Pizza crusts are an important part of the pizza-making process. They can be thin, deep dish, or something in between! The type of crust you enjoy depends on your personal preference and what kind of toppings you prefer.
For example, if you are looking for a thicker style or doughy experience they should try a Chicago Style Pizza Crust that has more cornmeal that gives it its unique texture and taste.
If you want to get creative with their toppings then they should try the Thin Crust Pizza Crust because it will allow them to pile high their toppings as if they were using a deep dish crust.
In this post, we will discuss some common types of pizza crusts available at most pizza restaurants. We hope this helps narrow down which type is right for you! Why Is The Crust So Important?
Why Is The Crust So Important?
The crust is the foundation of all great pizzas. It provides a structure for toppings and cheese, giving them their purposes in this dish that can be as simple or richly-flavored as you want it to be!
A pizza without its crisp outer layer would just end up being an assortment of ingredients thrown together rather than one cohesive whole – much like what we have when there isn’t any sauce on top either (which may sound appealing at first).
A great pie starts off by having just this essential ingredient – a homemade dough made from scratch using only high quality ingredients such as flour water yeast salt olive oil pinch each Italian herbs rosemary basil oregano thyme garlic powder and red pepper flakes (optional).
Of course, you can simply buy a pre-made dough if time is an issue. This will cut down on preparation time tremendously!
11 Main Types Of Pizza Crust
Here’s the definitive ranking of the best types of pizza crust. This list goes out to pizza lovers everywhere.
When deciding which crust to choose make sure that the restaurant in question knows how you like your pizza cooked. Doughy and thick? Or crispy and crunchy?
Your preferred crust will determine the flavor of the pizza as well as it’s cooking time! This is also a very important step if you are looking for gluten-free or vegan options.
Here we will discuss some common types of pizza crusts available at most pizza restaurants: Chicago Style, Thin Crust, Pan Pizza, New York Style, Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza…
Thin Crust Pizza Pie
One of the most popular types of pizza crust today, thin crust pizza pies are known for their crispiness. This type of pizza is pretty simple in terms of ingredients as it only requires yeast, flour (and sometimes salt) to make its dough.
Because this type of crust is thinner than the usual, it is usually baked in high temperatures (450 degrees) which give it that perfect crunchy exterior and chewy interior.
The dough also utilizes something called “quick-rise” yeast which means that the dough’s leavening agents are activated quickly so you don’t have to wait long for your pizza pie to be served fresh out of the oven.
Usually pizzas with thin crusts are eaten with one hand, making them accessible for grabbing on-the-go at the mall or just about anywhere. This type of crust is perfect for those who want their pizza pies to be simple but still incredibly delicious.
1) Neapolitan Pizza Crust – The Original Italian Pizza Crust
In all the types of pizza crust, this is given that the original Italian pizza, which belongs to the thin crust pizza.
Though it may seem like pizza was invented in America, a recent study found that the first “true” pizza actually originated in Italy- specifically Naples, in the 18th century.
The Neapolitan style of cooking tomatoes on a wood fire with cheese was thought to be fundamental for its creation and has been passed down through different cultures ever since!
To achieve its signature light, crispy texture Neapolitan pizza must meet a very specific set of requirements.
The dough is hand-kneed (no mechanical preparation whatsoever!), no more than 35 centimeters in diameter and can be 1/3 centimeter thick at the center to give off an authentic Italian flavor like you would find on wood fired oven pizzas made from Naples region Italy
Classic styles include Margherita Pizza with fresh tomatoes sauce & mozzarella cheese or Marinara using garlic butter as well olive oil mixed together before being dripped over top individual slices creating aromas so strong they fill up all available space!
Pros:
- It is light and crispy, giving off a very authentic Italian flavor.
- It has a very quick cooking time since it only requires 30-40 seconds of baking at 450 degrees.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have that “stuffed” or “deep dish” feel to it with the thick crusts.
2) New York Style Pizza Pie – The Pie That Never Cracks Under Pressure
There’s nothing quite like a New York Style Pizza Pie. The dough used in this style of pizza is what sets it apart from the rest.
Unlike other types of crusts that are handed out by most restaurants, the dough for New York Style Pies is hand-tossed and cut into rectangular pieces with each slice being triangular in shape.
This leaves its famous “pie-like” look which makes it perfect for cutting down the middle to make two individual slices with each half having very distinct toppings on both sides.
