Ranked: The 15 Greatest American Pizzas Of All Time

Exploring the flavorful landscape of American pizzas, this list ranks the top 15 pizzas that have captured the hearts and taste buds of pizza enthusiasts nationwide. From coast to coast, these pies stand out not only for their deliciousness but also for their unique contributions to the American pizza scene.

1. New York Style Pizza

New York Style Pizza is celebrated for its thin, foldable slices, providing a perfect balance between crispy crust and chewy interior. This iconic pizza is generously topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a delightfully simple yet satisfying experience.

Originating from the streets of New York City, it’s often enjoyed on-the-go by busy New Yorkers. The thin crust allows for a quick bake, enhancing its flavors. Its simplicity and convenience make it a favorite for city dwellers and visitors alike.

Whether dining in or grabbing a slice from a street vendor, this pizza remains a staple.

2. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is a hearty culinary masterpiece, known for its thick, pie-like crust that rises high above the pan. Filled with layers of gooey cheese, tangy chunky tomato sauce, and savory sausage, it’s a rich, satisfying meal.

Baked in a deep, round pan, it resembles a savory pie, with the sauce on top and cheese underneath. This unique structure keeps every bite flavorful. Originating in Chicago, it’s a city staple, often enjoyed with a knife and fork.

Its indulgent nature and delicious layers make it a must-try for any pizza lover.

3. Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan Pizza is a traditional favorite, with its soft, chewy crust and simple yet fresh toppings. Cooked in a wood-fired oven, the high temperatures create a distinctive charred flavor, enhancing its taste.

This pizza typically features fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, capturing the essence of Italian cuisine. Its origins date back to Naples, Italy, but it’s found a devoted following in America.

The light crust and quality ingredients offer a genuine taste experience, perfect for those seeking classic flavors. Each bite transports you to the streets of Naples, making it timeless.

4. California Style Pizza

California Style Pizza celebrates fresh and innovative toppings, often featuring a thin crust piled with unique ingredients like chicken, avocado, and assorted veggies. This variation reflects the health-conscious and creative spirit of California cuisine.

Known for its emphasis on fresh produce, it offers a lighter, more nutritious option compared to traditional styles. The thin crust ensures the toppings are the star, highlighting their vibrant flavors.

This pizza style is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, offering a taste of California’s culinary diversity. Its freshness and creativity make it stand out.

5. Detroit Style Pizza

Detroit Style Pizza is known for its rectangular shape and crispy, caramelized edges, achieved by baking in a metal pan. The thick crust is soft yet sturdy, providing a perfect base for its toppings.

This pizza is typically topped with Wisconsin brick cheese, which melts and caramelizes along the edges, creating a distinct flavor. The tomato sauce is usually drizzled on top, adding a tangy finish.

Originating from Detroit, this pizza has a unique charm, appealing to those who appreciate a hearty, flavorful slice. Its crispy textures and savory toppings make it a beloved choice.

6. St. Louis Style Pizza

St. Louis Style Pizza is distinctive for its ultra-thin, cracker-like crust and the use of Provel cheese, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. This creates a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets it apart.

Cut into squares, this pizza is easy to share, making it a popular choice for gatherings. Common toppings include sausage and green peppers, adding a satisfying savory note.

The pizza’s origins in St. Louis are reflected in its unique cheese blend and crisp crust, offering a different take on traditional pizza. It’s a delightful, shareable treat for pizza lovers.

7. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the fiery flavors of Buffalo wings with the comforting base of pizza. Featuring a spicy Buffalo sauce, grilled chicken pieces, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, it’s a flavor-packed adventure.

The thin crust provides a crunchy contrast to the spicy, tangy toppings, making it a popular choice for those who love heat. Often found in sports bars, it pairs perfectly with a cold beverage.

Whether watching a game or enjoying a casual meal, this pizza offers a delicious twist on traditional flavors, perfect for spice enthusiasts.

8. Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian Pizza brings a taste of the tropics with its sweet and savory combination of ham and pineapple. The golden crust provides a sturdy base for the juicy toppings, with melted mozzarella adding a creamy touch.

This pizza’s contrasting flavors have sparked debates among pizza lovers, yet its popularity remains strong. The sweet pineapple balances the savory ham, creating a unique taste experience.

Ideal for those who enjoy a mix of flavors, this pizza is a refreshing option. Its tropical influence offers a slice of paradise, making it a fun choice for adventurous eaters.

9. Barbecue Chicken Pizza

Barbecue Chicken Pizza delights with smoky barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, and the fresh crunch of red onions. Often garnished with cilantro, it offers a savory blend of flavors.

The pizza’s thin crust supports the hearty toppings, allowing the barbecue sauce to shine. This combination is perfect for those who love the taste of a backyard cookout.

Its unique flavor profile makes it a standout choice, offering a fusion of barbecue and traditional pizza elements. Enjoying a slice feels like a mini celebration, especially when shared with friends and family.

10. New Haven Style Pizza

New Haven Style Pizza, or “apizza,” is known for its thin, charred crust and distinctive toppings. Popular variations include white clam, featuring fresh clams, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Baked in coal-fired ovens, this pizza achieves a unique crispness and flavor. The minimal use of cheese highlights its savory toppings, offering a different take on traditional pies.

Originating in New Haven, Connecticut, it’s a regional favorite, beloved for its simplicity and taste. Its combination of seafood and pizza elements provides a delightful twist, ideal for those seeking something different.

11. Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, featuring a golden-brown crust topped with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. This classic pizza embodies the colors of the Italian flag.

The fresh ingredients shine, offering a clean, vibrant flavor that appeals to purists. It’s traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, imparting a subtle smokiness.

Beloved for its straightforward yet delicious taste, Margherita Pizza remains a favorite across the globe. Its elegance and balance make it an ideal choice for those who appreciate traditional flavors.

12. Stuffed Crust Pizza

Stuffed Crust Pizza is the ultimate indulgence, with its edges filled with gooey cheese, adding an extra layer of flavor. This innovation transforms the crust into a highlight rather than an afterthought.

The pizza is typically topped with classic ingredients like pepperoni and mushrooms, ensuring each bite is filled with cheesy goodness. Its creation revolutionized how crusts are perceived.

For cheese lovers, this pizza offers a delightful surprise, combining traditional pizza elements with a unique twist. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy every part of their slice, from edge to center.

13. Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian Pizza is characterized by its thick, bready crust, offering a hearty bite with every mouthful. Traditionally square, it’s topped with robust tomato sauce, cheese, and often anchovies.

Originating from Sicily, this pizza brings Mediterranean flavors to the forefront. The thick crust absorbs the flavors beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that’s rich in taste.

Perfect for those who enjoy a substantial, filling pizza, it offers a different texture compared to its thin-crust counterparts. Its rustic charm and rich flavors make it a beloved choice.

14. White Pizza

White Pizza offers a creamy, cheese-centric experience, replacing traditional tomato sauce with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic. This variation is perfect for cheese enthusiasts.

The thin, crispy crust provides a delightful contrast to the creamy toppings, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Often sprinkled with herbs, it offers a fragrant and savory taste.

Ideal for those who prefer a lighter, sauce-free option, this pizza emphasizes the rich qualities of its cheese blend. Its sophisticated flavor profile makes it a standout choice for gourmet pizza lovers.

15. Pepperoni Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza remains a quintessential favorite, known for its golden crust and spicy, savory pepperoni slices. Each slice offers a crispy, flavorful bite that delights pizza enthusiasts everywhere.

The combination of melted mozzarella, robust tomato sauce, and pepperoni creates a satisfying taste that’s hard to resist. Its classic nature ensures its place on any pizza menu.

Loved for its straightforward flavors and satisfying texture, it’s a go-to choice for many. Whether enjoyed at a pizzeria or at home, this pizza never fails to impress with its timeless appeal.