Chicago, the Windy City, is renowned for its rich culinary history, and pizza is an integral part of that heritage. With a plethora of pizza styles and toppings to choose from, Chicagoans have developed a distinct taste for their favorite pies. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Chicago’s favorite pizza, exploring the city’s pizza preferences, popular styles, and the best spots to try them.
A Brief History of Pizza in Chicago
Pizza has been a staple in Chicago since the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the city. The first pizzeria in Chicago, Pizzeria Uno, was opened in 1943 by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. This iconic spot is still serving up some of the city’s best deep-dish pizzas to this day.
Over the years, Chicago’s pizza scene has evolved, with various styles emerging to cater to different tastes. From classic deep-dish to thin crust, stuffed, and artisanal, Chicagoans have developed a love for all types of pizza.
Chicago’s Favorite Pizza Styles
Chicagoans are known for their loyalty to their favorite pizza styles. Here are some of the most popular pizza styles in the city:
Deep-Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza is a classic Chicago staple. This style features a thick crust, thick layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and a thick tomato sauce on top. This hearty pizza is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Some popular deep-dish spots in Chicago include:
- Pizzeria Uno
- Lou Malnati’s
- Gino’s East
Thin Crust Pizza
Thin crust pizza is another popular style in Chicago. This style features a crispy, crackery crust, topped with a light layer of sauce, cheese, and various toppings.
Some popular thin crust spots in Chicago include:
- Spacca Napoli
- Coalfire Pizza
- Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria
Stuffed Pizza
Stuffed pizza is a variation of deep-dish pizza, featuring a thick crust, a thick layer of cheese and toppings, and a thin layer of dough on top.
Some popular stuffed pizza spots in Chicago include:
- Giordano’s
- Bacino’s Pizzeria
- Nancy’s Pizza
The Best Pizza Spots in Chicago
Chicago is home to countless pizza spots, each offering its unique take on the classic dish. Here are some of the best pizza spots in the city:
Top 5 Deep-Dish Spots
- Pizzeria Uno – A classic Chicago institution, Pizzeria Uno has been serving up some of the city’s best deep-dish pizzas since 1943.
- Lou Malnati’s – This family-owned spot has been a Chicago favorite for over 40 years, serving up some of the city’s best deep-dish pizzas.
- Gino’s East – This classic spot has been serving up deep-dish pizzas since 1966, and is a must-visit for any pizza lover.
- Pequod’s Pizza – This beloved spot has been serving up deep-dish pizzas since 1972, and is known for its caramelized crust.
- Connie’s Pizza – This family-owned spot has been serving up deep-dish pizzas since 1955, and is a favorite among locals.
Top 5 Thin Crust Spots
- Spacca Napoli – This authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria serves up some of the city’s best thin crust pizzas.
- Coalfire Pizza – This trendy spot serves up some of the city’s best coal-fired pizzas, with a crispy crust and fresh toppings.
- Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria – This family-owned spot has been serving up thin crust pizzas since 1946, and is a favorite among locals.
- Rosati’s Pizza – This beloved spot has been serving up thin crust pizzas since 1964, and is known for its flavorful sauce and melted mozzarella.
- Bacino’s Pizzeria – This family-owned spot serves up some of the city’s best thin crust pizzas, with a crispy crust and fresh toppings.
What Makes Chicago’s Pizza Scene So Unique?
Chicago’s pizza scene is unique due to its rich history, cultural influences, and innovative styles. Here are some factors that contribute to the city’s distinct pizza scene:
Cultural Influences
Chicago’s pizza scene has been shaped by the city’s cultural influences, particularly its Italian-American heritage. Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the city, including pizza, which has since evolved into the unique styles we see today.
Innovative Styles
Chicago’s pizza scene is known for its innovative styles, from deep-dish to stuffed and artisanal. The city’s pizzerias are constantly experimenting with new toppings, crusts, and cooking techniques, which has helped to establish Chicago as a pizza hub.
Community
Chicago’s pizza scene is also defined by its strong sense of community. Pizzerias are often family-owned and operated, with recipes passed down through generations. This sense of community and tradition has helped to foster a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion
Chicago’s favorite pizza is a topic of much debate, with various styles and toppings vying for the top spot. From classic deep-dish to thin crust and stuffed, the city’s pizza scene is a reflection of its rich history, cultural influences, and innovative spirit. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Chicago’s pizza scene has something for everyone, and is a must-try for any pizza lover.
What is Chicago’s favorite type of pizza?
Chicago’s favorite type of pizza is deep-dish pizza. This style of pizza is characterized by a thick crust, thick layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and a thick tomato sauce on top. The crust is typically formed into a deep pan and allowed to rise, giving it a flaky and buttery texture. The thick layers of cheese and toppings make each bite a hearty and satisfying experience.
