Chicago-style pizza is a staple of American cuisine, with its rich flavors, thick crust, and deep-dish pan. This beloved dish has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for decades, and its unique characteristics set it apart from other pizza styles. In this article, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, and cooking techniques that make Chicago-style pizza truly special.
A Brief History of Chicago-Style Pizza
Chicago-style pizza has its roots in the city’s Italian-American community, which dates back to the early 20th century. The first Chicago-style pizzeria, Pizzeria Uno, was opened in 1943 by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. Sewell, a former University of Illinois football player, and Riccardo, a restaurateur, developed a recipe for a deep-dish pizza that featured a thick crust, thick layers of cheese and meats, and a thick tomato sauce on top.
The original Pizzeria Uno was a small restaurant located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, and it quickly gained popularity among locals and visitors. The restaurant’s success spawned a chain of Pizzeria Uno locations throughout the city, and eventually, the country.
The Characteristics of Chicago-Style Pizza
So, what makes Chicago-style pizza so unique? Here are some of the key characteristics that set it apart from other pizza styles:
The Crust
The crust is the foundation of a Chicago-style pizza, and it’s what sets it apart from other pizza styles. The crust is thick and flaky, with a buttery flavor that’s achieved by using a mixture of flour, water, and cornmeal. The crust is formed into a deep-dish pan and allowed to rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
The Cheese
Chicago-style pizza is known for its thick layers of cheese, which are typically made up of a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. The cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden-brown crust that’s formed by the cooking process.
The Toppings
Chicago-style pizza is known for its hearty toppings, which can include a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. Some of the most popular toppings include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
The Sauce
The sauce is the final layer of a Chicago-style pizza, and it’s what brings all the flavors together. The sauce is made from crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and a blend of spices, and it’s spread over the top of the pizza in a thick layer.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking a Chicago-style pizza requires a specific set of techniques and equipment. Here are some of the key techniques that are used to cook a Chicago-style pizza:
Deep-Dish Pans
Chicago-style pizzas are cooked in deep-dish pans, which are typically made of steel or cast iron. The pans are coated with a layer of oil or butter to prevent the crust from sticking, and they’re heated in the oven to a high temperature.
High-Temperature Ovens
Chicago-style pizzas are cooked in high-temperature ovens, which are typically heated to between 425°F and 450°F. The high heat helps to cook the crust quickly and evenly, and it gives the pizza a crispy texture.
Long Cooking Times
Chicago-style pizzas are cooked for a long time, typically between 20 and 30 minutes. The long cooking time helps to cook the crust thoroughly and to melt the cheese evenly.
Regional Variations
While Chicago-style pizza is a staple of the city’s culinary scene, there are also several regional variations that are worth noting. Here are a few examples:
Deep-Dish vs. Thin Crust
While deep-dish pizza is the most well-known style of Chicago-style pizza, there’s also a thin crust variation that’s popular in some parts of the city. Thin crust pizzas are cooked in a pan and have a crispy texture, but they’re not as thick and hearty as deep-dish pizzas.
Sicilian-Style Pizza
Sicilian-style pizza is a variation of Chicago-style pizza that’s popular in some parts of the city. Sicilian-style pizzas are cooked in a square pan and have a thick, rectangular crust. They’re typically topped with a thick layer of sauce, cheese, and various meats or vegetables.
Chicago-Style Pizza in Popular Culture
Chicago-style pizza has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and books over the years. Here are a few examples:
Films
- The Blues Brothers (1980) – This classic comedy film features a scene in which the main characters visit a Chicago-style pizzeria.
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – This coming-of-age comedy film features a scene in which the main characters visit a Chicago-style pizzeria.
- High Fidelity (2000) – This romantic comedy film features a scene in which the main characters discuss their favorite Chicago-style pizzerias.
Television Shows
- The Simpsons (1989-present) – This popular animated television show features a character named Luigi Risotto, who owns a Chicago-style pizzeria.
- ER (1994-2009) – This popular medical drama television show features a character named Dr. Doug Ross, who is a fan of Chicago-style pizza.
- Chicago Fire (2012-present) – This popular drama television show features a character named Matt Casey, who is a fan of Chicago-style pizza.
Conclusion
Chicago-style pizza is a beloved dish that’s rich in history and tradition. Its unique characteristics, including its thick crust, thick layers of cheese and meats, and thick tomato sauce, set it apart from other pizza styles. Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just visiting the city, Chicago-style pizza is a must-try culinary experience.
Where to Try Chicago-Style Pizza
If you’re looking to try Chicago-style pizza, here are some of the top-rated pizzerias in the city:
- Pizzeria Uno – This is the original Chicago-style pizzeria, and it’s still serving up some of the city’s best deep-dish pizzas.
