Where Do the Pizza Toppings Belong?
In the pizza industry, there has been many a conflict over how to make the best
and most perfect pizza. Debates over the subject include what type of crust to
use, the type of pizza sauce, type of toppings and even the type of
cheese that makes the best pizza pie. From New York Style to Chicago Style to
California Style, differences in technique are what make the Pizza World go
around.
Another one of those pizza arguments is where on the pizza the toppings
should go. It is debatable that toppings under the sauce look better or worse
than toppings above the sauce and cheese. There is even an issue over which one
tastes better.
Chicago Style pizza is a recipe steeped in tradition. This deep-dish
style pizza goes against the traditional grain of most of the other pizza
recipes in the U.S. Instead of placing the toppings you choose on the top of the
pizza sauce and cheeses, the sliced mozzarella cheese is placed in a layer on
the crust, which is placed in the bottom of a deep-dish pizza pan. On top of the
mozzarella cheese is placed the toppings of choice, such as Italian sausage,
onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. The next layer is the sauce, which is the
top layer. This may seem backward to those who live elsewhere in the country and
are accustomed to another style of pizza. Many people say that Chicago Style is
the best because it helps to keep the crust crispy because the sauce is on top,
and not directly on the crust, making it soggy.
Other types of pizza places the sauce on the crust, shredded cheese
layered above the sauce, and the toppings scattered above the cheese. This is
what most people in the United States think of when they think of pizza. Many
people don't even know of a different way of making pizza. Some say Americans
love the tradition of sauce directly on the crust.
While the theory of the "best" pizza is definitely up to the individual and
personal preference, arguments over whose style is the "best" is an ongoing
battle in the pizza universe. The argument will never be settled between the
die-hards from their respective regions.The real winners in this debate are the
ones who eat a little bit of both types of pizza. The real winners realize that
there is no best, only different.
Every once in a while, treat your senses to something out of the ordinary. If
you are used to Chicago Style with the toppings beneath the sauce, check
out a new thing and have some New York Style or California Style pizza. The same
goes for you New Yorkers and others. If you are always having the same old
toppings-on-the-top pizza, go crazy and try some Chicago Style pizza. Open
your palate up to the unique taste of something extraordinary.