Deep-dish pizza is a staple of Chicago’s culinary scene, and it’s not uncommon to see long lines of people waiting to get into popular deep-dish pizzerias like Lou Malnati’s and Pequod’s. The city’s love affair with deep-dish pizza is due in part to its rich history, which dates back to the 1940s when Pizzeria Uno first introduced the style to the city. Since then, deep-dish pizza has become an integral part of Chicago’s food culture.
What is the difference between deep-dish and thin-crust pizza?
The main difference between deep-dish and thin-crust pizza is the thickness of the crust. Deep-dish pizza has a thick crust that is typically formed into a deep pan and allowed to rise, giving it a flaky and buttery texture. Thin-crust pizza, on the other hand, has a thin crust that is crispy and crackery. The toppings on deep-dish pizza are also typically layered in reverse, with the cheese on the bottom and the sauce on top, whereas thin-crust pizza has the sauce on the bottom and the cheese on top.
Another key difference between the two styles is the cooking method. Deep-dish pizza is typically baked in a slow oven for 20-30 minutes, which allows the crust to cook slowly and the cheese to melt and bubble. Thin-crust pizza, on the other hand, is typically baked in a hot oven for 10-15 minutes, which gives the crust a crispy texture and a slightly charred flavor. Overall, the two styles of pizza offer distinct textures and flavors that cater to different tastes and preferences.
What are some popular deep-dish pizza toppings in Chicago?
Some popular deep-dish pizza toppings in Chicago include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Sausage is a classic topping in Chicago, and it’s often made with a secret blend of spices and herbs that give it a unique flavor. Pepperoni is also a popular topping, and it’s often paired with sausage for a meaty and savory combination. Mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers are also popular toppings, and they add a sweet and earthy flavor to the pizza.
In addition to these classic toppings, many Chicago pizzerias also offer more unique toppings like bacon, ham, and pineapple. Some pizzerias even offer specialty pizzas with toppings like artichokes, spinach, and feta cheese. Overall, the toppings on a deep-dish pizza are limited only by your imagination, and there are countless combinations to try.
What is the best way to eat a deep-dish pizza?
The best way to eat a deep-dish pizza is with a fork and knife. Because of the thick crust and thick layers of cheese and toppings, it’s often difficult to pick up a slice of deep-dish pizza and eat it with your hands. Using a fork and knife allows you to cut through the crust and toppings with ease, and it also helps to prevent the toppings from falling off the slice.
When eating a deep-dish pizza, it’s also a good idea to start with the crust and work your way up. The crust is often the best part of the pizza, and it’s crispy and flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. As you work your way up through the toppings, be sure to savor each bite and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.
Can I make deep-dish pizza at home?
Yes, you can make deep-dish pizza at home. While it may take some practice to get the crust just right, making deep-dish pizza at home is a fun and rewarding experience. To start, you’ll need a deep-dish pizza pan or a round cake pan with a depth of at least 2 inches. You’ll also need a recipe for the crust, which typically includes ingredients like flour, cornmeal, and butter or oil.
Once you have the crust, you can add your favorite toppings and bake the pizza in a slow oven for 20-30 minutes. Some tips for making deep-dish pizza at home include using a high-quality cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or cheddar, and not overloading the pizza with toppings. You should also be sure to let the crust rise for at least an hour before baking to give it a light and airy texture.
What are some popular deep-dish pizzerias in Chicago?
Some popular deep-dish pizzerias in Chicago include Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, and Gino’s East. Lou Malnati’s is a classic Chicago pizzeria that has been serving up deep-dish pizzas since 1975. Pequod’s is another popular spot that is known for its caramelized crust and generous toppings. Gino’s East is a family-owned pizzeria that has been serving up deep-dish pizzas since 1966.
These pizzerias are all highly rated and well-loved by locals and visitors alike. They offer a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza experience that is not to be missed. Other popular deep-dish pizzerias in Chicago include Pizzeria Uno, Connie’s Pizza, and Bacino’s Pizzeria.
Is deep-dish pizza a healthy option?
Deep-dish pizza is not typically considered a healthy option. The thick crust and thick layers of cheese and toppings make it a high-calorie and high-fat food. A single slice of deep-dish pizza can range from 300 to 700 calories, depending on the toppings and crust. The high calorie and fat content of deep-dish pizza make it a food that should be consumed in moderation.
That being said, there are some ways to make deep-dish pizza a healthier option. Using a whole-wheat crust and loading up on vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers can increase the nutritional value of the pizza. You can also use lean protein sources like chicken or turkey sausage to reduce the fat content of the pizza. Overall, while deep-dish pizza is not a healthy option, there are ways to make it healthier with a few simple modifications.