Pizza is a beloved dish around the world. From thin crusts to deep-dish variations, pizza offers something for everyone. One of the most famous types of pizza in the United States is Chicago-style pizza. Chicago-style pizza is known for its deep-dish crust, layers of gooey cheese, savory sauce, and rich toppings. This pizza is quite different from the traditional thin-crust pizza you might find in other parts of the world. In this article, we will explore what makes a Chicago-style pizza so unique and why it is a favorite for many pizza lovers.
The Origins of Chicago Style Pizza
The story of Chicago-style pizza begins in the 1940s, in Chicago, Illinois. The city was home to many immigrants, especially from Italy. These immigrants brought with them their love for pizza, but the Chicagoans wanted something different. The first deep-dish pizza is said to have been created at a restaurant called Pizzeria Uno, opened in 1943 by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. They decided to create a pizza with a thick crust and layers of cheese and sauce that would be more filling and different from the usual flat pizza.
The idea quickly became popular, and many other pizza places started offering their version of the deep-dish pizza. Over time, this style of pizza came to be known as Chicago-style pizza. It became a symbol of the city and its food culture, representing a hearty and comforting meal.
What Makes Chicago Style Pizza Different?
Chicago-style pizza stands out from other types of pizza because of its deep-dish crust. The crust is thick, buttery, and flaky. It is more like a pie than the traditional pizza crust. The dough is often spread across a deep pan, creating a high edge that holds all of the toppings inside.
Another key feature of Chicago-style pizza is its layers. The pizza starts with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, often placed directly on the dough. This helps to create a barrier between the crust and the sauce, preventing the pizza from becoming soggy. Then, the toppings are added, such as sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, or vegetables. Finally, a thick, chunky tomato sauce is poured on top. The sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Chicago-style pizza is also known for being “stuffed” in some variations. In stuffed pizza, a second layer of dough is added on top of the toppings and sauce, making it even thicker. The result is a pizza that is hearty, filling, and packed with flavor.
The Different Types of Chicago Style Pizza
Chicago-style pizza can be divided into two main types: deep-dish pizza and stuffed pizza. While both types share similar ingredients, they differ in their preparation and appearance.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza is the most famous type of Chicago-style pizza. The pizza is made with a thick, buttery crust that rises high along the edges of a deep pan. The crust is often golden brown and crisp on the outside, while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. This pizza is typically baked for a longer time than a regular pizza, which allows the crust to cook thoroughly.
The filling of deep-dish pizza includes mozzarella cheese, toppings like sausage or pepperoni, and a chunky tomato sauce. The sauce is often made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano. The sauce is spread generously on top of the cheese and toppings. This creates a pizza that is rich, savory, and satisfying.
Stuffed Pizza
Stuffed pizza takes the concept of deep-dish pizza to the next level. As the name suggests, stuffed pizza features a second layer of dough on top of the toppings and sauce. This pizza is like a pizza pie with a top and bottom crust. The bottom crust is thick and buttery, and the toppings, cheese, and sauce are packed in between two layers of dough.
Stuffed pizza is typically even thicker than deep-dish pizza. Because of the additional layer of dough, it takes longer to bake. The inside of the pizza is filled with cheese, meat, and vegetables, while the top layer of dough creates a golden, crispy finish. Stuffed pizza is a hearty, filling meal that is perfect for pizza lovers who want something extra indulgent.
How Is Chicago Style Pizza Made?
Making Chicago-style pizza requires a bit more time and effort than traditional pizza, but the results are well worth it. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to make a basic deep-dish pizza:
Prepare the Dough
The dough for Chicago-style pizza is typically made with flour, yeast, water, salt, and a generous amount of butter or oil. The dough is mixed together and kneaded until it becomes soft and elastic. After kneading, the dough is left to rise for about an hour or two until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, it is rolled out to fit a deep-dish pizza pan. The dough is pressed into the pan, creating a high edge to hold the toppings and sauce.
Add the Cheese
The next step is to layer the cheese. Chicago-style pizza uses a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, which is often sliced or shredded. The cheese is placed directly on the dough, creating a barrier between the crust and the sauce. Some variations of the pizza may also include other types of cheese, such as Parmesan or provolone, for added flavor.
Add the Toppings
After the cheese, it’s time to add the toppings. Popular choices for Chicago-style pizza include Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. The toppings are spread evenly over the cheese, ensuring that each bite is filled with flavor.
Pour the Sauce
Once the toppings are in place, the chunky tomato sauce is poured on top. The sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a variety of herbs and spices. Some people like to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
The sauce is spread generously over the toppings, creating a thick, flavorful layer. Unlike other types of pizza, where the sauce is placed on the crust, Chicago-style pizza features the sauce on top.
Bake the Pizza
Chicago-style pizza is baked at a relatively low temperature for a longer period. The pizza is typically baked for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of the crust and the toppings. The goal is to ensure that the crust is golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the cheese and sauce inside melt together.
After baking, the pizza is removed from the oven and allowed to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to slice.
The Best Chicago Style Pizza Places
Chicago is home to many pizzerias that specialize in Chicago-style pizza. Some of the most famous places to get this delicious pizza include:
Pizzeria Uno
Pizzeria Uno, located in Chicago, is where the deep-dish pizza was first created. It is still one of the most popular spots in the city for Chicago-style pizza. The restaurant’s original deep-dish pizza has become a beloved classic, and the menu features a variety of toppings and styles of pizza.
Lou Malnati’s
Lou Malnati’s is another iconic pizzeria in Chicago. Known for its buttery crust and high-quality ingredients, Lou Malnati’s serves some of the best deep-dish pizza in the city. The restaurant has expanded beyond Chicago, with locations in other states.
Giordano’s
Giordano’s is famous for its stuffed pizza, which is another variation of Chicago-style pizza. The pizza is known for its thick, cheesy filling and its golden, crispy crust. Giordano’s has become a popular chain with locations all over the United States.
Bartoli’s Pizzeria
Bartoli’s Pizzeria is a family-owned restaurant in Chicago that serves some of the best deep-dish pizza in the city. The pizzeria uses fresh ingredients and a traditional recipe to create a pizza that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Why People Love Chicago Style Pizza
There are many reasons why Chicago-style pizza has become so popular. One of the biggest reasons is the pizza’s heartiness. The thick crust and generous layers of cheese and toppings make it a filling meal that can satisfy even the hungriest appetites. The flavors are rich, savory, and comforting, making it the perfect choice for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Another reason people love Chicago-style pizza is its unique texture. The buttery crust is both crispy and soft, providing the perfect balance of crunch and chew. The layers of cheese and sauce create a satisfying experience with every bite. Whether you choose deep-dish or stuffed pizza, the combination of flavors and textures is sure to please.
Chicago-style pizza also offers plenty of customization options. You can choose from a variety of toppings, such as sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, or even more unique options like spinach or chicken. The chunky tomato sauce adds a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and crust.
Conclusion
Chicago-style pizza is a unique and beloved dish that has become a symbol of the city’s food culture. Whether you enjoy deep-dish or stuffed pizza, this pizza offers a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please. With its thick, buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and savory tomato sauce, Chicago-style pizza is a pizza lover’s dream. If you ever visit Chicago, be sure to try this iconic pizza for yourself!
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