Chicago Style Pizza: Your Guide to Deep Dish Perfection

Chicago style pizza is a culinary icon. It's famous for its deep-dish crust, often made with cornmeal for extra flavor and chewiness. Since 1941, this unique take on pizza has been a favorite of locals and tourists. From the buttery crunch of the crust to the rich tomato sauce and plentiful toppings, Chicago style pizza offers a truly satisfying experience. Want to learn more about this iconic dish? Let's explore its history, the art of making it, and where to find the best slice in Chicago. Find the best Chicago pizza near you.

Key Takeaways

• Chicago Deep Dish is more than just pizza; it's an experience: From its history at Pizzeria Uno to the variations like stuffed and tavern-style, exploring Chicago pizza culture is a delicious journey.
• Creating authentic deep dish at home is easier than you think: With a few essential tools and high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy this Chicago classic in your own kitchen. Check out The Restaurant Warehouse for all your equipment needs.
• From prep to perfect pizza, The Restaurant Warehouse has you covered: Whether you're outfitting a restaurant or upgrading your home kitchen, The Restaurant Warehouse offers a wide selection of equipment to help you make amazing pizza.

Making Authentic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

When it comes to Chicago style pizza, the true star of the show is the stuffed deep dish. This famous dish is a cooking masterpiece. It has a flaky crust with layers of gooey cheese, tasty toppings, and tangy tomato sauce. Some pizzerias use cornmeal dough, but most choose a traditional dough. This dough goes well with the rich flavors inside.

For those looking to mix things up, there are endless possibilities for customizing your stuffed deep dish. Instead of spinach, you can experiment with finely chopped, crisply cooked broccoli or a medley of vibrant mixed vegetables. And if you're craving something meaty, why not try adding crumbled lean Italian sausage or chopped Italian cold cuts? These additions will bring an extra punch of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

No matter how you make your stuffed deep dish pizza, it will always be delicious. Each bite offers a tasty mix of different textures and flavors. From the first crispy crunch of the crust to the melty cheesiness in the center, every mouthful is a pure delight. Gather your friends and family. Order a hot pizza and get ready to enjoy every bite of this Chicago classic.

Essential Deep Dish Pizza Equipment

To make pizza better in your restaurant, you need more than just basic tools like mixing bowls and a rolling pin. Some special equipment can help improve your pizza making. While some are necessary, others are simply nice to have. You can easily find most of these tools at our pizza supply store.

Why You Need a Pizza Prep Table

Easily create the perfect artisan pizza with the help of our top-of-the-line refrigerated pizza prep table. This innovative Atosa and True lines of equipment are designed to streamline your pizza-making process and ensure that every pie you create is nothing short of perfection. With its large refrigerated compartments, you can keep your dough, toppings, and sauces fresh and easy to reach. The temperature control feature helps you keep the right conditions for your ingredients. This ensures a tasty and consistent result. Whether you run a busy pizzeria or just like making pizzas at home, our pizza prep table will be a valuable tool for you. Say goodbye to messy workspaces and hello to a well-organized and efficient pizza-making station. Elevate your restaurants pizza game today with our reliable and durable refrigerated pizza prep table.

Choosing the Right Deep Dish Pizza Pan

A 12-inch cake pan or a deep-dish pizza pan is essential for creating the signature high-walled crust. This specialized pan ensures your pizza bakes evenly and develops that perfect crispy exterior. You can find high-quality restaurant equipment, including deep dish pizza pans, at The Restaurant Warehouse.

Other Important Equipment

Beyond the pan, having the right equipment makes a world of difference. A sturdy rolling pin helps achieve a consistent dough thickness. And if you're serious about pizza, a pizza oven is a game-changer, providing the high heat needed for a perfectly cooked crust. The Restaurant Warehouse offers a wide selection of pizza supplies to help you equip your kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Chicago Deep Dish

The foundation of any great Chicago Deep Dish is the dough, sauce, and cheese. The essential ingredients are pizza dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Deep-dish and stuffed pizzas often include additional toppings like sausage, pepperoni, onions, and mushrooms. Quality ingredients make all the difference, so choose wisely.

The Dough: A Chicago Deep Dish Foundation

The dough requires a long rising time (about 6 hours) and uses all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, and corn oil for a crispy crust. This extended proofing time allows the gluten to develop fully, creating a wonderfully chewy texture.

The Sauce: San Marzano Tomatoes are Key

Use crushed San Marzano tomatoes (by hand!) for a chunky, sweet sauce. These tomatoes have a lower acidity and a richer flavor than other varieties, making them the gold standard for deep dish.

The Cheese: Mozzarella and More

Part-skim mozzarella is recommended for even melting and browning. Its lower fat content prevents excessive grease, while still delivering that satisfying cheesy pull.

Toppings: Italian Sausage Reigns Supreme

While you can get creative with toppings, Italian sausage remains a Chicago favorite. Its savory, robust flavor complements the rich sauce and cheese beautifully.

A History of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Deep-dish pizza was invented at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago in 1943. It's a dish steeped in tradition, and knowing its history adds another layer of enjoyment to every slice.

From Pizzeria Uno to Today's Icons

The original recipe included scalded milk, butter, and sugar in the dough, resulting in a slightly sweet and rich flavor. This unique dough formulation set the stage for the deep-dish phenomenon that followed.

