Pizza. The mere mention of the word conjures up images of cheesy goodness, warm, comforting aromas, and the communal joy of sharing a slice (or several) with friends and family. But when someone says “regular pizza,” what exactly are they referring to? The answer, as with many things culinary, is surprisingly nuanced and depends heavily on context, region, and personal preference. Let’s embark on a delicious journey to unravel the mystery of the “regular” pizza.
Defining “Regular” Pizza: A Matter of Perspective
The term “regular pizza” is often used as a shorthand, a baseline against which other, more exotic or specialized pizzas are compared. It represents the familiar, the standard, the default choice. However, this default varies dramatically across different locations and individual tastes. What a New Yorker considers regular pizza might be vastly different from what a Chicagoan envisions, or what someone expects from a national chain restaurant.
The problem stems from the ambiguity of the word “regular.” It implies a pizza that is common, popular, and unremarkable in its components. But even the most basic pizzas can be distinguished by their crust style, sauce composition, cheese selection, and topping choices.
The Core Components of a “Regular” Pizza
Despite regional variations, certain core components tend to define what most people consider a “regular” pizza. These include:
- Crust: Generally, a medium-thickness crust that is neither overly thin and crispy nor excessively thick and doughy. It strikes a balance between providing a sturdy base and offering a satisfying chewiness.
- Sauce: A simple tomato-based sauce, often seasoned with herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic. The sauce isn’t usually overly sweet, spicy, or complex. It provides a foundational layer of flavor.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is the undisputed king of regular pizza cheese. Its mild, milky flavor and excellent melting properties make it the perfect complement to the sauce and crust.
- Toppings: Pepperoni is frequently the go-to topping for a regular pizza. It’s widely available, relatively inexpensive, and adds a familiar savory and slightly spicy flavor. Other common toppings include mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and sausage.
Regional Variations: Where “Regular” Gets Complicated
The seemingly simple definition of “regular pizza” quickly becomes blurred when considering regional pizza styles. What’s considered regular in one city might be a specialty in another.
New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza, with its large, thin, hand-tossed crust, is a prime example. The crust is typically foldable and slightly crispy around the edges. The sauce is simple and the cheese is usually low-moisture mozzarella. While pepperoni is a common topping, a “plain” New York slice with just sauce and cheese is also considered a regular option.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago deep-dish pizza is a world apart from New York-style. The crust is thick and buttery, forming a deep bowl that is filled with cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce layered on top. Calling a deep-dish pizza “regular” might be accurate in Chicago, but it would be a misnomer elsewhere.
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza, originating from Naples, Italy, is another contender. This pizza is characterized by its thin, soft crust, made with simple ingredients like “00” flour, water, salt, and yeast. It’s typically topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese (often fresh mozzarella like fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella), basil, and olive oil. While increasingly popular worldwide, Neapolitan pizza is often seen as a gourmet or specialty option rather than a “regular” one.
The Chain Restaurant Effect: Standardizing “Regular”
National pizza chains have played a significant role in shaping the perception of “regular” pizza. These chains strive for consistency and affordability, leading to a more standardized product. Their regular pizza typically features a medium-thickness crust, a commercially produced tomato sauce, and processed mozzarella cheese. Toppings are generally limited to popular choices like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers. The focus is on delivering a consistent and predictable experience across all locations. This standardization, while ensuring uniformity, can sometimes sacrifice quality and authenticity.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Variations Within “Regular”
Even within the confines of a “regular” pizza, there’s room for variation and customization. The type of cheese used can significantly impact the flavor and texture. Low-moisture mozzarella is the most common choice, but fresh mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of cheeses can add complexity.
The sauce can also be tweaked to suit individual preferences. Some prefer a sweeter sauce, while others prefer a more savory or spicy one. The addition of herbs, spices, and other ingredients can create a unique flavor profile.
The choice of toppings is perhaps the most significant area for customization. While pepperoni is a classic choice, a wide range of other toppings can be added to create a personalized pizza. These include vegetables, meats, and even fruits.
Crust Considerations: Thickness, Texture, and Flavor
The crust is the foundation of any pizza, and its characteristics greatly influence the overall experience. A thin crust offers a crispy and light base, while a thick crust provides a chewy and substantial bite. A medium-thickness crust strikes a balance between these two extremes.
The texture of the crust can also vary. Some crusts are airy and light, while others are dense and chewy. The flavor of the crust can be enhanced by adding herbs, spices, or garlic.
Sauce Sensations: Sweet, Savory, and Spicy
The sauce is the binding element that brings all the other components together. A simple tomato sauce is the most common choice, but there are endless variations to explore. A sweeter sauce can be made by adding sugar or honey. A savory sauce can be achieved by adding herbs, spices, or garlic. A spicy sauce can be created by adding chili peppers or hot sauce.
Cheese Choices: Mozzarella and Beyond
Mozzarella is the undisputed king of regular pizza cheese, but other cheeses can be used to add complexity and flavor. Provolone offers a sharper and saltier flavor. Cheddar adds a tangy and slightly nutty flavor. A blend of cheeses can create a unique and balanced flavor profile. Fresh mozzarella, with its creamy and delicate flavor, is a popular choice for specialty pizzas.
