The Most Popular Pizza Flavors Around The US

If you’re a pizza lover, you’ve probably wondered why some kinds of pizza are more popular than others. In this article, you’ll learn about the most popular types of pizza in the U.S., including BBQ Chicken, Pepperoni, and Cheese Pizza. Read on to discover the differences between these pizza types and how to tell which one is best for your taste. Here are some of the other popular types of pizza.

why is pizza so popular in the US?

In the late 1800s, the pizza eating habit spread quickly to workers during their lunch hour and to families. After the end of Prohibition in 1933, many pizzeria/bars sprung up across the country. People quickly discovered that the communal nature of pizza made it ideal for sharing. Most places served whole pizzas, not slices, so people could share it. Groups could be co-workers, ball players, or families.

One in eight American adults consume pizza on a daily basis, with 13% of that population eating it daily. Pizza consumption is particularly high in pre-teens, with more than one-quarter of boys ages six to 19 reporting daily pizza consumption. Women consume less pizza than men of all ages, and girls between six and 19 consume more than their male counterparts. Pizza-eating Americans get between a quarter to a third of their daily energy from eating it. In terms of consumption, it’s not surprising that the United States ranks as one of the most popular fast food items in the world.

In addition to being an excellent food, pizza is incredibly versatile. Many types of pizza are customizable, which allows them to meet dietary needs of different people. Because the ingredients vary, people can create customized pizzas according to their own preferences, cultural or religious affiliations. These benefits have led to pizza’s popularity around the world. What’s more, it’s a great way to satisfy a craving!

Cheese Pizza

While there are many different types of pizza, mozzarella is the most popular. In addition to topping pizzas, mozzarella is also a popular cheese for other styles of pizza, such as calzones and Italian sandwiches. It is typically minimally processed, which results in a fresh taste and light texture. Traditionally, mozzarella is made from buffalo milk, but today cow’s milk is used as well. Look for the DOP logo, which signifies traditional mozzarella.

While cheese is the most popular type of topping on pizza, 62% of Americans prefer meat toppings. Sausage and pepperoni are the most popular meat toppings, but veggies are not far behind. The eighth most popular topping is pineapple, which goes well with meaty toppings such as ham or bacon. Cheese pizza is also a popular choice for many Americans, who love the taste of savory cheese and a tangy sauce.

The New York style is the granddaddy of all pizzas. The dough is fermented for several hours or even days, resulting in a soft crust and a buttery, crispy bottom. Many pizza lovers are passionate about the distinctive cheese blend in New York style pizza. They say it is similar to Velveeta, so a slice made with Provel cheese has the same richness and flavor as a whole pizza.

Pepperoni Pizza

The history of pepperoni on pizza dates back to the 1950s, when a wall menu at a New Haven, Connecticut, restaurant featured the sausage. From then on, it was slowly trickling into toppings lists around the country. In fact, pepperoni is so popular, it’s even become the default topping on pizzas. In addition to pizza, pepperoni is also a popular topping on pizza emoji.

Domino’s is one of the biggest pizza chains in the country, and in 2017 they sold 29 million pounds of pepperoni. According to their annual report, pepperoni pizzas account for 30% of orders. Pepperoni topped pizzas ordered on their website used 2.8 million individual slices of pepperoni. So, it’s no wonder that pepperoni has become America’s most popular pizza!

In the 1950s, pizza first became widely available in the United States, and a New York Times article described it as a “pie popular in Southern Italy.” Over time, the flavor of pizza continued to develop. One of the most significant developments was the addition of pepperoni, which has become a national icon. But how did pepperoni become so popular? To learn more, read on.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

A BBQ Chicken Pizza is a tantalizing fusion of flavors that marries the smokiness of barbecue sauce with the richness of melted cheese, all laid upon a golden, crisp crust. At its core, the pizza features tender, juicy chunks of chicken breast that have been marinated and cooked in a savory BBQ sauce, infusing each bite with a delightful sweetness and tang. The sauce itself is a symphony of flavors, combining the robustness of tomato, a hint of molasses-like sweetness, a touch of vinegar for acidity, and a whisper of smoky undertones.

This succulent chicken is generously scattered across the dough, which has been hand-stretched to the perfect thickness, offering a chewy yet crispy base. The chicken is then complemented by a layer of velvety, stretchy cheese, usually a blend of mozzarella for its superb meltiness and mild flavor, and a sharper cheese like cheddar or gouda to add depth. Some versions also include red onions, adding a slight crunch and a pop of sharpness, which cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese.

To finish, a sprinkling of fresh cilantro or parsley is often added after baking, introducing a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the hearty toppings. The result is a visually appealing, aromatic dish that promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors – the slight char of the crust, the creaminess of the cheese, the meatiness of the chicken, all beautifully tied together by the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. BBQ Chicken Pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience that delights the senses and leaves a memorable impression on the palate.

