Chicago, famously known for its deep-dish pizza, has a rich pizza history that dates back to the early 20th century. Chicago-style pizza is a unique and iconic dish renowned for its thick crust, generous portion of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce. However, deep-dish pizza is not the only style of pizza that Chicagoans enjoy. There is another style of pizza that often confuses first-time visitors and pizza lovers alike- Chicago thin-crust pizza. So what is the difference between deep-dish and Chicago-style pizza? Let’s dive in and find out.
In this article, we will explore the origins of deep-dish and thin-crust pizza in Chicago and how they differ from each other in terms of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings. We’ll examine the texture, thickness, and overall flavor profile of both styles to help you understand which one is for you. Whether you’re a deep-dish traditionalist or a fan of the thinner, crispier crust, our ultimate guide will help you answer the question – What is the difference between deep-dish and Chicago-style pizza?
The Origin of Deep Dish Pizza
Deep dish pizza is a style of pizza that was invented in Chicago, USA. It is a classic delicacy that sets apart the culinary traditions of the city. The origins of deep dish pizza can be traced back to the 1940s, and it is said that the first deep dish pizza was served at a restaurant called Pizzeria Uno. The owners of Pizzeria Uno, Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, wanted to create a pizza that was unique to Chicago and different from traditional Italian pizza.
Thus, the deep dish pizza was born. It is characterized by its thick, flaky crust that is raised high along the sides of an extra-deep pan. The ingredients are layered in reverse order, with the cheese sitting on the dough and the tomato sauce poured on top. This creates a pizza that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Today, deep dish pizza has become a staple of Chicago cuisine and has gained popularity all over the world.
The Thick, Crispy Crust of Chicago-Style Pizza
When it comes to pizza, nothing beats the crispy crust of Chicago-style pizza. This type of pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust that is made with a dough that contains more flour and oil than traditional pizza dough. The crust is formed by spreading the dough out into a deep-dish pan and then letting it rise for a period of time before baking.
Once the crust is ready, it is then filled with a variety of toppings, including tomato sauce, cheese, meat, and vegetables. Because of the thickness of the crust, the toppings are piled high, creating a pizza that is hearty and delicious. The crust itself is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making it the perfect base for all of the toppings. If you are a fan of pizza, then you owe it to yourself to try a slice of Chicago-style pizza.
What Goes into the Perfect Chicago-Style Pizza?
The perfect Chicago-style pizza is all about the crust. It should be deep, crispy, and buttery. A classic Chicago-style pizza crust is made with a blend of flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and oil. The dough is then pressed into a deep dish pan and allowed to proof for several hours. The crust is then pre-baked before being topped with sauce, cheese, and any desired toppings such as sausage, pepperoni, onions, or peppers.
The sauce is also a key component of the perfect Chicago-style pizza. The sauce should be thick, tangy, and slightly sweet. It is typically made with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. The cheese is another important factor, with mozzarella being the most commonly used. The cheese should be sprinkled liberally over the sauce and toppings to create a gooey, melty layer on top of the crust. Together, these elements come together to create the quintessential Chicago-style pizza that is beloved by pizza lovers everywhere.
The Differences in Toppings for Each Pizza
When it comes to the toppings, Deep Dish Pizza is known for having the sauce on top of the cheese. The toppings are usually placed before the sauce layer. A typical Deep Dish Pizza has a thick layer of toppings, including sausages, peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and more. Mozzarella cheese is always present, but some variations can have additional types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Romano.
On the other hand, Chicago Style Pizza places the toppings under the layer of cheese. The traditional toppings for Chicago Style Pizza include Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and black olives. However, the topping choice is practically limitless. Chicago Style Pizza also usually has a lot of cheese, and it’s not uncommon for it to have more than one type of it. Overall, the toppings on Chicago Style Pizza tend to be less focused on quantity and more on quality.
The Best Places to Find Quality Deep Dish and Chicago-Style Pizzas
If you happen to be in Chicago, finding a quality deep dish or Chicago-style pizza isn’t a difficult task. In fact, many of the best pizza places in the city specialize in these two styles. One such place is Giordano’s, which is famous for serving its trademark “stuffed pizza.” The crust here is thick and buttery, and the pizza is oozing with a generous amount of cheese, sauce, and toppings. You can also try Lou Malnati’s, which started serving Chicago-style deep dish pizzas in 1971. Their pizzas are made from scratch with fresh dough and feature a crispy crust, chunky tomatoes, and large slices of mozzarella cheese.
If you’re looking for more variety, try Pizzeria Uno & Due, which has been open since 1943 and is credited with creating the original deep dish pizza. The pizza here is deep, with a crispy crust on the outside, and a softer interior that’s loaded with toppings. Another good option is Gino’s East, which is known for its cornmeal crust, unique sauce, and creative topping combinations. Other notable places to find quality deep dish and Chicago-style pizzas in the city include Pequod’s Pizza, Burt’s Place, and Louisa’s Pizza & Pasta.
The Debate: Which Pizza is Better?
The age-old debate of which pizza is better, deep-dish or Chicago Style, has been going on for decades. Both kinds of pizza have a loyal fan base, but opinions on which is better vary widely.
For those who prefer a thicker crust with a lot of toppings, deep-dish is the clear winner. The crust is like a bread dough and is baked in a deep-dish pan, filled with tomato sauce, cheese, and an assortment of toppings. On the other hand, if you love a crispy crust with a lighter overall taste, Chicago-style is the one for you. The dough is stretched thin and then layered with cheese, sauce, and toppings – it is usually cut into squares or rectangles making it more shareable amongst a group. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal taste and preference – whether you prefer a thick crust or a thin crust pizza.
Experimenting with Your Own Versions of Deep Dish and Chicago-Style Pizzas.
Once you’ve tried authentic deep-dish and Chicago-style pizza, it’s easy to become hooked. But why stop there? Once you’re familiar with the characteristics that define each style, you can start to experiment with your own adaptations of these famous pizzas.
For deep-dish, try changing up the cheese blend, adding new meats or vegetables, or even trying a different crust recipe. For Chicago-style, consider using a different type of sausage, switching up the sauce, or experimenting with different toppings. With some creativity and a willingness to step outside of the traditional recipes, you can create your own delicious versions of these iconic pizzas. The possibilities are endless, and who knows? You might just come up with a new pizza masterpiece!
The Bottom Line
Deep dish and Chicago-style pizza are two popular types of pizza that originated in Chicago. While both pizzas share similarities in terms of toppings, crust, and cooking methods, there are some distinct differences between them.
Deep dish pizza has a thick and buttery crust made from bread flour, cornmeal, and oil, while Chicago-style pizza has a thicker and crispy crust made from all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and oil. Additionally, deep dish pizzas have a higher ratio of toppings to cheese, while Chicago-style pizzas have a higher ratio of cheese to toppings.
In conclusion, whether you prefer a buttery deep dish or a crispy Chicago-style pizza, both types offer a unique and flavorful experience that is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, next time you’re in Chicago, be sure to try both varieties and decide for yourself which one is your favorite!