later, the stuffed crust pizza, inspired by the original Chicago-style but adding an additional crust on top, is popular at pizza takeout chains around the world.

With a base closer to that of a pie, deep-dish pizza allows for layering many delicious ingredients in excess, all on top of a generous serving of cheese. That’s right; the cheese does not go on the top. So, if you ever find yourself on one of Chicago’s famous pizza tours, don’t make the mistake of asking where the cheese is. Unless, that is, you want a crowd of Chicagoans yelling “It’s under the sauce” in iconic local fashion.

Related: If you love cheese as much as Chicagoans, discover the world’s top cheeses.

Detroit-Style Pizza

American pizza styles – Detroit
Detroit presents rectangular pizzas cut into squares.

Dating back to the 1940s, Detroit-style pizza is a favourite for its distinct rectangular shape and the oh-so-delicious crispy edges it creates. Those crispy edges then become the perfect vessel for molten cheese. A generous amount covers the entire pan, all the way to the edges.

Not only is this a delicious local dish worth travelling for, but it also represents a significant part of Detroit’s automotive history. What could pizza and cars possibly have in common, you ask? Well, the ‘pizza’ pans used to make the Detroit style back in the day were actually auto-part trays. This resulted in the now iconic shape of Detroit-style pizzas.

St. Louis-Style Pizza

American pizza styles – St. Louis
St. Louis pizza is round but cut into squares for sharing.

Set your sights on St. Louis for another unique American pizza style. Known for its incredibly thin crust that almost resembles a cracker, the blend of cheese that ensures the perfect cheese pull, as well as its signature square slices, St. Louis-style pizza is a must-try for any pizza lover.

Provel cheese, the local blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, gives this style of pizza its distinctly smooth cheese melt that locals delight in. As for the square slices? Those perfectly represent the party and community spirit of St. Louis locals.

Philly Pizza

American pizza styles – Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a must-visit for pizza-style tomato pies.

Philadelphia is already famous for its cheesesteaks but this Pennsylvanian city brings us even more delicious culinary innovations in the form of pizza. With a strong Italian influence and a large Italian population, it seems only natural for this city to have a bustling pizza scene. From traditional, Italian-style pizzas to modern concoctions, there’s something for just about everyone.

Philly’s best-known pizza is the Tomato Pie, which you’d be remiss not to try at one of the city’s legendary Italian markets! This thick, focaccia-like pizza is covered with a sweet and tangy tomato sauce and often not served with cheese, apart from a garnish of parmesan. The most surprising part? It’s served at room temperature! Give it a try for yourself on a Philly pizza tour or in one of its Italian neighbourhoods.

Related: Craving the real thing? Check out our range of Italy tours!

California-Style Pizza

American pizza styles – California
Californian pizza often features unique, healthier ingredients without the cheese.

Ending our pizza party in California might be considered leaving the best for last. Now, we’ll let you decide on that but it certainly is the most gourmet of the American pizza styles on our list. Created in the ‘80s by chefs Ed LaDou and Wolfgang Puck, California-style pizza is fit for the rich and famous with ingredients like goat cheese and smoked salmon atop a thin, hand-tossed crust.

For a truly local experience, head to Napa Valley where the pizzerias not only serve delicious California-style pizzas but also some of the most revered Napa wines. Anyone up for a pairing?

Related: Learn more about why Napa Valley is one of the world’s top winemaking regions.

While there are many more American pizza styles to try out, one can unfortunately only fit in so many slices at a time. All that’s left to do is get out there and discover these delicious slices for yourself!


If you’d like to try a slice of New York-style pizza or want to visit the restaurant where it all started, book your spot on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape tour with extra time in New York, and tuck into a slice of history.


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