Pizza is a genius flavor builder. Only a burger, a sandwich and a green salad can compete with it in terms of the number of variations. Still, there are some established classics. Here are 25 variations of classic pizza recipes and their brief descriptions. Check yourself, have you tried them all?

1. ‘Margarita.’

This pizza, which has become a classic, was invented by chef Raffaele Esposito, in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. Raffaele created a pizza inspired by the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella and green basil. The uncomplicated combination of ingredients, flavors and colors conquered not only the Queen, but the whole world.

2. ‘Neapolitan.’

Remember the famous sauce Neapolitano’. The composition of the sauce is simple: ripe tomatoes, anchovies as a flavor enhancer (it is by the way very often used in pizza sauces), basil or Italian herbs, other spices to taste (pepper, oregano, thyme, bay leaf) carrots, celery; sometimes auberge or mushrooms can be added. In short, a delicious vegetarian sauce. To it you add mozzarella cheese and that's it. The pizza is ready.

3. ‘Marinara.’

This pizza was invented in 1735, and is the predecessor of the famous Neapolitan pizza. It contains: tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, anchovies (optional), garlic or garlic oil and basil. It (basil) is added either dry to the sauce or fresh, spreading it on the pizza before serving. In some cafes and pizzerias, marinara pizza is prepared with cream sauce instead of tomato sauce, which gives the finished dish a delicate flavor.

4. ‘Frutti di mare.

Pizza with seafood. The quantity, quality and assortment of these very seafood depends, first of all, on the budget. As a rule necessarily happen: mussels, squid, shrimp or langoustines. But no one will prevent you from adding to it and lobsters with caviar. Base: tomato sauce and garlic oil

5. ‘Pugliese’.

In this pizza add onions cut in half rings, olives or capers, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and hard cheese: parmeggiano or pecorino.

6. ‘Capricciosa.

Filling: mushrooms and porcini mushrooms in equal proportions, ham, artichokes, olives, hard cheese, tomatoes, garlic and aromatic herbs

Sauce for crusts or sides. It can be cheese, tomato or pesto based. In general, whatever is convenient. The main thing is that the crusts should be worthy of being eaten without toppings.

7. ‘Calzone.’

This is a unique type of pizza, which is baked in a closed form. The dough is folded in half, and the filling (can be absolutely any) is inside.

8. ‘Diabola.’

This is a pizza with a lot of meat toppings (spicy sausages or minced meat), hot peppers and special spicy sauce.

9. ‘La Roma.

A rich pizza with a variety of ingredients and (most importantly) cheesy sides.

10. Roman pizza.

(not to be confused with ‘La Roma’). The main thing of this pizza - incredibly puffy and airy dough, usually long cold proofing. The toppings can be any kind of toppings. Classic is considered: tomato sauce, mozzarella, capers, anchovies, oregano.

11. ‘Four Seasons’.

Traditionally, such a dish is divided into 4 parts, each of which symbolizes a certain season. As a rule, at any time includes tomato sauce and mozzarella, and then what God sends. For example: ham, mushrooms, artichokes and olives with cheese and herbs.

12. ‘Four Cheese.

According to the classic recipe, the pizza originally had 3 kinds of cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola) and the fourth kind the visitor could choose himself, guided by his taste. In Uglich, in cheese restaurant Cheeseboard, where I put the menu, including pizza, I made a specialty pizza for 5 cheeses. There are 2 kinds of mozzarella, the legendary Uglich cheese, brie, cheddar and sheep cheese. In short you will pass by - don't pass by.

13. ‘Meat’.

Rich meat dish for lovers of hearty food. Most often made with minced meat, previously stewed with vegetables and tomato sauce, and sliced sausages, which are added to the minced meat, before sending the pizza to the oven. Naturally, the pizza also includes tomato sauce, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and green arugula, which is sprinkled on the pizza before it is served.

14. ‘The Vegetarian.

Vegetarian pizza with lots of fresh vegetables. The toppings depend on the season: it can be with tomatoes, mushrooms, aubergines, asparagus and even pumpkin. Or with everything at once.

15. ‘Pepperoni.

Pizza with spicy pepperoni sausage, giving the dish a unique flavor and aroma. (If, of course, we are talking about honestly made sausage). Cheese and tomato sauce are also present, of course.