In these divisive times, is there a more democratic food than pizza? Sure, there might be allegiances to certain regional specialties (more on that later), but pizza in its essence—crust, sauce, cheese, toppings—is so universal and adaptable, one would be hard-pressed to find someone who takes issue with it.

In the century or so that pizza has been a staple in the American diet, the sheer number of variations it has gone through (and continues to go through) is astonishing. Even those with dietary restrictions can now relish gluten-free pizza or pizza made with vegan cheese.