Buffalo Pizza

Buffalo pizza is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, infusing the spicy, tangy essence of Buffalo chicken wings into a cheesy, baked pie. The base typically consists of a soft yet sturdy crust, slightly thicker than a classic New York-style pizza, providing a robust foundation to support the hearty toppings.

At the heart of the Buffalo pizza is the chicken, which is tender and juicy, marinated or tossed in a zesty Buffalo sauce made from a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and melted butter. This spicy chicken is spread generously across the dough, ensuring every bite packs a punch.

The sauce on a Buffalo pizza deviates from the typical tomato-based pizza sauce. Instead, it embraces the Buffalo theme with either a spicier, more robust version of the hot sauce used on the chicken or a creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing that perfectly complements the heat of the Buffalo sauce. In some variations, a milder ranch dressing is used, offering a cooling counterbalance to the spice.

Blanketing the sauce and chicken is a layer of melted cheese, often a blend of mozzarella for its excellent meltability and mild flavor, and cheddar or Monterey Jack for a sharp, tangy contrast. Some versions also sprinkle crumbled blue cheese atop for an authentic Buffalo wing experience.

The pizza is typically finished with a final drizzle of Buffalo sauce and a scattering of fresh, vibrant green onions or chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. Served hot, each slice of Buffalo pizza is a harmonious blend of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors, all brought together in a comforting, indulgent package.

Meat Pizza

A meat pizza typically boasts a golden, hand-tossed crust, perfectly crisp on the edges yet tender and chewy beneath. The base is generously smeared with a rich, herby tomato sauce that offers a delightful tanginess, creating a perfect canvas for the toppings. Melted over the sauce is a luxurious layer of mozzarella cheese, stretchy and oozy, with pockets of golden-brown gratin on top, where the heat of the oven has toasted it to perfection.

Atop the cheese, an assortment of succulent meats takes the spotlight. Traditional toppings include crispy pepperoni slices, their edges slightly curled and charred, releasing a smoky, spicy aroma. Alongside the pepperoni, chunks of savory Italian sausage offer a delightful textural contrast, their fennel and garlic seasoning infusing the pizza with depth and warmth. Slices of honey-glazed ham add a touch of sweetness, balancing the robust flavors, while crispy bacon bits contribute a salty crunch.

The pizza is often finished with a final sprinkle of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, adding a fresh, aromatic lift to the rich and indulgent meat medley. Once out of the oven, the pizza carries a tantalizing, sizzling sound, with an aroma that beckons the first bite. The experience of eating a slice is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures – from the crisp crust and gooey cheese to the hearty, flavorful meats and the zesty tomato sauce.

Veggie Pizza

A Veggie Pizza is a delightful and colorful medley of fresh, garden-picked vegetables, generously spread over a thin, crispy crust. The base is traditionally slathered with a rich, herby tomato sauce, infused with garlic, basil, and oregano, offering a tangy backdrop to the earthy flavors of the toppings. Each slice is adorned with a vibrant array of vegetables; succulent bell peppers in red, green, and yellow, thinly sliced zucchini and mushrooms, tender spinach leaves, and sweet red onions. For an extra burst of flavor, artichoke hearts, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes might also be sprinkled throughout. The pizza is then liberally sprinkled with a blend of melted cheeses, typically mozzarella and parmesan, which envelop the veggies in a gooey, golden blanket. Once out of the oven, it’s often garnished with a scattering of fresh basil or arugula, adding a peppery freshness that complements the warm, baked flavors. Each bite of this Veggie Pizza is a testament to the richness of nature’s bounty, offering a hearty, wholesome, and flavorsome dining experience.

Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian Pizza originated in the early 1960s when Sam Panapoulos, an immigrant from Greece, opened a pizza shop in London, Ontario. Inspired by American Chinese food and tiki culture, he set out to combine sweet and savory flavors. He added ham and pineapple to his pizza and called the dish Hawaiian, but did not patent the name.

Unlike the other types of pizza, the Hawaiian Pizza is incredibly popular. It’s almost as common as pepperoni and cheese! However, many people are unaware that pineapple is one of the most popular toppings on a pizza. Although some people dislike pineapple on pizza, it is not illegal. In fact, Americans from the Northeast and the older population tend to be the ones who don’t order pineapple pizza.

While the pizza was inspired by tropical islands, the Hawaiian Pizza is an Americanized version of an Italian dish. The dough is made of Italian dough. Although it’s not made in Hawaii, it’s still an American favorite. Whether you love it or hate it, Hawaiian pizza is one of the most popular types of pizza in the United States. You’ll find it everywhere, and you’ll want to make sure you get one.