Lou Malnati’s – This popular pizzeria has been serving up Chicago-style pizzas for over 40 years, and it’s known for its buttery crust and hearty toppings.
Gino’s East – This classic pizzeria has been serving up Chicago-style pizzas for over 50 years, and it’s known for its thick crust and generous toppings.
Pequod’s Pizza – This popular pizzeria has been serving up Chicago-style pizzas for over 40 years, and it’s known for its caramelized crust and hearty toppings.
These are just a few of the many great pizzerias in Chicago, and there are plenty of other options to choose from depending on your preferences and location.
What is Chicago-style pizza, and how does it differ from other styles?
Chicago-style pizza is a unique and iconic style of pizza that originated in the city of Chicago. It is characterized by a thick crust, thick layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and a thick tomato sauce on top. This style of pizza is different from other styles, such as New York-style or California-style, in that it has a deeper pan and a thicker crust, which allows for a more generous topping.
The thick crust is formed into a deep pan and topped with a thick layer of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and then covered with a thick tomato sauce. This style of pizza is often served in a square cut, known as a “party cut,” which allows for easy serving and eating. Chicago-style pizza is a staple of the city’s culinary scene and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
What are the different types of Chicago-style pizza?
There are several types of Chicago-style pizza, including deep-dish, stuffed, and pan pizza. Deep-dish pizza is the most well-known type and features a thick crust, thick layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and a thick tomato sauce on top. Stuffed pizza is similar to deep-dish, but it has an additional layer of dough on top of the filling, which is then topped with more cheese and sauce. Pan pizza is a thinner version of deep-dish pizza and is cooked in a pan but has a thinner crust.
Each type of Chicago-style pizza has its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Deep-dish pizza is known for its thick, flaky crust and generous toppings, while stuffed pizza is known for its gooey, cheesy center. Pan pizza is a great option for those who want a thinner crust but still want to experience the flavors of Chicago-style pizza.
What is the history of Chicago-style pizza?
Chicago-style pizza has a rich and storied history that dates back to the 1940s. The first Chicago-style pizza was created by Pizzeria Uno’s founder, Ike Sewell, and his partner, Ric Riccardo. They developed a recipe for a deep-dish pizza that featured a thick crust, thick layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and a thick tomato sauce on top. The pizza quickly became popular, and Pizzeria Uno’s became a staple of the Chicago culinary scene.
Over the years, Chicago-style pizza has evolved and spread throughout the city. Other restaurants, such as Lou Malnati’s and Gino’s East, have developed their own unique takes on the classic recipe. Today, Chicago-style pizza is enjoyed not only in Chicago but also around the world. Its rich history and cultural significance have made it a beloved culinary tradition.
What are some popular toppings for Chicago-style pizza?
Some popular toppings for Chicago-style pizza include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. The thick crust and generous toppings of Chicago-style pizza make it an ideal canvas for a wide range of toppings. Many restaurants also offer more unique toppings, such as bacon, ham, and pineapple.
In addition to these toppings, many Chicago-style pizzerias also offer a variety of specialty pizzas. For example, Lou Malnati’s offers a “Malnati Chicago Classic” pizza that features sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Gino’s East offers a “Meat Lover’s” pizza that features sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ham.
How is Chicago-style pizza made?
Chicago-style pizza is made using a unique cooking process that involves forming the dough into a deep pan and topping it with a thick layer of cheese, meats, and vegetables. The pizza is then covered with a thick tomato sauce and baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The dough for Chicago-style pizza is typically made from a mixture of flour, water, and cornmeal. The dough is formed into a ball and then rolled out into a thick circle. The dough is then placed into a deep pan and topped with the desired toppings. The pizza is then baked in the oven at a high temperature for 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What are some popular restaurants for Chicago-style pizza?
Some popular restaurants for Chicago-style pizza include Pizzeria Uno’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Gino’s East. These restaurants have been serving up classic Chicago-style pizzas for decades and are staples of the city’s culinary scene. Other popular restaurants include Pequod’s Pizza, which is known for its caramelized crust, and Connie’s Pizza, which offers a classic Chicago-style pizza with a thin crust.
These restaurants offer a wide range of Chicago-style pizzas, from classic deep-dish to stuffed and pan pizzas. Many of these restaurants also offer delivery and take-out options, making it easy to enjoy Chicago-style pizza from the comfort of your own home.
Can I make Chicago-style pizza at home?
Yes, you can make Chicago-style pizza at home. While it may take some practice to get the crust just right, making Chicago-style pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. To make a classic Chicago-style pizza, you will need a deep-dish pizza pan, a mixture of flour, water, and cornmeal for the dough, and a variety of toppings such as cheese, meats, and vegetables.
To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, form the dough into a ball and roll it out into a thick circle. Place the dough into the deep-dish pizza pan and top with the desired toppings. Cover the pizza with a thick tomato sauce and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.