The crust is made using yeast, salt, flour, water and sometimes sugar or oil depending on your preference. When it bakes in the oven at high temperatures (450 degrees) it gets crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside with a golden brown color.
This type of crust is best served without any sauce as its thin layer of tomato or garlic oil will be perfect for those who just want to enjoy the taste of crispy dough with toppings that don’t overpower the flavor of the base.
Pros:
- It is crunchy and delicious.
- Comes in rectangular pieces and each slice has an individual look.
- Perfect for those who like their pizza toppings looking distinct instead of looking like one big cheesy mess.
Cons:
- Not loved by all because it can be dry if not cooked properly.
3) New Haven Style – The Most Unique Entries On This List
The New Haven style pizza, known to locals as “apizza” is very different from what you would expect. It is rate that the most unique enties in all types of pizza crust.
Unlike its typically floppy east coast counterpart this thin dough isn’t shaped into a perfect sphere or rectangle due in large part because of how slowly it’s spread out before baking into an oven that gets extremely hot – up around 500 degrees Fahrenheit!
The crust also has some crunchy qualities but not just because they’re cooked quickly at high temperatures – the lightning fast cook time ensures there will be plenty done enough charring without drying them too much out either way though so keep an eye on those Dominoso!
The dough is mixed together with yeast, water, flour and salt giving it a very distinct taste. The New Haven Style’s famous for being baked in brick ovens so the sauce gets cooked down into the crust making it extremely flavorful.
Pros:
- It has just the right amount of crunchy texture that you want out of pizza.
Cons:
- Can easily get soggy since it is traditionally served with just tomato sauce without any other toppings on top to absorb any liquid being pulled from the tomatoes.
4) St. Louis Pizza Crust – The Pizza Has A Ton Of Unique Characteristics
In the Midwest, pizza parlors and bars offer a unique style of cutting called “party” or tavern cut.
The St. Louis-style has fewer toppings than New York but makes up for it in thickness – this thin cracker like crust mold is what you’ll find on your hands down-right delicious pie!
St. Louis-style pizza is a thin, round and cracker-like crust that can’t be folded easily because it’s made of unleavened dough (dough without yeast).
The common ingredient on top for most St louis style pizzas are Provel processed cheese blends like provolone cheddar or swiss with other cheeses depending upon the restaurant’s preferences; additionally tomatoes may also appear as topping options in some places.
All of these factors create a pizza crust with many unique features that cannot be found in other types of pizza crust.
Pros:
- Crispy but less crunchy than New York style.
Cons:
- More cheese than sauce means it can be really messy to eat if you’re not careful.
5) Flatbread Crust – Super Easy To Grill On The BBQ
The Flatbread Crust is perfect for those looking to enjoy a lighter, thinner pizza. With it’s crispy outer crust and airy inner texture this dish will be sure leave your mouthwatering with anticipation!
Flatbread is a type of bread where no yeast is used so unlike other types of pizza crust it doesn’t rise at all. Instead this variety gets its crispy crunch from being quickly baked in an extremely hot oven.
Often times, the dough is brushed with olive oil and sea salt to add flavor before it’s opened into a pizza or flatbread shape depending upon your tastes!
Pros:
- Super easy to grill on the BBQ if that’s how you like to cook outside during the summertime.
Cons:
- Can be dry and bland so may need lots of sauce and cheese on top.
Thick Crust Pizza
The thick crust pizza is a unique type of dish that has been rapidly growing in popularity over the past few years.
Unlike other types of pizza crust, it’s typically 1/8 to ¼ inches thick, meaning it can be rolled out on boards and molded into shape before being baked in pans like traditional pies for maximum thickness!
One reason why this style appeals so much across America (and beyond) might be because there are many different types with their own distinctive flavors; some examples include deep-dish Chicago-style pie or crispy Detroit “hardcore” style – both delicious as heck too I assure you!
6) Traditional Pan Pizza – The Most Popular Of All Crusts
Now this one here is pretty much what you would expect if you’ve never seen a pan pizza before! It’s shaped into circles or squares, brushed with olive oil and covered in sauce then cheese then baked in the oven.
The crust is crisp, but not too crunchy due to its thickness factor. The right amount of toppings are added so that it isn’t overly juicy but has just enough juice to make sure everything holds together perfectly when being cut up for serving.
Pros:
- Comes in family-friendly perfect slices making it easy to pick up without things falling apart.
- Comes pre packaged so people can simply heat them up no problemo.
Cons:
- Not as crunchy as other types.
