Pizza History in the USA: Exploring New York, Chicago, and Other Favorites

Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural icon that has captured America’s heart. From the thin, foldable slices that New Yorkers devour on bustling street corners to the deep-dish marvels that Chicagoans savor by the forkful, pizza tells a story of immigration, innovation, and irresistible flavor. Across the U.S., from classic Neapolitan pies to hearty Sicilian squares or inventive California-style creations, every slice reflects regional tastes, culinary creativity, and moments shared with friends and family.

The Birth of Pizza in Italy

Before pizza became an American staple, it had humble beginnings in Italy. The earliest forms of pizza were simple flatbreads topped with olive oil, herbs, and cheese, eaten by working-class families in Naples.

The game-changer came in the late 19th century with the addition of tomato sauce, once tomatoes were embraced as edible rather than ornamental. The Margherita pizza adorned with tomato, mozzarella, and basil to represent the Italian flag was famously created in honor of Queen Margherita in 1889. This Neapolitan-style pizza emphasized fresh, high-quality ingredients and a soft, chewy crust cooked quickly in a blisteringly hot wood-fired oven. It was this simple yet delicious formula that Italian immigrants would eventually bring to the United States.

Pizza Comes to the USA

Pizza arrived in America with the wave of Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first documented pizzeria in the U.S., Lombardi’s, opened in New York City in 1905, selling simple tomato pies to Italian laborers. Initially seen as an ethnic curiosity, pizza began to gain broader appeal after World War II, when returning American soldiers brought back a taste for the Italian dish they’d encountered overseas. The rise of pizza was fueled by suburbanization, the growth of chain pizzerias, and the invention of the pizza delivery box. As pizza spread across the country, regions put their own spin on it, leading to the diverse range of popular pizza styles we know today. 

Popular Pizza Types in the USA

New York-Style Pizza – Thin crust, foldable slices, iconic NYC favorite

Large, thin, and foldable slices define New York-style pizza. The crust is crisp yet pliable, thanks to high-gluten bread flour, and it’s typically topped with a light layer of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

You’ll often find it sold by the slice in no-frills corner pizzerias, where it’s served on a paper plate with a shake of oregano and red pepper flakes. It’s the quintessential street food of the Big Apple, perfect for enjoying with sustainable tableware for pizza lovers.

Chicago Deep Dish – Thick crust, hearty fillings, origin story

Developed at Pizzeria Uno in the 1940s, Chicago deep dish features a buttery, thick crust that forms a bowl-like for cheese, sauce, and toppings. It’s hearty.

Unlike traditional pizza, the sauce is layered on top of the cheese to prevent the crust from sogging out during the long baking time.

Neapolitan-Style / Traditional Italian – Classic Italian style popular in the US

An homage to pizza’s roots, Neapolitan-style pizza has seen a major resurgence in the U.S. thanks to the artisanal food movement. Authentic Neapolitan pizza must meet strict standards: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella di bufala, basil, and a thin, soft center with a charred, puffy cornicione (edge). Cooked for just 60-90 seconds in a wood-fired oven, Neapolitan-style pizza is a celebration of simplicity and quality and using plastic-free pizza savers ensures that each slice stays intact without adding plastic waste, keeping the experience both authentic and eco-friendly

Sicilian / Thick-Crust Pizza – Square slices, fluffy base, common in East Coast

Sicilian pizza, known for its thick, rectangular, and fluffy crust, is a cousin to the focaccia. The dough is proofed in a well-oiled pan, resulting in a crispy bottom and a soft, airy interior. 

It’s typically topped with a robust tomato sauce and a layer of cheese. Often called "sheet pizza," it’s a staple at family gatherings and party trays, make it a perfect candidate for a pizza party.

California / Gourmet-Style Pizza – Creative toppings, fusion trends

California-style pizza emerged in the 1980s, championed by chefs like Wolfgang Puck. It breaks all the rules with a thin crust often whole wheat or sourdough and unconventional toppings like goat cheese, arugula, smoked salmon, or Thai chicken. 

This style reflects the West Coast’s focus on fresh, local, and innovative ingredients, and it’s a natural fit for eco-friendly dining for pizza enthusiasts who appreciate creativity.

Fun Facts & Cultural Impact of pizza in the USA

• The first pizza delivered to space was in 2001, sent to the International Space Station.

• National Pizza Month is celebrated every October in the United States.

• Iconic chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut revolutionized pizza delivery with nationwide delivery and competitive marketing and today, they’re beginning to experiment with compostable or recyclable packaging as part of the industry’s shift toward eco-friendly practices.

• Some pizzerias are now serving pies in compostable pizza boxes made from recycled plant fibers, allowing customers to toss the box straight into a compost bin instead of the trash.

Pizza Today in America

Today, pizza remains a beloved staple across the United States, continually adapting to modern tastes. Trends include plant-based cheeses, gluten-free crusts, and globally inspired toppings. The rise of DIY pizza kits and gourmet frozen pizzas crafted with farm-to-table ingredients, seasonal produce, and low-waste preparation methods has also made it easier to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza at home while supporting eco-conscious values. Many pizzerias now use compostable pizza savers, while consumers are also choosing bamboo cutlery and compostable straws, making it simple to enjoy every slice responsibly and minimize environmental impact. Whether you’re savoring a classic New York slice, a hearty Chicago deep dish, or an innovative California creation, pizza is more than food, it’s a shared experience.