Chicago-style pizza is one of the most famous pizzas in the world. Originating from the Windy City, it is known for its thick, chewy crust, which is often topped with a mountain of cheese and hearty tomato sauce. Unlike its New York counterpart, Chicago-style pizza is baked in a deep-dish pan, giving it a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other pizzas.
In this article, we’ll explore the process of making Chicago-style pizza from scratch. Whether you’re looking to perfect your home cooking skills or just curious about this iconic dish, you’ll find this guide informative and inspiring. From making the dough to layering on toppings, we’ll take you step by step through the process of creating your own delicious Chicago-style pizza.
The Origins of Chicago-style Pizza
Chicago-style pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, is a speciality of the city of Chicago in the United States. It is a unique and iconic style of pizza that is different from the thin-style pizza that is commonly found in other parts of the country. Chicago-style pizza is famous for its thick crust, filled with robust tomato sauce, and layers of cheese and toppings.
Chicago-style pizza is said to have originated in the 1940s at Pizzeria Uno, a famous restaurant in Chicago. It was the brainchild of a former Chicagoan named Ike Sewell, who wanted to create a pizza that was different from the common thin-crust style. Sewell took inspiration from his mother’s recipe for a pasta pie and decided to create a pizza with a thick crust, lots of cheese, and toppings. Today Chicago-style pizza is a symbol of pride for the people of Chicago and is enjoyed by pizza lovers worldwide.
The Importance of Deep Dish Pans in Making the Perfect Pizza
The deep dish pan is an integral part of creating the Chicago-style pizza. These pans were originally created by the founder of Uno’s Pizzeria, Ike Sewell, who wanted to create a pizza that had a substantial crust that could hold up to a hearty amount of toppings. The deep dish pan allows for a thicker crust that can hold more sauce, cheese, and toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart.
The pan itself is made of a heavy-duty metal that ensures even cooking and temperature distribution. The sides of the pan are high and sloped, allowing for the pizza to rise and hold its shape while baking. The deep dish pan also allows for a crispy crust that is slightly raised while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. Without the deep dish pan, the Chicago-style pizza would simply not exist, as the unique combination of thick crust and hearty toppings demands a pan that can withstand the weight and heat of the pizza.
Papa Del’s Recipe for Chicago-style Pizza
Papa Del’s is a pizza restaurant renowned for its delicious deep-dish Chicago-style pizza. The recipe for their famous pizza has been passed down from generation to generation, originating from the owner’s grandfather, a Sicilian immigrant.
To make their pizza, Papa Del’s uses a homemade dough made from flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and cornmeal. The crust is then pressed into a deep-dish pan and topped with a layer of mozzarella cheese slices. Next, the toppings are added, which can include spinach, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers. Finally, a homemade tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes is spread on top of the toppings.
The pizza then bakes in a 475-degree oven for 30-40 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Papa Del’s deep-dish pizza is definitely a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Chicago-style pizza.
The Differences Between Thin Crust and Deep Dish Pizza
Deep dish and thin crust pizzas are two distinct styles of pizza, originating from different regions of the United States. The most significant difference between the two is the thickness of the crust. Thin crust pizza has a crispy, cracker-like crust that is thin and crunchy throughout. On the other hand, a deep-dish pizza has a thick, hearty crust that is more like a pie crust, with a crispy outer layer and a soft, doughy interior.
Another difference between the two styles of pizza is the way they are assembled. When making deep-dish pizza, the dough is pressed into a deep, round pan and filled with cheese, toppings, and sauce, in that order. Thin crust pizza, on the other hand, usually starts with a sauce base and then has the toppings added on top. Additionally, deep-dish pizzas generally take longer to cook than thin crust pizzas because of their thickness. Both styles of pizza have their fans, and each has unique and differentiating qualities that make them stand out from each other.
Our Favorite Toppings for Authentic Chicago Pizza
When it comes to Chicago style pizza, the sky is the limit when it comes to topping options. There are a myriad of toppings to choose from, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their perfect pie. Some of the most popular toppings for Chicago style pizza include sausage, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, and green peppers.
Another popular topping for authentic Chicago style pizza is Italian beef. This classic sandwich filling is thinly sliced and piled high on the pizza, providing a deliciously meaty flavor. Other unique toppings include giardiniera, a pickled relish of vegetables, and hot giardiniera, which is spicier. Whatever your topping preferences are, there is a Chicago style pizza option that will satisfy your cravings.
The Role of Cheese in Chicago-style Pizza
Chicago-style pizza is famous for its thick crust, tons of toppings, and melted cheese that stretches endlessly. Cheese plays a crucial role in this pizza, as it is one of the main ingredients that make it so irresistible. A Chicago style pizza typically uses a combination of two types of cheese – mozzarella and provolone.
Mozzarella cheese is the perfect choice for this pizza because it has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Provolone cheese, on the other hand, has a sharper and saltier taste, which adds depth to the pizza’s overall flavor. These two cheeses are typically layered on top of the pizza dough and toppings, creating a unique and savory flavor that is hard to resist. The cheese is also a key factor in keeping all the toppings and sauce together and giving it a cohesive structure. Overall, the cheese plays an essential role in making Chicago style pizza one of the most popular pizza styles in the world.
Learning to Perfect Your Pizza Dough and Sauce Techniques
Perfecting your pizza dough and sauce techniques is critical to making a fantastic Chicago-style pizza. The texture of the dough should be slightly crispy on the outside with a soft and chewy interior. To achieve this, you will need to use high-gluten flour, which has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour. The dough should rise for at least 24 hours before use, which gives it time to develop flavor and a trademark chewy texture. With practice, you will learn to incorporate the perfect balance of ingredients into your dough, including water, yeast, salt, and oil.
Sauce is another critical component of a Chicago-style pizza. Homemade sauce is preferable because it gives the pizza a unique flavor. A blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and salt is usually used for the sauce. Simmering the sauce for an hour or two will intensify the flavors and ensure that the sauce thickens adequately. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste after tasting the sauce. Once you’ve mastered the dough and sauce recipes, you’ll be able to make outstanding Chicago-style pizza that will delight friends and family alike.
Final Verdict
After understanding the basics of Chicago-style pizza, it is clear that it is a complex dish that requires knowledge and experience to make it perfectly. The key ingredients like the dough, sauce, and cheese must be prepared in a particular way to achieve the perfect crust, flavor, and texture. The toppings are also essential in making this pizza unique and delicious.
In conclusion, Chicago-style pizza is a mouth-watering dish that has gained popularity all over the world. The combination of the thick crust, the flavorful sauce, and the rich cheese creates a unique and satisfying eating experience. However, it is essential to prepare it correctly, following the specific steps, if you want to ensure the best results. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, with dedication and practice, anyone can make a perfect Chicago-style pizza.