If you're craving pizza, but looking for something less traditional, try a Greek-style pie. Greek-style differs from Italian pizza in both dough preparation and cooking style, giving a variety of flavor to a classic staple.

Why Go Greek?

1. Unique Preparation

Unlike traditional Italian fare, Greek pizza dough is liberally coated in olive oil before being stretched thin and pressed into specially-designed aluminum or steel baking pans. The extra oil in contrast with the heat of the pan gently fries the dough, creating a crisp, buttery crust that more closely resembles focaccia bread than pizza dough.

2. Distinctive Sauce

While classic tomato sauces rely heavily on Italian herbs and spices like basil or oregano, Greek-style sauces are typically thinner and sweeter, with a deep tomato flavor.

Greek tomato sauce is thinned out with olive oil to add flavor and prevent it from becoming too thick. It's commonly held over low heat, often for an entire day, to create a rich and robust flavor.

3. Your Favorite Toppings

Greek pizza is named for the Greek-Americans who popularized the preparation method, not because it's topped with Mediterranean ingredients like feta or kalamata olives.

Like traditional Italian varieties, it can be topped however you like. From pepperoni and sausage to mushrooms or hot peppers, try topping your Greek-style pie to accentuate the chewy olive-oil rich crust and sweet, robust sauce.

For traditional Greek-style pizza, visit Hope Pizza Restaurant in Stamford, CT. For over 30 years their family-owned establishment has provided delicious specialties, including both traditional Italian and Greek pizzas, calzones, burgers, and salads in a relaxed setting that's great for the whole family. Call 203-325-0660 to hear their specials, or visit them online to view their menu.