From Naples’ bustling streets to New York City’s trendy pizzerias, pizza is one of the world’s most beloved foods. But just what shape is a pizza slice? The answer might surprise you.
Triangular slices are traditionally associated with pizza, especially in Italy and throughout much of the world where it originated. The reason is practical: It’s the easiest way to equally divide a round pie into pizza slices. By slicing the pizza into triangles, you’re guaranteed that each slice will contain the same amount of crust and toppings.
But the shape of a pizza slice isn’t the only factor that influences its taste or texture. It also depends on how the pizza is prepared and cut, which ultimately affects the amount of surface area each slice has.
Aside from triangular slices, a lot of people like their pizzas cut into squares or rectangles. This is usually done when making pizza at home or in taverns and diners, where it’s known as a “party cut.” It’s popular in many parts of the United States, particularly the Midwest, where pizzas are typically made with a thin crust.
While many people like this style of pizza, it does have some drawbacks. For starters, square-cut slices tend to be flimsier than their triangle counterparts. They also don’t offer as much dipping room for sauces and other toppings. Plus, the slices can often end up lopsided and uneven because of the shape of the pizza box.
