Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: The Ultimate Guide to This Iconic American Dish

When you think about iconic American food, one dish stands out like no other: Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. This decadent and hearty pizza is unlike anything you’ll find in other cities, with its layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and a thick, buttery crust that makes it a must-try for anyone visiting Chicago or looking to explore the authentic tastes of the U.S. In this guide, brought to you by The Monroe Hotels, we’ll dive into the history, components, variations, and best places to enjoy this iconic dish. Whether you’re a first-timer or a deep dish aficionado, this article will take you through everything you need to know about Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza.

What Is Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza?

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a distinctive take on the classic Italian pizza. It’s famous for its thick, almost pie-like crust, filled to the brim with layers of cheese, savory sauce, and toppings. Unlike traditional pizzas that have a thin, crispy crust, the deep dish version features a buttery, almost biscuit-like base that can hold up to the abundance of fillings.

One of the most defining characteristics of this pizza is the order in which the ingredients are layered. The cheese, typically mozzarella, is placed directly on the crust, followed by various toppings, and then a chunky, seasoned tomato sauce is poured over the top, almost like a pizza casserole. This creates a pizza that’s filling, rich, and packed with flavor.

The History Behind Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

The origins of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza are as iconic as the dish itself. The story begins in the 1940s when the first deep dish pizza was made at a small pizzeria called Pizzeria Uno, founded by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. They wanted to create a pizza that was unlike anything Chicagoans had tasted before—a pizza that could be eaten with a knife and fork and was hearty enough to be a meal in itself.

The deep dish pizza quickly became a favorite among locals, and its popularity spread throughout Chicago. Over the years, many pizzerias began to put their own spin on the classic recipe, adding different toppings and creating variations to suit all tastes. Today, Chicago-Style Deep Dish is synonymous with the city itself and is recognized globally as one of the most unique and delicious pizza styles.

Key Ingredients in Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

The key ingredients that make Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza so special are relatively simple, but the magic is in the execution. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

1. The Crust

The crust of a Chicago-style pizza is unlike any other. It’s thick, buttery, and designed to hold all the hearty ingredients inside. The dough is made with a high-fat content, often incorporating cornmeal, which adds to its unique texture. The crust forms almost like a bowl that cradles the cheese, sauce, and toppings, giving it the structure to withstand the layers of fillings.

2. The Cheese

While mozzarella is the most common cheese used in Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza, some variations incorporate provolone, Parmesan, or a combination of cheeses. The cheese is spread directly on top of the crust to form the base layer. It’s essential to use high-quality cheese that melts beautifully and creates that signature cheesy stretch when you take a bite.

3. The Sauce

The sauce on a deep dish pizza is chunky and tomato-based. It’s typically made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices. What sets deep dish pizza apart is that the sauce is poured over the cheese and toppings, creating a thick and hearty topping that adds both flavor and moisture to the pizza.

4. The Toppings

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza can be customized with a variety of toppings, but some of the most popular options include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. The toppings are usually layered on top of the cheese before the sauce is added, which helps retain their flavor and texture during baking.

Why Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Is Different from Other Pizzas

If you’ve ever had a traditional New York-style pizza, you might be wondering how Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza differs from its thinner counterparts. The most obvious difference is the crust. While New York-style pizza has a thin and crispy crust, deep dish pizza’s crust is thick and sturdy, designed to hold up to a heavy load of cheese, sauce, and toppings.

Another major difference is the way the pizza is assembled. In a traditional pizza, the sauce is placed directly on top of the cheese, but with Chicago-style deep dish, the cheese is placed directly on the crust and then topped with sauce. This results in a much heartier, almost casserole-like dish that’s filling and satisfying.

The Best Places to Try Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

If you’re in Chicago, you’re in the right place to experience the magic of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. Here are some of the best spots around the city to grab a slice:

1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Lou Malnati’s is arguably the most famous place to grab a deep dish pizza in Chicago. Known for its buttery, flaky crust and rich, flavorful sauce, Lou Malnati’s has been serving up deep dish since 1971. If you want to experience the authentic taste of Chicago-style pizza, this is the place to go.

2. Giordano’s

Giordano’s is another Chicago institution, renowned for its stuffed deep dish pizza. The pizza is loaded with cheese and packed with toppings, creating a filling, satisfying meal. With multiple locations throughout the city, Giordano’s is a great option for anyone craving an authentic deep dish experience.

3. Pequod’s Pizza

Pequod’s offers a slightly different take on Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza by adding a caramelized crust. The edges of the pizza are cooked to a crispy, golden brown, giving it a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other pizzerias in the area. Pequod’s is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its unique take on this iconic dish.

The Best Way to Eat Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Eating Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is an experience in itself. Since it’s so thick and packed with ingredients, it’s not something you can simply fold and eat like a New York-style slice. Instead, the pizza is typically eaten with a knife and fork, and you’ll want to savor each bite.

One pro tip is to let the pizza cool down a bit before eating it, as the cheese and sauce can be extremely hot right out of the oven. Allowing it to cool for a few minutes will help you avoid a burn while still enjoying the pizza at its peak flavor.

Variations of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

While the classic Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is amazing on its own, there are several variations that have emerged over the years. Here are a few of the most popular:

1. Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza

Stuffed deep dish pizza is essentially a “pizza within a pizza.” It’s similar to the traditional deep dish, but with an additional layer of dough on top of the filling. The result is a thicker, heartier pizza that’s even more indulgent than the classic deep dish.

2. Gluten-Free Deep Dish Pizza

For those with dietary restrictions, many pizzerias now offer gluten-free versions of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. The crust is made with gluten-free flour, allowing those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious dish without any worries.

3. Vegan Deep Dish Pizza

For vegans, there are also options for a plant-based deep dish pizza. The cheese is replaced with vegan alternatives, and the toppings can be customized to include a variety of vegetables, plant-based meats, and dairy-free cheese.

Why Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Is a Must-Try

If you’ve never tried Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza, it’s time to add it to your culinary bucket list. This pizza is a true reflection of the city’s rich food culture and a testament to Chicago’s love of bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re a pizza lover or just looking for a hearty meal, this pizza offers something for everyone.

For those traveling to Chicago or looking to bring a slice of the city’s culinary delights into their own home, there’s no better dish to start with than Chicago-style deep dish pizza. With its thick crust, rich sauce, and generous toppings, it’s a pizza experience unlike any other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is more than just a meal—it’s a piece of Chicago’s history and culture. From its thick, buttery crust to the layers of gooey cheese and flavorful toppings, this pizza is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, there’s always room for one more slice of deep dish.