The Evolution of Chicago Pizza Styles

Chicago-style pizza isn’t just one thing! It encompasses deep-dish, stuffed, and thin-crust (tavern-style) pizzas. Each variation offers a distinct experience, showcasing the city's diverse pizza landscape.

Deep Dish vs. Stuffed vs. Tavern-Style

Stuffed pizza is similar to deep-dish but with an even higher crust and an extra layer of dough on top of the toppings, creating a pocket for more cheese. Tavern-style, conversely, features a thin and crispy crust cut into squares, offering a completely different textural experience. Learn more about Chicago-style pizza.

Baking the Perfect Chicago Deep Dish at Home

Making this iconic dish at home is more accessible than you might think. With the right tools and some patience, you can bring a taste of Chicago to your kitchen. Browse The Restaurant Warehouse's selection of pizza making equipment to get started.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Bake at 450°F (232°C) in the middle of the oven, rotating halfway through for even cooking. This high temperature ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.

Tips for a Crispy Crust and Gooey Cheese

Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing to maintain its shape. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing a messy cut and ensuring a clean slice. For more helpful tips, check out the Food Network's deep dish pizza recipe.

Chicago Deep Dish vs. Other Pizza Styles

Chicago Deep Dish distinguishes itself from other pizza styles with its unique construction and flavor profile. The differences in crust thickness, cheese placement, and overall proportions create a distinctive taste and experience.

Chicago vs. Detroit: A Battle of Regional Pies

Chicago-style Deep Dish is known for its deep dish, with cheese layered under the toppings. Detroit-style pizza, while also a deep-dish variety, features a thicker, airy crust and a caramelized cheese edge. Watch a video comparing Chicago and Detroit-style pizza.

Chicago vs. New York: Thin and Crispy vs. Thick and Cheesy

Chicago-style pizzas have a thick crust, forming a deep dish or even a stuffed pizza with an extra layer of dough on top. New York-style pizza, conversely, is famous for its thin and crispy crust, foldable slices, and simpler topping combinations. Compare Chicago and New York Style Pizza.

Perfect Pairings: Chicago Pizza and Beer

When it comes to enjoying pizza, many people also like to indulge in a cold beer alongside their slice. The crispness and carbonation of beer create a delightful contrast to the savory and cheesy goodness of pizza. While there are no strict rules for pairing beer with pizza, certain styles tend to work well together. A hoppy IPA can balance the greasiness of pepperoni or sausage pizza. A light lager can bring out the flavors of a Margherita or vegetarian pizza. If you want to try something new, explore craft beers. Look for ones with unique flavors that go well with gourmet pizzas.

Finding Chicago-Style Pizza Near You

Chicago Deep Dish in the Detroit Area

Chicago-style pizza’s popularity extends beyond the Windy City. Many Detroit-area pizzerias offer their versions of this famous dish. Deep-dish is known for its thick, high crust, often layered with cheese and topped with chunky tomato sauce. This style of pizza originated at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago in 1943 and has become a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.

Several pizzerias in the Detroit area are known for their Chicago-style pizzas. Tony Ba'lony's in Livonia, for example, has earned local praise as a top spot for authentic Chicago deep dish, with over 20 years of positive reviews. Another popular option is Amar Pizza in Hamtramck, frequently recommended for its delicious take on the classic dish.

For those who enjoy variety, PizzaPapalis, a well-known chain in Metro Detroit, offers both Chicago-style deep-dish and Detroit-style pizzas. Whether you're a seasoned Chicago deep-dish lover or a curious newcomer, the Detroit area has many options. Explore these local favorites and discover the flavors and textures of Chicago-style pizza.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key difference between Chicago deep-dish pizza and other styles? It's all about the construction! Chicago deep-dish features a high-walled crust, and the cheese goes under the toppings, which are then covered with a chunky tomato sauce. This creates a truly unique eating experience unlike thinner crust pizzas. Other variations like stuffed pizza take it even further with an extra layer of dough on top, creating a pocket for even more cheese.

What equipment do I absolutely need to make Chicago deep-dish pizza at home? A deep-dish pizza pan is essential for those high walls. A good rolling pin will help you get an even crust. While a pizza oven is ideal, a conventional oven at high heat will work. A pizza prep table can streamline your process, especially if you're making multiple pizzas.

What are the most important ingredients for authentic Chicago deep-dish? High-quality ingredients are key. For the dough, all-purpose flour, corn oil, and a long rise time are crucial. San Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard for the sauce. Use part-skim mozzarella for the best melt and browning. Finally, while you can choose any toppings you like, Italian sausage is a Chicago classic.

Where did Chicago deep-dish pizza originate? It all started at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago back in 1943. The original recipe included a slightly sweet and rich dough, which helped launch the deep-dish craze. From there, variations like stuffed pizza and even thin-crust tavern-style pizzas emerged, showcasing Chicago's diverse pizza scene.

Can I find good Chicago deep-dish pizza outside of Chicago? Absolutely! Chicago deep-dish's popularity has spread far and wide. Many restaurants across the country now offer their own versions. If you're not in Chicago, search online for local pizzerias specializing in deep-dish or check if any Chicago-based chains have locations near you.