7) Chicago Style Pizza Pie – One Of The Best Crusts For Deep Dish Lovers
Chicago Style Pizza Pies are known for being rich and flaky. This type of crust is particularly thick, filling and delicious compare to other types of pizza crust.
Like New York Style Pizza Pies it is also cut into rectangular pieces and baked in high temperatures (450 degrees) which gives it its crunchy exterior while maintaining the flakiness that all deep dish lovers know and love.
The dough for these types of pizzas has yeast, salt, flour, water and oil added to it so that the texture will remain crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside.
However, there are some other ingredients such as eggs added to this mix because what makes Chicago Style Pizzas really stand out from the rest is that they have a thicker layer of toppings known as the “topping” which is usually ground beef and tomato paste.
Pros:
- It is crunchy and delicious.
- It has a thicker layer of toppings giving it more flavor than the usual.
- Comes in rectangular pieces with each slice having an individual look.
Cons:
- Not loved by all because it can be dry if not cooked properly
8) Sicilian Pizza – The Most Unique Of All Crusts
In the list of types of pizza crust, one type of crust, known as “Sicilian Style” or “Neapolitan-style”, features an over one inch thick crust and traditional ingredients like tomatoes sauce and mozzarella cheese baked on top to create an authentic flavor experience for those who love this food item!
The Detroit-style pizza is one of the most unique styles out there. The sauce, cheese and toppings are all placed in specific orders for this delicious dish that originated from its birthplace -Motor City USA!
One thing you’ll notice about these pies? Their crusts have an almost fried consistency to it thanks largely due their bake time being long enough so they can caramelize sugars into become crunchy on the outside while staying soft inside with just enough chewiness left intact at medium well done.
Pros:
- The crust is crunchy, caramelized and deep-fried so it’s pretty unique!
- All the toppings are placed in a specific order creating an authentic taste experience.
Cons:
- Can get quite messy if not eaten carefully depending on how you hold your slice.
Authentic Wood-Fired Crusts
Not to be confused with Neapolitan pizza – which is one type of cooked in a wood-fired oven – wood fired crusts can come from several different varieties.
The most defining characteristics are their deep, smoky taste and light char due to high baking temperatures inside the brick or clay oven at its grate level.
This pizza crust is exactly what you would expect if you were to taste it -it tastes like fire! The best thing about these types of pizzas are that they are naturally crisp because of their thinness, so there’s no need for toppings to sit in the oven too long.
Instead, wood-burning ovens have fairly high temperatures which not only cooks the ingredients perfectly but also gives it a light char without overpowering its true flavor.
This is the type of pizza that can conquer even the most demanding guests. In all types of pizza crust, this is the one you must try the most.
Pros:
- It has an exquisite smoky taste that makes this type unique, truly delicious.
- Perfectly crispy even before adding any toppings thanks largely due to the thinness.
Cons:
- This type isn’t found everywhere making it hard for some people to experience authentic wood fired pizzas.
Focaccia – Is Called “Pizza Bianca”
Think of Pizze Focaccia as a flatbread with toppings. This type of crust is slightly thicker than traditional types and it’s baked in a pan rather than directly on the oven’s floor like most other pizzas.
This results in what we call a crispy exterior paired with an airy, fluffy interior that works well with both thin and thick crusts!
Foccacia has a thin crunchy crust that can be topped with herbs such as rosemary or oregano mixed in olive oil for an added flavor boost before baking onto hot griddles then covered by varying cheeses including Manchego which gives it its strong aroma when melting into your mouth!
Focacceas well suited not only as meal accompaniment but also idealized appetizer because you get all these flavors coming together on one slice: salty meat sauce seasoned perfectly.
Pros:
- Adds a different type of taste to the usual crust -fluffy softness paired with its crispy exterior creates an exquisite flavor profile when cooked well.
Cons:
- Can get messy if not eaten carefully due largely due to its fluffiness.
Custom Crusts
In the pizza industry, there’s been a lot of innovation. From specialty crusts like cheese-stuffed and garlic butter to honey Sriracha or parmesan garlic for example, pizzerias have come up with some pretty creative options when it comesdown their dough!
With custom slice options in place you can customize every aspect about your order from sauce type all way down until toppings making sure no two slices are alike which will help distinguish yours specifically at any local joint going forward.
Unlike other types of pizza crusts, there is no specific recipe, you can customize your pizza according to your taste. This is real a great pizza!
Pros:
- Can create a unique taste experience depending on your crust preference.
