Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a popular variation of pizza that originated in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its unique deep, thick crust that is more similar to a pie or casserole than a traditional thin crust pizza.
The crust of a Chicago-style deep dish pizza is typically made from a buttery, flaky dough that is pressed into a deep, round pan. The crust is then layered with toppings such as cheese, meat, vegetables, and sauce, in the reverse order of a traditional pizza. This means that the cheese and toppings are placed on the crust first, followed by a thick layer of tomato sauce on top.
The pizza is baked in the deep dish pan, allowing the crust to rise and become golden brown while the toppings cook and meld together. The result is a pizza with a crispy, buttery crust, a generous amount of cheese, and a chunky, flavorful tomato sauce.
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is often served in individual slices, as a whole pie, or as a stuffed pizza, where a second layer of dough is added on top of the toppings before baking. It is typically eaten with a knife and fork due to its thickness and richness.
While Chicago-style deep dish pizza is strongly associated with the city of Chicago, it has gained popularity and can now be found in various locations around the world.
| Ingredients: | |
| For the crust: | |
| 1 | 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour |
| 2 | ½ cup yellow cornmeal |
| 3 | 2 teaspoons sugar |
| 4 | ½ teaspoon salt |
| 5 | ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces |
| 6 | ⅔ cup ice water |
| For the filling: | |
| 7 | 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| 8 | 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled |
| 9 | 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes |
| 10 | 2 teaspoons dried oregano |
| 11 | 1 teaspoon garlic powder |
| 12 | 1 teaspoon onion powder |
| 13 | ½ teaspoon salt |
| 14 | ¼ teaspoon black pepper |
| 15 | Optional toppings: sliced green bell peppers, onions, mushrooms |
Step-by-step cooking instructions of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:
Step-1 Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step-2 In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water little by little while mixing until the dough comes together.
Step-3 Divide the dough in half. Roll out one portion into a circle that is slightly larger than your deep dish pizza pan. Press the dough into the pan, making sure it covers the bottom and sides.
Step-4 Layer half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the dough. Add half of the cooked sausage and any desired additional toppings.
Step-5 In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for the sauce. Spread half of the sauce over the toppings.
Step-6 Roll out the remaining dough into a circle and place it on top of the filling. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom dough layers together to seal the pizza.
Step-7 Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining ingredients to make a second pizza or save the dough for later use.
Step-8 Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step-9 Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional value of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:
The nutritional values of Chicago-style deep dish pizza can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the pizza. Here is a general breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for a typical serving of Chicago-style deep dish pizza (1/8th of a 12-inch pizza):
| 1 | Calories: Around 400-500 calories |
| 2 | Fat: Approximately 25-35 grams |
| 3 | Saturated Fat: Around 10-15 grams |
| 4 | Cholesterol: Approximately 50-70 milligrams |
| 5 | Carbohydrates: Around 30-40 grams |
| 6 | Fiber: Approximately 2-4 grams |
| 7 | Sugar: Around 2-4 grams |
| 8 | Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams |
| 9 | Sodium: Around 800-1000 milligrams |
These values can vary depending on the specific toppings, cheese, and crust used in the pizza. It’s worth noting that deep dish pizza tends to be higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to thin-crust pizzas due to its thicker crust and generous cheese and topping layers.
Background History of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:
Chicago-style deep dish pizza has a rich history that dates back to the early 1940s. It was created in Chicago, Illinois, and has since become an iconic part of the city’s culinary culture.
The exact origins of deep dish pizza are debated, but it is widely believed that the original deep dish pizza was developed at Pizzeria Uno, which was opened by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo in 1943. They aimed to create a pizza that was distinctly different from the traditional thin-crust New York-style pizza.
Sewell and Riccardo wanted to offer a pizza with a substantial crust that could hold a generous amount of toppings. They developed a deep, round pan with tall sides and filled it with a buttery dough, layers of cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce. The pizza was baked in the pan, resulting in a thick and hearty pizza that was more akin to a pie or casserole.
The creation of Chicago-style deep dish pizza was a departure from the traditional Italian-style pizza, and it quickly gained popularity among Chicagoans. Pizzeria Uno’s deep dish pizza became an instant hit, and its success led to the opening of several other pizzerias that offered their own versions of the deep dish pizza.
Over the years, Chicago-style deep dish pizza has evolved and become a symbol of the city’s culinary identity. It has gained recognition and popularity beyond Chicago, with deep dish pizza restaurants and variations of the style found in many parts of the United States and even internationally.
