When it comes to iconic American pizzas, few are as famous or as divisive as Chicago pizza. With its deep, buttery crust and layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and hearty toppings, it’s no wonder that this style has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of pizza lovers across the globe. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about Chicago pizza—its origins, the different styles, and where to find the best pies in the Windy City.
Table of Contents
- The Origins of Chicago Pizza
- The Types of Chicago-Style Pizza
- Deep-Dish
- Stuffed Pizza
- Thin-Crust (Tavern-Style) Pizza
- What Makes Chicago Pizza Unique?
- How to Make Chicago Pizza at Home
- Top 5 Chicago Pizza Spots
- FAQs About Chicago-Style Pizza
The Origins of Chicago Pizza
Chicago-style pizza, particularly deep-dish pizza, was born out of necessity and creativity in the mid-20th century. Its exact origins are somewhat debated, but the most widely accepted story traces its roots back to Pizzeria Uno, which was founded in 1943 by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. Sewell, a former Texas native, wanted to create a heartier version of pizza that would satisfy the appetites of hardworking Chicagoans. He envisioned a pizza that was more of a meal, not just a snack.
Thus, deep-dish pizza was created with its thick, pie-like crust, layered ingredients, and reverse assembly (cheese on the bottom, sauce on top). This creation quickly gained popularity, sparking a new pizza culture in Chicago that would eventually go on to develop various unique styles.
While deep-dish is the most famous version, Chicago’s pizza culture is much richer and more diverse than many realize. Let’s explore the key types of Chicago-style pizza in detail.
The Types of Chicago-Style Pizza
1. Deep-Dish Pizza
When people think of Chicago pizza, deep-dish is often the first to come to mind. This pizza is characterized by its thick, buttery crust that resembles more of a pie than a traditional pizza. The crust is pressed into a round, deep pan (hence the name), and the toppings are layered in reverse order compared to most pizzas.
Here’s the typical assembly:
- Dough: First, the crust is laid down in the pan, forming a sturdy foundation.
- Cheese: A thick layer of mozzarella is placed directly on top of the dough.
- Toppings: Next come any meats, vegetables, or additional cheeses.
- Sauce: Finally, a chunky, flavorful tomato sauce is spooned over the top, ensuring that everything is cooked evenly without burning.
Deep-dish pizzas are typically baked for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing the crust to crisp up on the outside while staying soft and buttery on the inside. The result is a pizza that’s so thick and filling, one slice is often more than enough.
2. Stuffed Pizza
Another hearty variation of Chicago pizza is stuffed pizza, which takes the deep-dish concept a step further. Introduced by Nancy’s Pizza and Giordano’s in the 1970s, stuffed pizza features an extra layer of dough over the toppings, creating a true pie-like appearance.
After the dough is pressed into the pan, it’s filled with cheese and other ingredients, then topped with a second layer of dough before the sauce is added. The edges of the crust are crimped to seal in the fillings, resulting in a thick, hearty, and dense pizza experience. Stuffed pizza requires a longer bake time to ensure that the inside is thoroughly cooked, but the wait is well worth it.
3. Thin-Crust (Tavern-Style) Pizza
Although deep-dish and stuffed pizzas get most of the attention, Chicago is also home to a unique style of thin-crust pizza. Known as tavern-style pizza, this variety is commonly found in local bars and restaurants throughout the city.
Tavern-style pizza has a much thinner, crispier crust compared to its deep-dish and stuffed counterparts. It’s typically cut into small, square pieces rather than traditional slices, making it ideal for sharing with a group of friends over a few drinks. While the crust is thin, it still manages to support a healthy amount of cheese and toppings. This style is often overlooked by visitors, but locals swear by its simplicity and crunch.
What Makes Chicago Pizza Unique?
The distinctiveness of Chicago pizza comes down to several key factors:
- The Crust: Whether you’re talking about deep-dish, stuffed, or tavern-style, Chicago pizza has a signature crust. Deep-dish and stuffed pizzas boast a thick, buttery crust that almost mimics a savory pastry. In contrast, tavern-style pizza is known for its cracker-thin, crispy crust.
- The Reverse Assembly: Deep-dish and stuffed pizzas are known for their reverse layering. Instead of sauce going on the bottom with cheese on top, the cheese is placed first, followed by toppings, with sauce spread across the top. This technique prevents the cheese from burning during the longer bake times needed for these thick pizzas.
- The Sauce: The tomato sauce used in Chicago pizzas is rich, chunky, and packed with flavor. Typically made from crushed tomatoes, it brings a freshness that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and dough.
- The Hearty Nature: A single slice of deep-dish or stuffed pizza is more than a meal. It’s an indulgent, filling dish that contrasts sharply with the lighter, more portable pizzas from other regions like New York.
How to Make Chicago Pizza at Home
Creating an authentic Chicago-style pizza at home requires a few key tools and ingredients, but the process is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a simple guide to making your own deep-dish pizza.
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- Sauce:
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Any meats or vegetables of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt.In another bowl, mix the yeast in warm water and let it rest for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add the melted butter and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, and mix until a dough forms. work the dough for 7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough and press it into a deep, greased pan, allowing the dough to go up the sides. Layer the shredded mozzarella on the bottom, followed by any toppings you like. Pour the sauce evenly over the top
- Bake: bake the pizza for 30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the sauce is bubbling.
Top 5 Chicago Pizza Spots
If you’re ever in Chicago, there are a few pizza joints that you simply can’t miss. Here’s a roundup of the top 5 spots to grab an authentic Chicago-style pizza:
- Pizzeria Uno: The birthplace of the original deep-dish pizza.
- Lou Malnati’s: Known for their buttery crust and generous toppings.
- Giordano’s: Famous for their stuffed pizza, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
- Pequod’s: Offers a unique caramelized crust that sets it apart from the competition.
- Vito & Nick’s: A must-try for their thin-crust, tavern-style pizza.
FAQs About Chicago-Style Pizza
1. Is Chicago pizza only deep-dish?
No, while deep-dish is the most famous style, Chicago is also known for its stuffed pizza and thin-crust, tavern-style pizza. Each offers a unique experience.
2. Why is the sauce on top of Chicago-style pizza?
In deep-dish and stuffed pizzas, the sauce is placed on top to prevent the cheese from burning during the longer baking process.
3. How many people does a Chicago-style pizza serve?
Due to its thickness and filling nature, a typical deep-dish pizza can serve 3-4 people, with just one or two slices per person being quite satisfying.
CONCLUSION
Chicago pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re a fan of thethick, buttery deep-dish, the indulgent stuffed pizza, or the underrated tavern-style thin-crust, there’s a Chicago pizza for everyone. With its rich history and bold flavors, Chicago-style pizza will continue to be a favorite for pizza enthusiasts everywhere.