The Subjectivity of “Regular”: It’s All About Personal Taste
Ultimately, the definition of “regular” pizza is subjective and depends on individual preferences and experiences. What one person considers a regular pizza might be completely different from what another person expects. The key is to understand the basic components of a pizza and then customize them to suit your own taste.
Pizza is a versatile and adaptable dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you prefer a simple cheese pizza or a loaded pizza with all the toppings, there’s a pizza out there for everyone. So, the next time someone asks you what kind of pizza is regular pizza, you can confidently answer: “It depends!” But more importantly, you can engage in a delightful discussion about the nuances of pizza styles, ingredients, and personal preferences. Enjoy!
The Future of “Regular” Pizza: Innovation and Evolution
Even the concept of “regular” pizza is subject to change as culinary trends evolve. New ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor combinations are constantly being explored, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered traditional. Plant-based cheeses, alternative crusts, and unconventional toppings are becoming increasingly popular, offering exciting new possibilities for pizza lovers.
The future of “regular” pizza is likely to be more diverse and inclusive, encompassing a wider range of styles and preferences. As consumers become more adventurous and health-conscious, the definition of “regular” will continue to evolve, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of the culinary world.
So, while the core components of a medium-crust, mozzarella-cheese, and tomato-sauce pizza with pepperoni might remain the widely accepted baseline, the journey of discovery within the pizza universe is endless. Embrace the variety, experiment with flavors, and find your own personal “regular.” And remember, the best pizza is always the one you enjoy the most.
What exactly defines “regular” pizza?
“Regular” pizza is generally understood to be the most common and widely available style, often referred to as a classic American pizza. It typically features a medium-thickness crust, a tomato-based sauce (usually seasoned with herbs and spices like oregano and basil), mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni as the default or most frequently requested topping.
This style stands apart from more specialized pizzas such as Neapolitan, Sicilian, or deep-dish varieties. It’s characterized by its simplicity and balance, providing a palatable and familiar flavor profile that appeals to a broad audience. The ingredients are readily accessible, contributing to its affordability and ubiquity in pizzerias across the United States.
What kind of crust does “regular” pizza typically have?
The crust of “regular” pizza is typically a medium thickness, falling somewhere between the thin and crispy crust of a Neapolitan pizza and the thick and doughy crust of a Sicilian pizza. It’s designed to be sturdy enough to hold the toppings without being overly heavy or dense.
This type of crust is usually made with a simple dough consisting of flour, water, yeast, oil, and salt. It’s often kneaded, proofed, and then stretched or rolled out before being topped with sauce and other ingredients. The baking process results in a crust that is slightly crispy on the bottom and edges, while remaining soft and chewy in the middle.
What kind of sauce is used on “regular” pizza?
The sauce used on “regular” pizza is almost invariably a tomato-based sauce. It’s typically a cooked sauce, often made from crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or tomato paste. The sauce is then seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices to enhance its flavor profile.
Common seasonings found in regular pizza sauce include oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Some recipes may also include a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. The sauce is usually spread thinly over the crust, providing a flavorful base for the cheese and other toppings.
What kind of cheese is considered “regular” on pizza?
The most common and widely accepted cheese used on “regular” pizza is mozzarella cheese. This is typically low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, which melts well and provides a stretchy, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
While other cheeses can certainly be used on pizza, mozzarella remains the default and most recognizable option for a “regular” pizza experience. Its ability to melt evenly and create a cohesive texture with the sauce and toppings contributes to the overall satisfying quality of the pizza. Variations may exist, but mozzarella remains the standard.
Why is pepperoni considered the “regular” pizza topping?
Pepperoni has become synonymous with “regular” pizza due to its widespread popularity and consistent appearance on menus across the United States. It’s a dry, cured sausage made from pork and beef, seasoned with paprika and other spices, giving it a slightly spicy and smoky flavor that appeals to many.
Its affordability, shelf-stability, and readily available nature have further cemented its position as the go-to topping. Over time, pepperoni pizza has become a cultural icon, representing a familiar and reliable choice for pizza lovers of all ages. This familiarity and broad appeal have solidified its status as the “regular” pizza topping.
What are some common variations of “regular” pizza?
While pepperoni pizza is often considered the standard, variations on “regular” pizza abound. Common variations include cheese pizza (simply sauce and mozzarella), vegetable pizza (topped with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and other vegetables), and sausage pizza (featuring Italian sausage as the main topping).
Other popular additions include ham, bacon, pineapple, olives, and various types of peppers. These variations retain the medium-thickness crust, tomato-based sauce, and mozzarella cheese that define “regular” pizza, while offering different flavor profiles and ingredient combinations to suit individual preferences.
Is “regular” pizza healthy?
The healthiness of “regular” pizza depends heavily on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes consumed. Pizza can provide essential nutrients like calcium from the cheese and lycopene from the tomato sauce. However, it can also be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, especially when loaded with processed meats and excessive cheese.
Choosing leaner toppings, opting for a whole-wheat crust, and moderating portion sizes can significantly improve the nutritional profile of “regular” pizza. It’s important to be mindful of the ingredients and consider pizza as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.