Today, Chicago-style deep dish pizza remains a beloved dish, characterized by its thick, buttery crust, layered toppings, and robust tomato sauce. It has become a must-try culinary experience for visitors to Chicago and continues to be enjoyed by pizza enthusiasts around the world.
| Advantages of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: | |
| 1 | Unique and Delicious: Chicago-style deep dish pizza offers a distinct and delicious flavor profile. The combination of a buttery crust, layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying pizza experience. |
| 2 | Filling and Satisfying: The deep, thick crust of Chicago-style deep dish pizza makes it a very filling and substantial meal. A single slice can be quite satisfying, making it a great option for those with hearty appetites. |
| 3 | Versatile Toppings: Chicago-style deep dish pizza allows for a wide variety of toppings to be added. From traditional toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms to more creative options, the generous crust and thick layers can accommodate a range of flavors and textures. |
| 4 | Presentation: The deep dish pizza’s tall sides and layered toppings create an attractive and visually appealing presentation. It can be a centerpiece dish for gatherings or special occasions. |
| Disadvantages of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: | |
| 1 | High Caloric Content: Due to its thick crust, generous cheese, and toppings, Chicago-style deep dish pizza tends to be higher in calories compared to other types of pizza. It can be a calorie-dense food, which may not be suitable for individuals watching their calorie intake. |
| 2 | Longer Baking Time: The deep dish pizza requires a longer baking time to ensure that the crust is fully cooked and golden brown. This longer baking time may require more patience and planning compared to other types of pizzas. |
| 3 | Heavy and Rich: The thick crust, layers of cheese, and sauce make Chicago-style deep dish pizza a rich and heavy dish. It can be quite filling, and some individuals may find it too heavy or dense for their taste. |
| 4 | Eating Experience: Chicago-style deep dish pizza is typically eaten with a knife and fork due to its thickness and substantial toppings. This may not be preferred by those who enjoy the convenience and simplicity of eating pizza by hand. |
Compare with Similar meal of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:
There are a few meals that are similar to Chicago-style deep dish pizza in terms of their presentation or ingredients. Here are some examples:
| 1 | Stuffed Pizza: Stuffed pizza is similar to Chicago-style deep dish pizza in terms of its thick crust and layered fillings. However, in stuffed pizza, an additional layer of dough is added on top of the toppings, creating a “stuffed” effect. The result is a pizza with even more filling and a thicker overall profile. |
| 2 | Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian pizza shares some similarities with Chicago-style deep dish pizza in terms of its thick crust. Sicilian pizza is typically rectangular in shape and has a thick, fluffy crust. It is topped with cheese, sauce, and various toppings, similar to deep dish pizza. |
| 3 | Focaccia: Focaccia is an Italian bread that can be similar to deep dish pizza in terms of its texture and toppings. It has a thick and soft crust that can be topped with cheese, herbs, vegetables, and other ingredients. While it may not have the same layered structure as deep dish pizza, it can offer a similar flavor experience. |
| 4 | Shepherd’s Pie: While not a pizza, shepherd’s pie shares some similarities with deep dish pizza in terms of its layered structure. Shepherd’s pie typically consists of a layer of meat (usually ground beef or lamb) topped with a layer of vegetables, and a final layer of mashed potatoes. The layers are baked together, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. |
Mostly questions asked about Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:
Q: What is Chicago-style deep dish pizza?
A: Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a variation of pizza characterized by its thick, buttery crust, layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is baked in a deep round pan, resulting in a hearty and filling pizza.
Q: How is Chicago-style deep dish pizza different from other types of pizza?
A: Chicago-style deep dish pizza differs from other types of pizza, such as New York-style or Neapolitan, mainly in its thick, deep crust and the order in which the toppings are layered (cheese and toppings first, followed by sauce on top).
Q: What are the typical toppings for Chicago-style deep dish pizza?
A: Typical toppings for Chicago-style deep dish pizza include Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and other vegetables. However, the toppings can vary based on personal preferences and restaurant offerings.
Q: How is Chicago-style deep dish pizza served?
A: Chicago-style deep dish pizza is typically served in individual slices, as a whole pie, or as a stuffed pizza (with an additional layer of dough on top of the toppings). It is often eaten with a knife and fork due to its thickness and layered structure.
Q: Can Chicago-style deep dish pizza be found outside of Chicago?
A: Yes, Chicago-style deep dish pizza has gained popularity and can be found in various locations around the world. Many pizzerias and restaurants outside of Chicago offer their own versions of the deep dish pizza.
Q: What are the nutritional values of Chicago-style deep dish pizza?
A: The nutritional values of Chicago-style deep dish pizza can vary, but on average, a serving (1/8th of a 12-inch pizza) can contain around 400-500 calories, 25-35 grams of fat, 10-15 grams of saturated fat, and 800-1000 milligrams of sodium. These values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Q: Who started Chicago-style pizza?
A: Soon, a large group of first- and second-generation descendants settled in Chicago, eager to eat the thin pizzas that reflected their cultural and culinary origins. Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, two businessmen, ultimately made the decision to develop an Italian-American kind of pizza.
Q: What Makes Chicago-Style Pizza Unique?
A: There are several local variations of pizza in the United States, but the two most well-known are New York style and Chicago style (also known as deep-dish pizza).
Q: Are there similar meals to Chicago-style deep dish pizza?
A: Some similar meals to Chicago-style deep dish pizza include stuffed pizza, Sicilian pizza, focaccia, and shepherd’s pie. These meals share similarities in terms of crust thickness or layered structure.
Q: What is the difference between deep dish and Chicago-style pizza?
A: The deep-dish pizza is baked in a circle with walls that are tall enough to accommodate the dough’s expansion. By drizzling its sauce over the cheese in Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the basic structure of a pizza is also altered.