Cons:
- Pizzas fall short in the flavor department, can be expensive and can become very time-consuming when making sure each slice is customized just right.
The Most Important Qualities Of The Perfect Pizza Crust
Every person has their own unique definition of the perfect pizza crust. It’s important to explore how each aspect, like ingredients and preparation can contribute to form your preferred type of pie-biting experience – no matter what types of pizza crust it is!
Below are certain qualities which make up what people consider to be great tasting or enjoyable pizzas:
1) Taste
The type of oven a pizza is baked in can give it unique flavors. A New York style contains more sugar, which gives the crust its sweetness and flavor; while other styles without any added sugars or use mostly flour instead for maximum crispiness.
Other factors that may affect how your favorite pie tastes include what’s inside: an organic tomato sauce will be different than one made with canned tomatoes because they do not provide enough desirable moisture when cooking alone (not even if you add extra milk).
If there isn’t anything on top at all like cheese topping then expect this particular ingredient to dominate over everything else – including spices!
Fresh Toppings And Sauces – Don’t just go with tomato-red sauce unless that’s really what you prefer. Instead, consider adding different choices such as pesto or white sauces which can change up how the dish tastes and enhances every bite differently than expected.
Freshly Prepared Ingredients: When preparing pizzas, you can’t expect 100% consistency when crafting a pie from a checklist. This means that the end result will always look and taste different from pizzas in the past.
2) Texture
The texture of your pizza matters because it’s the biggest part of what makes it so enjoyable to eat!
The combo between its crispy crust along with its gooey cheese and toppings is what decides how well you’ll be able to take each bite without tearing apart or chewing excessively for longer periods before swallowing.
Also, consider whether certain textures call out more than others. For example, if there’s a lot going on then this could overshadow unique tastes by having too much going on at once within a given bite – it harder to experience everything in one go.
3) Quantity Of Ingredients
The more ingredients there are within your slice, the less likely it is that you will get overwhelmed by too many elements at once (like having no sauce but mostly cheese).
Although this varies based on personal preference and how much you like to eat in one sitting.
4) Personal Preference
While most people prefer chocolate over vanilla, there are always exceptions. This holds true for pizzas too depending on who you ask and what they regularly order or allow their kids to select from the menu (kids tend to demand things such as cheese pizza ALL THE TIME).
Sometimes even small details like including oregano leaves instead of using ground up powder can change your opinion about a dish so it’s best not to rule out even the least popular choices when it comes down to what we enjoy eating and drinking in general!
Related post: What Cheese Goes On Pizza: List Of 12 Favorite Cheeses
Tips To Make Your Own Homemade Pizza Crust At Home
Learning how to bake pizzas at home doesn’t have to be difficult nor does it require expensive tools to produce a successful dish.
Here are some helpful techniques you can apply next time around when making your own homemade crust:
1) When using cornmeal for dusting the surface, remember that its purpose is to absorb excessive moisture and create more texture – not taste like grit (although it’s twice as effective once browned).
Use this ingredient sparingly because too much can bring down the flavor of other things baked with it!
2) Instead of focusing on what types of yeast or oils you use, think about how each helps improve the texture. For example, bread flour yields denser dough while cake flour (which has less gluten) produces a thinner crust.
3) Always remember that time spent kneading is good for the gluten but if you don’t have much then skip this step to reduce overall preparation time. You can still opt to add in eggs and oil to get the texture you want so it doesn’t take too long!
4) Toppings added before baking should be raw and fresh so they won’t burn after being baked at high temperatures for 10 minutes or more.
Vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, sausage, bacon, pepperoni should be prepped beforehand while adding other choices like olives or pineapple (unless you prefer them cooked).
Also consider whether any specific ingredients release too much water during cooking as chopped tomatoes – which will cause your pie to be soggy.
5) Make sure that the oven is preheated so it’s sufficiently hot when you add your ingredients and won’t take too long to bake before reaching golden brown perfection!
6) After making a couple pizzas at home, start substituting your favorite toppings one by one until you get the taste just right.
Don’t give up after multiple attempts because this takes time and involves trial and error (which is normal for experimenting with dishes of any kind).
Until then, continue following recipes while using different proportions of similar ingredients to figure out what works best for you!
7) When baking more than one pizza at once, place them on separate racks (if possible) to prevent unwanted flavors from transferring to one another.
