Pizza is a beloved dish that has a rich history and a wide variety of styles. One of the most iconic and traditional styles is the Margherita pizza. Named after Queen Margherita of Italy, it was created in 1889 by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. It features a thin crust topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and basil leaves. The colors of the ingredients - red, white, and green - were chosen to represent the Italian flag.

Another popular style of pizza is the Neapolitan pizza. Originating from Naples, Italy, it is characterized by its soft and chewy crust. Neapolitan pizza is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature, resulting in a slightly charred and blistered crust. It is often topped with fresh ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Moving on to the United States, we find the famous deep dish pizza. Originating in Chicago in the 1940s, this style of pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust, which is layered with cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. The deep dish pizza is baked in a deep, round pan, giving it its characteristic shape and allowing for a generous amount of toppings.

Another American style of pizza is the New York-style pizza. It is characterized by its large, thin, and foldable slices. New York-style pizza has a crispy yet chewy crust and is typically topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It is often enjoyed as a quick and convenient street food.

There are also regional variations within Italy itself. For example, the Sicilian pizza, originating from Sicily, has a thick, rectangular crust and is often topped with ingredients like anchovies, onions, and tomatoes. In Rome, you can find the Roman-style pizza, which has a thin and crispy crust and is typically topped with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and fresh rosemary.

References:

1. Smithsonian Magazine: A Slice of History: Pizza Through the Ages
2. Food & Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Regional Pizza Styles Across America
3. Serious Eats: New York Pizza Styles Explained