Chicago is a city that takes its food seriously, and one dish that stands out in the Windy City is pizza. When you think of Chicago, its famous pizza styles come to mind, attracting pizza lovers from all over the world. Chicago is known for creating two distinct types of pizza, both of which have become legendary. These are the deep-dish pizza and the stuffed pizza. While both have a loyal following, the deep-dish pizza, in particular, has put Chicago on the map as one of the ultimate pizza destinations.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes Chicago pizza special, the history behind these iconic styles, and what you can expect when you visit the city to try them for yourself.
The History of Chicago Pizza
Pizza has been a part of Chicago’s culture for over a century, with its roots tracing back to the early 1900s. Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States, and pizza soon became a beloved dish in many parts of the country. However, it was in Chicago where pizza took on a new form, one that is unlike any other style you’ll find in the world.
In the 1940s, pizza in Chicago began to evolve into something unique. Pizzerias started experimenting with different crusts, cheeses, and toppings to create a pizza that could stand out from the thin-crust pizzas popular in other parts of the United States. The result was the creation of the deep-dish pizza, which has since become the symbol of Chicago’s pizza culture.
Deep-Dish Pizza: Chicago’s Iconic Creation
What Is Deep-Dish Pizza?
Deep-dish pizza is the most famous type of pizza associated with Chicago. It is known for its thick, buttery crust that forms the base of the pizza. The crust is so deep that it acts almost like a pie crust, holding a substantial amount of filling. The pizza is assembled in a deep, round pan, which helps create a deep edge that holds all the ingredients.
Unlike traditional pizza, which has a thin and crisp crust, deep-dish pizza has a doughy, biscuit-like texture. The pizza is baked in a way that the crust absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, cheese, and toppings, creating a deliciously indulgent pizza experience.
How Is Deep-Dish Pizza Made?
The preparation of deep-dish pizza starts with a rich dough that is pressed into a round, deep pan. The dough is then covered with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, often layered directly onto the dough itself. After the cheese, a variety of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers are added.
What sets deep-dish pizza apart from other pizza styles is the sauce. The sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, seasoned with herbs like basil and oregano, and placed on top of the toppings. This ensures that the pizza retains its freshness and flavor even after the long baking time. The pizza is then baked at a high temperature for around 30 to 45 minutes, resulting in a pizza with a golden-brown crust and a delicious, layered filling.
Famous Deep-Dish Pizzerias in Chicago
Some pizzerias in Chicago are particularly famous for their deep-dish pizza. Places like Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Art of Pizza have become renowned for serving up some of the best deep-dish pizzas in the city. Each of these pizzerias has its own take on deep-dish pizza, but all share a commitment to using quality ingredients and creating a pizza that is both satisfying and unique.
Lou Malnati’s – Known for its buttery crust and high-quality mozzarella cheese, Lou Malnati’s is a Chicago favorite that draws locals and tourists alike. The pizza here is often served with a fresh, tangy tomato sauce that sets it apart.
Giordano’s – Famous for its stuffed-style deep-dish pizza, Giordano’s offers an extra-thick crust that encases all the ingredients in a way that resembles a pie more than a typical pizza.
Art of Pizza – Known for its hybrid deep-dish pizza, Art of Pizza offers a variety of crust styles, allowing customers to customize their experience. Their signature deep-dish pizza is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Why Is Deep-Dish Pizza So Popular?
Deep-dish pizza has gained a massive following for its unique flavor and texture. The pizza is filling, hearty, and offers a full meal in just one slice. It’s a pizza that’s perfect for sharing, but it’s also satisfying enough for a single person to indulge in.
The distinct layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce create a rich, flavorful experience that isn’t easily replicated. Plus, the crust—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—adds a satisfying texture to every bite. Deep-dish pizza is a meal that sticks with you, and that’s why it’s become so beloved in Chicago and beyond.
Stuffed Pizza: A Close Cousin to Deep-Dish
What Is Stuffed Pizza?
Stuffed pizza, often referred to as “stuffed crust pizza,” is another Chicago specialty that is similar to deep-dish pizza, but with a key difference. While deep-dish pizza has a thick crust and a layered filling, stuffed pizza takes it one step further by sealing the ingredients inside the crust. The result is a pizza that’s almost like a pie with a stuffed crust, offering a truly indulgent pizza experience.
The crust of stuffed pizza is typically thicker than that of deep-dish pizza, and the toppings are fully enclosed within the crust. The sauce is often placed inside the pizza, beneath the layers of cheese and toppings, so that it stays contained and doesn’t run over the sides. When baked, stuffed pizza is rich, dense, and full of flavor.
Famous Stuffed Pizza Pizzerias in Chicago
Just like deep-dish pizza, stuffed pizza has its share of dedicated pizzerias in Chicago. Giordano’s is one of the most famous places for stuffed pizza, offering pies that are as satisfying as they are delicious. Other pizzerias, like Bartoli’s Pizzeria and Labriola Chicago, also serve exceptional stuffed pizzas.
Giordano’s – A well-known chain that specializes in stuffed pizza, Giordano’s is widely regarded as one of the best places to experience this unique style of pizza. Their stuffed pizza is loaded with layers of cheese, toppings, and a rich tomato sauce.
Bartoli’s Pizzeria – A family-owned pizzeria offering a classic stuffed pizza experience, Bartoli’s is known for its crispy crust and generous fillings.
Why Do People Love Stuffed Pizza?
Stuffed pizza is beloved for the way it combines the elements of deep-dish pizza with a more compact, pie-like form. The pizza has a hearty, filling nature, and the crust’s thickness adds a deliciously satisfying crunch. Stuffed pizza’s rich interior, with its layers of melted cheese and savory toppings, makes it a comforting, indulgent meal that’s perfect for pizza lovers who enjoy a more substantial pizza experience.
The Debate: Deep-Dish vs. Thin-Crust Pizza
While deep-dish pizza and stuffed pizza are the most famous pizza styles in Chicago, there is also a rich tradition of thin-crust pizza in the city. Chicagoans love both styles, but the deep-dish pizza often gets the spotlight. Thin-crust pizza in Chicago is crispy, crunchy, and usually served in square slices. While it may not be as heavy or filling as the deep-dish pizza, it still offers a delicious, satisfying experience.
Some Chicagoans argue that thin-crust pizza is the true pizza of the city, while others swear by the deep-dish. Both styles have their merits, and it really comes down to personal preference. If you’re in Chicago, it’s worth trying both styles to understand what makes each one unique.
Chicago’s Pizza Legacy
Chicago has cemented itself as a pizza powerhouse, thanks to its deep-dish and stuffed pizzas. These unique pizza styles have become a point of pride for the city, and they continue to draw visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of the indulgent layers of deep-dish or the hearty satisfaction of stuffed pizza, Chicago’s pizza scene is one that’s sure to satisfy any pizza lover.
From its humble beginnings in the 1940s to its status as a culinary icon, Chicago pizza is a symbol of creativity, flavor, and the city’s passion for food. So, the next time you’re in Chicago, make sure to indulge in the city’s most famous pizza and experience a taste of its pizza legacy.
Conclusion
Chicago is famous for its unique pizza styles, and its deep-dish and stuffed pizzas have become legendary around the world. These pizzas are not just meals; they are a part of the city’s identity, and trying them is a must for anyone visiting the Windy City. Whether you’re a pizza connoisseur or just looking for something different, Chicago’s pizza scene is sure to offer something that will delight your taste buds.
Related topic:
