A Foreign Exchange Student's Guide To Ordering Pizza In The United States
Pizza stands as a culinary icon in the United States, and as a foreign exchange student, you might be eager to try it during your stay. If you need help navigating the process of ordering pizza in the U.S., this guide is for you. It covers everything like various styles, crusts, sauces, popular topping combinations even how to reheat your pizza for that perfect slice.
Different Styles of Pizza
The United States boasts a variety of pizza styles, including:
1. New York-style: Thin crust, foldable, and often sold by the slice and topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and various toppings. 2. Chicago-style: Deep-dish pizza with a thick crust, cheese, and a chunky tomato sauce. Toppings are layered beneath the sauce. 3. Detroit-style: Rectangular, thick-crusted pizza with a crispy exterior, topped with cheese and tomato sauce in a "racing stripe" pattern. 4. California-style: Thin crust pizza is known for its unique, gourmet toppings like avocado or artichoke hearts.
Different Types of Crust
Crust options vary depending on the pizza place, but common choices include:
1. Thin crust: Crispy and light, perfect for those who prefer less dough. 2. Hand-tossed: A slightly thicker, chewier crust with a bit more texture. 3. Pan crust: A thick, buttery crust that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 4. Stuffed crust: A crust filled with cheese, providing a gooey surprise at the end of each slice.
Different Types of Sauce
While tomato sauce is the most common, other options include:
1. Alfredo: A creamy, white sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. 2. Pesto: A green sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. 3. Barbecue: A tangy, smoky sauce often used for barbecue chicken pizza.
Popular Pizza Topping Combinations
Some popular topping combinations to try are:
1. Pepperoni: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. 2. Margherita: Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. 3. Hawaiian: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, and pineapple. 4. Veggie: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and various vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives. 5. Meat lovers: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and a variety of meats like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham.
Reheating Your Pizza
To reheat your pizza while maintaining its quality, follow these tips:
1. Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. 2. Stovetop: Place a slice of pizza in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then cover the skillet for another 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Now you know everything there is to know about ordering pizza in the United States, you're ready to enjoy this delicious and iconic dish. Explore the different styles, crusts, sauces, and toppings to find your favorite combination.
For more info about pizza takeout, contact a local company.