8) Only use parchment paper if you are okay with sacrificing a little bit of flavor for convenience. If you prefer the crust to taste more like freshly baked bread, opt to place pizza dough directly onto an oiled pan or peel instead of greasing it first.
9) Finally, remember that marinara sauce is always your best choice due to its low sugar content and how it can be paired with any topping imaginable!
If you bake your pies at home frequently enough, try throwing different vegetables into the mix (like sweet potatoes) but only if you’re willing to experiment with new recipes on your own time!
No matter what kind of pizza crust you prefer, when you make your own homemade pizza, you can apply the above tips to have the delicious pizza!
FAQs About The Different Types Of Pizza Crust
Is There A “Best” Pizza Crust?
There isn’t really one specific type of crust that is better than the others because it all depends on what you’re looking for and what you like! Having said, we do know that there are 2 types of pizza crust: The Hand-Tossed and The Thin Crust . No matter your preference there is a style of pizza crust to fit it!
What to add to pizza crust to make it taste better?
The best way to make pizza crust taste better is by adding additional herbs. You can also add garlic, onions and cheese. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and crust enhancer to the dough before baking.
How do I make my own hand tossed crust?
To make your own hand tossed crust you simply have to knead the ingredients into a ball using either your hands or an electric stand mixer . Once mixed, cover in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for thirty minutes before using.
What percentage of people prefer thin crust pizza?
Approximately 60% of the population prefers thin crust pizza. A dough recipe for thin crust will typically contain sugar, salt, wheat flour, yeast, and olive oil. The popular toppings include cheese, pepperoni , sausage, vegetables and bacon.
Why is thin crust better?
When you choose a thin crust, you’re consuming less dough and, as a result, fewer carbohydrates and calories. Further, by adding plenty of delicious and healthy toppings, your thin crust pizza becomes more nutritious.
What’s better deep dish or Chicago style pizza?
Deep dish pizza is considered more of a casserole while Chicago style pizza is typically hand-tossed. Deep dish crust will contain wheat flour, sugar, salt, water and yeast while spices such as basil and oregano can be added.
What’s the difference between thick crust and thin crust pizza toppings?
Thick crust is typically topped with a thicker tomato sauce while thin crust typically has a thinner sauce. Thick crust typically contains more cheese than the thin crust. Also, there are more choices in thick crust pizzas including sausage, peppers, onions, olives and pepperoni.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free pizza dough?
Yes! There are gluten free recipes you can use for your pizza dough. But remember that anything containing flour will have some gluten so be weary of what kind of flour you buy or use when making your dough.
You can also try using potato peels – which work particularly well with sweet potatoes!
How do you make a thin crust?
A thin crust is made by first rolling out the dough into a circle approximately 12 inches in diameter.
Toppings are then spread onto the surface before baking it in a hot oven until done. The process should be repeated with remaining dough to produce multiple pizzas at once.
How do you have a crispy pizza crust ?
The best way to make a dough crispy is by leaving the oil out of it and allowing it to sit covered at room temperature for an hour or two before baking. The longer you let your dough rest at room temp the crisper it will become after baking!
How do you prevent soggy pizza?
There are many ways you can prevent your pizza from being soggy! The most popular suggestion we get is to use less sauce and pack it on more at the end for that beautiful pizza presentation you’ve been waiting for!
Additionally, leave any soggy vegetables off when preparing your pizza or cook them beforehand.
How to store leftover pizza?
If you have leftover pizza, you should refrigerate it as soon as possible. It will last for three to five days in the refrigerator, but be sure to put it in an airtight container or wrap it before doing so.
Most types of pizza can also be frozen and reheated later on, although some styles are better suited to being eaten immediately after being made.
How does one reheat cold or leftover pizza?
To reheat cold or leftover pizza, simply pop it into a 400-degree F oven for 8 minutes to 10 minutes depending on how much is being heated up. If there are toppings, make sure they are still hot when serving because this will ensure that the ingredients are fresh!
Conclusion
In the end, all types of pizza crusts are delicious. However, it’s up to you which type of crust you prefer. While some people may enjoy a traditional thin and crispy dough crust while others might be more partial to a thick pan-style crust that is pliable and soft in texture.
There’s nothing wrong about eating lots of different pizzas over time – variety is the spice of life baby, and we should all learn to appreciate that!
I hope you enjoyed reading about the different types of pizza crusts and I look forward to hearing which one is your favorite. If you feel this usefull post, give this post a share on social media so that others can learn more, please!
Read more: How To Make Homemade Pizza With Store Bought Dough?
