The end of World War II brought about a lot of changes in the United States - one of them being a boom in the popularity of pizza. And it seems as if America’s fondness for pizza has only grown since then. (I mean, we do have a National Pizza Month.) So with all this pizza talk, there’s only one reasonable question, "Where can I get a slice?" Well, you’ve come to the right place. From traditional pizzas to one-of-a-kind specialty pies, these 12 Mississippi restaurants have pizza so good your mouth just might explode (don’t say we didn’t warn you).

1. Tribecca Allie Café, Sardis

As the second place winner of the American Pizza Championship, it should come as no surprise that the Tribecca Allie Café has become known for serving some of the best pizza around. The authentic New York-style pizza is cooked in a hand-built wood fired oven, giving the pizza a perfectly charred crust. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, be sure to try the "Magnolia Rosa" – a pizza topped with red onion, cheeses, and pecans.

2. Bianchi’s Pizzeria, Hattiesburg

Whether you’re looking for a single slice of pizza or an entire gourmet pie, Bianchi’s delivers. The pizzeria has been described as an eatery with "authentic Ellis Island roots, selling mouthwatering New York-style pizza." And aside from the pizza, the menu is filled with Italian appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Oh, and did I mention there’s a gelato bar?

3. The Lost Pizza Co. (locations throughout Mississippi)

What started off as a small restaurant opened by two childhood friends has since evolved into 10 locations scattered throughout the state. Voted "The Best Pizza in Mississippi," The Lost Pizza Co. boasts an atmosphere that's equally as awesome and a menu filled with everything from traditional pizza options, like cheese and pepperoni, to specialty pizzas, like the Pit Boss, a pizza topped with pulled pork and barbecue sauce.

4. Leo's Wood Fired Pizza, Ocean Springs

Arguably some of the best pizza on the Coast, Leo’s has become synonymous with good food and celebrities….thanks to a menu filled with pizzas named after some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. So, order the Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra, or Lucille Ball, grab a locally brewed beer, and enjoy your pizza on the outdoor patio - while listening to live music, of course.

5. Stromboli’s Italian Eatery, Starkville

Having earned the title of the Pizza Wars Champion and recognized as having the best pizza in Starkville, Stromboli’s obviously knows more than its name lets on. According to customer reviews, the deliciously sweet dough is what makes the pizza. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, the specialty pies, which include choices like Muffaletta and Rotel, are definitely the way to go.

6. Old Venice Pizza Co., Oxford, Tupelo, and Starkville

Instead of sticking to the usual Italian fare offered by most restaurants, Old Venice has remained committed to featuring a menu that is "eclectic Italian with a touch of southern Creole" since opening in 1997. While the classic pies are good, it’s one of the restaurant’s specialty pies, the Banscueccio," that customers rave about.

7. Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, Gulfport

After Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, resident Tony Swirgis wanted to use his love of cooking to help out the community, and, in 2010, his dream became a reality when he opened Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria. Tony’s pizza has been praised by customers, bloggers, and even local newspapers, which probably has something to do with the dough and sauces being made in-house and the fact that Tony uses only the freshest ingredients.

8. Sal and Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint, Jackson and Biloxi

Promising a "New York experience without the attitude," Sal and Mookie’s features a Little Italy-themed menu, an ice cream parlor, and a fully-stocked bar. Even with the expansive menu, it’s without a doubt the hand-crafted pizzas – made with imported Italian tomatoes and King Arthur flour - that keep customers coming back. And thanks to the kitchen’s observation window, you can actually watch your pie being made.

9. Wiseguys Chicago Pizza and Sandwiches, Horn Lake

Proof that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, this raved about Horn Lake eatery is located in what appears to be an old house. Regardless of the location, locals claim that Wisguys is a must if you’re in the area. And according to customer reviews, the cheesy goodness of the Chicago-style, deep dish pizza is only surpassed by the more-than-generous portions.

10. Soulshine Pizza Factory, Ridgeland, Flowood, and Oxford

One look at Soulshine Pizza Factory’s menu and it’s easy to see why the restaurant was named the best pizza in the entire state in Mississippi Magazine's 2010 "Best of Mississippi" Guide. In addition to the build-your-own calzone or pizza option, Soulshine offers a ton of specialty pizzas. One of the most popular? The Jacksonian, a pizza topped with garlic ranch sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, grilled chicken, chopped tomatoes, and green onions.

11. Brooklyn Pizzeria, Gulfport

Bringing New York-style pizza to Gulfport for over 20 years, this pizzeria has become a local favorite, even receiving the Sun Herald’s People’s Choice Award for the area’s best pizza.

12. The Italian Grill and Pizzeria, Picayune

With roots tracing back to Naples, it’s no surprise that the Italian Grill and Pizzeria has become known as one of the Deep South’s best kept secrets. The restaurant offers traditional Neapolitan fare with everything made from scratch and made to order, including the gourmet pizzas.

Have you been to any of the places listed? Know of another Mississippi restaurant with awesome pizza? Tell us in the comments section below!