When it comes to pizza, few places in the world are as well-known as Chicago. The city is famous for its deep-dish pizza, a hearty and filling dish made with towering layers of crust, cheese, sauce, and toppings. But is deep-dish the same as Chicago-style pizza? Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there are some distinct differences between the two.
In this article, we’ll explore exactly what sets deep-dish pizza apart from other styles of pizza and whether or not it’s fair to call it “Chicago-style.” We’ll look at the history of deep-dish pizza, how it’s made, and what makes it unique. We’ll also examine whether other styles of pizza, such as thin-crust or Neapolitan, can authentically claim to be “Chicago-style” as well.
The Origins of Deep Dish Pizza
The origins of deep dish pizza can be traced back to 1943, to a Chicago-based restaurant called Pizzeria Uno. Shortly after the end of World War II, the restaurant’s founder, Ike Sewell, created a new kind of pizza that would come to be known as deep-dish. Sewell’s creation was unique in that it was baked in a special pan that allowed for a thick, crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The pizza was topped with a layer of cheese, followed by a layer of tomato sauce and other toppings.
Over the years, deep-dish pizza has become a Chicago staple, with dozens of pizzerias throughout the city serving their own versions of the classic dish. While there are some variations in terms of crust thickness and topping choices, the fundamental components of deep-dish pizza remain the same. Despite its popularity, however, deep-dish pizza remains a divisive topic among pizza lovers, with some arguing that it’s not truly pizza at all, but rather a kind of savory pie. Regardless of personal opinions, there’s no denying that deep-dish pizza has had a lasting impact on the pizza industry and has become an iconic part of Chicago’s culinary heritage.
Defining Chicago Style Pizza: What Makes It Unique?
Chicago style pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, has been the subject of much debate and confusion over the years. Many people mistakenly believe that deep-dish pizza is the same as Chicago style, but this is not entirely accurate. While deep-dish pizza is certainly a hallmark of Chicago style, it is not the only defining characteristic.
Chicago style pizza is known for its thick, hearty crust that is more like a savory pie crust than the thin, crispy crust typically associated with New York-style pizza. The crust is usually made with a generous amount of butter and cornmeal, giving it a flaky texture and a slightly sweet taste. One of the most unique aspects of Chicago style pizza is the way it is built. Rather than topping the crust with sauce and toppings, the toppings are actually layered on the crust first, followed by the sauce. This helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy and also allows for a greater depth of flavor.
The Debate Over Deep Dish: Is it Truly Chicago Style?
Deep dish pizza is often associated with Chicago, but there is ongoing debate over whether it is truly representative of the city’s pizza scene. Some argue that deep dish is a tourist attraction, created by restaurants catering to out-of-towners. These critics argue that Chicago-style pizza is actually the thin, crispy crust variety found at local neighborhood establishments.
However, others argue that deep dish is just as much a part of Chicago’s pizza culture as any other style. They point to the fact that deep dish pizza was invented in Chicago in the 1940s, and that many locals enjoy the rich, saucy pie on a regular basis. Ultimately, whether or not deep dish is considered true to Chicago’s pizza tradition is a matter of opinion. Some may love it, while others may prefer another style altogether.
Examining the Characteristics of Chicago Style Pizza
When it comes to Chicago-style pizza, there are a few defining characteristics that set it apart from other types of pizza. Firstly, the crust is deep-dish, which means it’s thick and rises above the rest of the ingredients. The crust is also made with cornmeal to give it an extra crunch and a slightly sweet flavor.
Another characteristic of Chicago-style pizza is the use of tomato sauce that is placed on top of the cheese instead of underneath it. This creates a slightly sweeter and less acidic taste compared to other types of pizza. Additionally, the cheese is typically a blend of mozzarella and sometimes other types of cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan. Overall, Chicago-style pizza is all about the thick, crust, generous toppings and indulgent cheesy goodness.
Deep Dish Pizza Variations: How Do They Compare to Traditional Chicago Style?
While deep dish pizza is typically thought of as synonymous with Chicago style pizza, there are several variations of deep dish that are not necessarily considered traditional Chicago style. These variations include stuffed pizza, which features a second layer of dough on top of the filling, and pan pizza, which is similar to deep dish but with a thinner crust.
Traditional Chicago style pizza, on the other hand, is typically thin crust and cut into squares rather than slices. It also features a unique blend of cheese that includes both mozzarella and cheddar, and is often served with toppings like Italian sausage and green peppers. While deep dish pizza variations may differ from traditional Chicago style, they still offer a delicious and unique pizza experience.
Emergence of New Styles: How Are They Affecting the Definition of Chicago Style Pizza?
Historically, Chicago-style pizza has been synonymous with deep-dish pizza, but in recent years, there has been a surge in other styles of pizza popping up around Chicago. These new styles range from Detroit-style pizza to Neapolitan-style pizza. This emergence of new pizza styles has sparked a debate about what truly defines a Chicago-style pizza.
Some argue that these new styles of pizza are simply a passing trend and that deep-dish pizza will always be the quintessential Chicago-style pizza. However, others argue that the evolution of pizza styles is an important part of Chicago’s food culture and that these new styles deserve recognition as part of the city’s pizza scene. Regardless of what side of the debate one falls on, it is clear that the definition of Chicago-style pizza is evolving and that there is more than one way to enjoy a slice in the Windy City.
The Future of Chicago Style Pizza and Deep Dish: Will They Remain Synonymous?
The future of Chicago Style Pizza and Deep Dish remains uncertain as the definition and expectations of these terms continue to evolve. While Deep Dish has long been associated with Chicago Style Pizza, there are now variations that stretch beyond the traditional dish. For instance, stuffed pizza, which is even thicker than Deep Dish, is now considered part of the Chicago Style Pizza family. Other variations include thin crust Chicago Style Pizza, also known as tavern-style pizza, which relies on simplicity and quality ingredients to capture the essence of Chicago-style food.
In summary, it is still unclear if Deep Dish will remain synonymous with Chicago Style Pizza or if other variations will receive more attention in the future. Some argue that Deep Dish has become too closely identified with the city and may soon lose relevance in a crowded and diverse pizza market. In any case, Chicago Style Pizza has a rich history and continues to attract pizza lovers from all over the world, leaving plenty of room for innovation and experimentation as the food scene evolves.
Final Verdict
In essence, while deep dish pizza is a style that originated in Chicago, it is not necessarily the same as Chicago-style pizza. The latter encompasses a range of pizza styles that includes thin-crust pizza and stuffed pizza, in addition to deep dish. Therefore, it can be argued that deep dish and Chicago-style pizza are not interchangeable terms.
That being said, deep dish pizza is still a beloved and iconic dish that is synonymous with the Windy City. Whether you prefer it loaded with cheese and toppings or with a focus on the flaky crust, there’s no denying the allure of a piping hot slice of deep dish pizza. So, while it may not be the same as Chicago-style pizza, it is definitely worth trying on your next visit to the city.