Chicago has long been known for its pizza. While New York City-style thin crust pizza may be the most well-known pizza style in the United States, Chicago deep dish pizza offers a unique twist on this classic dish. With its thick, buttery crust and layers of toppings, Chicago deep dish pizza has become a beloved staple of the city’s cuisine.
But what makes Chicago deep dish pizza so different? From its origins to its ingredients, this article will explore the unique features that make this style of pizza stand out from the rest. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, understanding what sets Chicago deep dish pizza apart is essential to fully appreciating this iconic dish.
Origins of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is one of the most popular pizza styles in the world. It was first created in the 1940s by Ike Sewell, who was a restaurateur in Chicago. Initially, Sewell created the pizza for his restaurant, Pizzeria Uno, to offer a unique spin on pizza, which was already gaining mass appeal in the United States.
The pizza is called a deep dish pizza because of the characteristics of its crust. The dough is pressed into a high-sided pizza pan much deeper than a standard pizza or Neapolitan style. The result is a “pizza pie” that can be almost 3 inches high in the center, overflowing with layers of cheese, tomato sauce, and various toppings. Since its creation, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza has remained an enduring symbol of classic Chicago cuisine, inspiring numerous imitations and variations of the original recipe in cities around the world.
The Ingredients of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago deep dish pizza is a unique variety of pizza that takes its origin from the city of Chicago in the United States of America. This pizza has a much thicker crust, along with a combination of cheese and tomato sauce toppings that are layered in reverse order with the cheese at the bottom and the tomato sauce on the top. However, the ingredients used in Chicago deep dish pizza are what make it different from other pizza types.
To make Chicago deep dish pizza, the dough is made from flour, water, oil, and yeast, but it is the amount of oil used in the dough that makes it thicker and flakier. The dough is allowed to ferment for a longer time to give it more flavor. The toppings are also an essential part of the pizza, with the cheese being the most important. Mozzarella cheese is used in most Chicago deep-dish pizzas. However, other types of cheese can also be used, including provolone, Parmesan, and Asiago. The tomato sauce used in Chicago deep dish pizza is made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes mixed with spices such as basil, oregano, and garlic. The ingredients used in Chicago deep dish pizza make it a delightful treat for pizza lovers.
The Unique Preparation Process of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago deep-dish pizza stands out from other types of pizza because of its unique preparation process. Unlike traditional pizza, the dough is made with a higher proportion of flour, which gives it a thicker, denser crust. The crust is then topped with a layer of cheese, followed by a layer of toppings such as sausage, vegetables, and sauce. The pizza is then baked in a deep, round pan until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
One interesting aspect of the preparation process is that the toppings are often placed on the pizza in reverse order compared to other pizzas. This means that the cheese is placed on the bottom layer, followed by the toppings and sauce. This helps to prevent the crust from getting soggy and ensures that the toppings cook evenly. Chicago deep-dish pizza is also typically baked for a longer period of time than other pizzas, which gives it a crispy texture and allows the flavors to meld together. All these unique preparation techniques play a major role in creating Chicago’s world-famous deep-dish pizza.
The Significance of the Crust in Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
When it comes to Chicago deep dish pizza, the crust is not just a means to hold the toppings; it’s a crucial ingredient that sets this pizza apart from other styles. The crust of a true Chicago deep dish pizza is thick and buttery, with a crispy outside and a soft, doughy inside. It’s like a flaky pastry crust that surrounds the pizza, holding in all the delicious ingredients.
The crust is so important in Chicago deep dish pizza that it’s often considered the star of the show. It’s the foundation that supports all the toppings, and without the perfect crust, the pizza wouldn’t be the same. The recipe for the crust is often a closely guarded secret, with each pizzeria adding its own special touch to make it unique. So, the next time you bite into a slice of Chicago deep dish pizza, take a moment to appreciate the deliciously buttery, flaky, and crispy crust that makes it so special.
A Comparison Between Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and other Styles of Pizza
When talking about pizza, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza stands out from the rest due to its thick crust and generous amount of toppings. Unlike the traditional thin-crust pizza, the deep-dish pizza has a high edge and is made in a deep dish pan. The crust is made up of butter, cornmeal, flour, and oil, making it firmer than other types of pizza.
In comparison with New York-Style pizza, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is thicker and has a more substantial crust. While the New York-style pizza is known for being large and foldable, the Deep Dish Pizza is more filling and often requires a fork and knife to devour. Another popular style is the Neapolitan pizza, which has a thin, crispy crust and minimal toppings. This makes the Chicago-style pizza an excellent alternative for those who like a lot of toppings and enjoy a thicker crust.
The Best Places to Try Chicago Deep Dish Pizza in the City
Chicago is the ultimate destination for pizza lovers and the city is packed with spots that serve the best deep dish pizza. These places are a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the true flavors of Chicago-style pizza.
One of the most popular joints to try this delicious delicacy is Lou Malnati’s. Their pizza is known for its flaky crust, topped with a layer of signature cheese blend, and marinara sauce. Another favorite is Gino’s East, known for their caramelized crust that adds a unique texture to the dish. Apart from these, other notable mentions include Pequod’s Pizza, Giordano’s, and Pizzeria Uno. All of these places offer a unique take on Chicago deep dish pizza, making this a must-try when visiting the city.
Experimenting with Toppings on Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza has a distinct reputation for being overloaded with chunks of cheese and sauce, making it unique in its own right. But when it comes to topping options, the possibilities are endless. This versatile dish can be experimented with various toppings, ranging from the classic pepperoni to something as diverse as black olives or spinach. With its thick crust and deep dish, it has the capacity to handle toppings and blends that aren’t feasible with traditional thin-crust pizza types.
In Chicago, a city known for its love for pizza, restaurants are constantly pushing boundaries by coming up with new and innovative topping options for this dish. From meat lovers to veggie enthusiasts, everyone can find something to enjoy on a Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Its ability to hold an array of toppings, combine it with a unique and authentic crust, makes it an ideal canvas for experimentation and thus continually drives the city’s pizza culture forward.
Final Verdict
Chicago’s deep dish pizza is a unique and delicious style of pizza that has gained worldwide recognition. Its standout characteristics include a buttery, flaky crust, ample amounts of cheese and toppings, and a thick layer of tomato sauce. The pizza has also become synonymous with Chicago’s rich culinary culture and significant contributions to America’s fast food industry.
While there are differing opinions on deep dish pizza, it is undoubtedly a must-try food in Chicago. Whether you are a local or a tourist, it is an experience that everyone should have at least once. If you have never tried it before, we highly recommend finding a reputable pizza joint and giving it a chance. Who knows, it might just become your new go-to pizza style.