Pizza: A word that instantly lights up faces and appetites across the globe. This universally loved dish has traveled continents, been adapted by numerous cultures, and has left a lip-smacking trace everywhere it goes. So, if you are looking to upgrade your next party to legendary status, here are seven pizza versions that are sure to get those taste buds tingling and your guests talking!

Holmes / Pexels / As the world’s most glorified dish, Pizza has numerous versions.

Margherita Pizza: The Timeless Classic

Originating from Naples, Italy, this pizza carries with it a delightful tale. Legend has it that this pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, showcasing the colors of the Italian flag – red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. Simple yet profoundly flavorful, this pizza is a must-have. Fun fact: Margherita Pizza was one of the first to use cheese!

Chicago Deep Dish: The Comfort King

Forget everything you know about a regular pizza slice. The Chicago Deep Dish is like an inviting pizza casserole. Thus, with its high-edged crust, a reverse layering of cheese and toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce on top, it is a pizza that can double up as a meal and a half. However, it is said that it was invented around the 1940s in Chicago, making it a relatively young member of the pizza family.

Max / Pexels / Popular for its unique taste and texture, Margherita Pizza is one of the best versions of pizza ever served at parties.

Hawaiian Pizza: The Tropical Treat

Controversial? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely! Despite its tropical name, Hawaiian pizza was actually invented in Canada. While purists might scoff at the combination of pineapple and ham, there is no denying that its sweet and salty flavors create an irresistible dance on the palate. Thus, dive into this sun-soaked flavor fest and decide for yourself.

Pepperoni Pizza: The Party Pleaser

America’s favorite topping had to make this list. Pepperoni adds that perfect spicy kick to any slice. A variety you could spot instantly at any party, pepperoni pizzas have a magnetism that is hard to resist. Surprisingly, outside of North America, ‘pepperoni’ refers to a dash of bell pepper. So, always ensure you are ordering the right kind when traveling.

Sicilian Pizza: The Squared Delight

Square in shape and delicious in every way, Sicilian pizza, or “sfincione,” is characterized by its thick crust. Topped traditionally with onions, anchovies, tomatoes, and herbs, its roots trace back to the Italian island of Sicily. Today, there are numerous versions available, with a range of toppings to cater to every palate.

Kristina / Pexels / Pepperoni Pizza is not only popular in the U.S. but throughout the world.

Calzone: The Stuffed Sensation

Not a pizza in the conventional sense. But a close and beloved cousin! Originating from Italy, a calzone is essentially a folded pizza stuffed with typical pizza ingredients, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor. So, think of it as a pizza pocket ready to spill secrets of divine taste with every bite.

Neapolitan Pizza: The Original Marvel

We are rounding off this list by paying homage to where it all began. The Neapolitan pizza is the OG, flaunting a thin crust, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil. While it bears similarities to the Margherita, the Neapolitan has a stricter recipe protocol, even boasting a protected designation of origin status from the European Union.