Pequod’s Pizza has been a staple in Chicago’s culinary scene for over 40 years, with its signature deep-dish and thin crust pizzas drawing in crowds from all over the city. While their deep-dish pizza is often the star of the show, their thin crust option has gained a loyal following of its own. But is Pequod’s thin crust good? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Pequod’s thin crust, exploring its history, ingredients, cooking process, and ultimately, its taste.
A Brief History of Pequod’s Pizza
Before we dive into the specifics of Pequod’s thin crust, it’s essential to understand the history behind this beloved Chicago institution. Pequod’s was founded in 1972 by Tom and Rita Malnati, who had a vision of creating a unique pizza that would set them apart from the competition. The Malnatis developed a signature deep-dish pizza with a thick, flaky crust and a generous helping of cheese, meats, and vegetables. The pizza quickly gained popularity, and Pequod’s became a staple in Chicago’s culinary scene.
The Evolution of Pequod’s Thin Crust
While Pequod’s deep-dish pizza was the original star of the show, the restaurant began to offer a thin crust option in the 1980s. The thin crust was designed to cater to customers who preferred a lighter, crisper crust. Over the years, Pequod’s has refined its thin crust recipe, using a combination of traditional techniques and modern ingredients to create a truly unique pizza.
Ingredients and Cooking Process
So, what makes Pequod’s thin crust so special? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and cooking process that go into creating this beloved pizza.
The Dough
Pequod’s thin crust dough is made from a proprietary blend of flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is allowed to rise for several hours, giving it a light, airy texture that’s perfect for a thin crust pizza. Unlike some other thin crust pizzas, Pequod’s dough is not overly crispy or crackery. Instead, it has a delicate crunch that gives way to a soft, slightly chewy center.
The Sauce
Pequod’s thin crust pizza is topped with a tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes. The sauce is applied in a thin layer, allowing the natural flavors of the tomatoes to shine through.
The Cheese
Pequod’s thin crust pizza is topped with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The cheese is applied in a generous helping, but not so much that it overpowers the other ingredients.
The Toppings
Pequod’s offers a wide range of toppings for their thin crust pizza, from classic pepperoni and sausage to more adventurous options like artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. The toppings are applied in a thoughtful, balanced way, ensuring that each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors.
The Cooking Process
Pequod’s thin crust pizzas are cooked in a brick oven at high temperatures, giving the crust a crispy, well-done texture. The pizzas are cooked for several minutes on each side, allowing the cheese to melt and the toppings to cook through.
Taste and Texture
So, how does Pequod’s thin crust pizza taste? In a word, it’s delicious. The crust is crispy and well-done, with a delicate crunch that gives way to a soft, slightly chewy center. The sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, with a deep, rich flavor that’s perfect for a thin crust pizza. The cheese is melted to perfection, with a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
A Comparison to Other Thin Crust Pizzas
Pequod’s thin crust pizza is often compared to other iconic thin crust pizzas, like those found in New York City or California. While these pizzas have their own unique charms, Pequod’s thin crust stands out for its delicate crunch and soft, slightly chewy center. The pizza is also remarkably well-balanced, with a thoughtful combination of toppings that complement the crust and sauce perfectly.
Conclusion
Is Pequod’s thin crust good? Absolutely. With its delicate crunch, soft center, and thoughtful combination of toppings, Pequod’s thin crust pizza is a must-try for anyone who loves pizza. Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just visiting the city, Pequod’s is a culinary destination that’s not to be missed.
Rating and Recommendation
We give Pequod’s thin crust pizza a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. While it may not be the most adventurous or innovative pizza on the market, it’s a classic for a reason. If you’re looking for a delicious, well-balanced thin crust pizza that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, look no further than Pequod’s.
Recommendation:
If you’re new to Pequod’s, we recommend starting with the classic cheese pizza. This allows you to experience the full range of flavors and textures that Pequod’s has to offer, without any distractions or overpowering toppings. From there, feel free to experiment with different toppings and combinations to find your perfect pie.
Final Thoughts
Pequod’s thin crust pizza is a true Chicago classic, with a delicate crunch, soft center, and thoughtful combination of toppings that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just visiting the city, Pequod’s is a culinary destination that’s not to be missed. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
What is Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza?
Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is a style of deep-dish pizza that originated in Chicago. It is characterized by a thick crust with a crispy, caramelized edge, typically formed by cooking the crust in a well-oiled pan. This style of pizza is often associated with Pequod’s Pizza, a popular Chicago-based pizzeria that has been serving thin crust pizzas since 1972.
Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is known for its distinctive flavor and texture, which is achieved through a combination of ingredients and cooking techniques. The crust is made with a mixture of flour, water, and cornmeal, and is cooked in a pan with a generous amount of oil. This process creates a crispy, golden-brown crust that is both crunchy and chewy.
What makes Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza unique?
One of the key factors that sets Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza apart from other styles of pizza is its caramelized crust. The crust is cooked in a well-oiled pan, which causes the edges to become crispy and golden brown. This process, known as the “halo effect,” creates a distinctive flavor and texture that is characteristic of Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza.
In addition to its caramelized crust, Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is also known for its generous toppings and flavorful sauce. The pizza is typically topped with a thick layer of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and is served with a side of tangy marinara sauce. This combination of flavors and textures makes Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza a unique and delicious dining experience.
Is Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza really a thin crust pizza?
Despite its name, Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is not actually a thin crust pizza in the classical sense. The crust is typically thicker and more doughy than a traditional thin crust pizza, with a crispy edge that is formed through the cooking process.
However, the crust is still relatively thin compared to other styles of deep-dish pizza. The crust is typically around 1/4 inch thick, which is thinner than the crust on a traditional deep-dish pizza. This makes Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza a unique hybrid of thin crust and deep-dish styles.
How does Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza compare to other Chicago-style pizzas?
Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is one of several styles of Chicago-style pizza, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Compared to other Chicago-style pizzas, Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is known for its caramelized crust and generous toppings.
In comparison to other popular Chicago-style pizzas, such as Lou Malnati’s and Gino’s East, Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza has a thicker crust and a more pronounced “halo effect.” However, the flavor profile and texture of the pizza are similar to other Chicago-style pizzas, with a focus on hearty toppings and a rich, tangy sauce.
Can I make Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza at home?
While it may be challenging to exactly replicate the flavor and texture of Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza at home, it is possible to make a similar style of pizza with a few simple ingredients and some practice.
To make a Pequod’s-style pizza at home, you will need a deep-dish pizza pan, a mixture of flour, water, and cornmeal, and a generous amount of oil. You will also need to cook the crust in a hot oven with a pan of oil, which can be a bit tricky. However, with some practice and patience, you can create a delicious and authentic-tasting Pequod’s-style pizza at home.
Is Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza worth trying?
If you are a fan of deep-dish pizza or are looking to try a unique and delicious style of pizza, then Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is definitely worth trying. The combination of the caramelized crust, generous toppings, and flavorful sauce makes for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
In addition to its delicious flavor, Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is also a culturally significant and iconic Chicago dish. Trying a slice of Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is a great way to experience the city’s rich culinary heritage and to understand why this style of pizza is so beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Where can I try Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza?
Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is available at several locations throughout the Chicago area, including the original Pequod’s Pizza location in Lincoln Park. You can also find Pequod’s-style pizza at several other restaurants and pizzerias throughout the city.
In addition to its Chicago locations, Pequod’s Thin Crust Pizza is also available at several locations throughout the Midwest and beyond. You can also order Pequod’s-style pizza online and have it shipped to your doorstep, making it possible to try this delicious style of pizza from anywhere in the country.