what is chicago pizza crust

The History of the Deep-Dish Pizza

Deep-dish pizza was invented at the original location of Pizzeria Uno in Chicago in 1943. Some say it was invented by one of Pizzeria Uno’s founders, Ike Sewell, but others contend it was created by pizza chef Rudy Malnati and/or cook Alice May Redmond. Pizzeria Uno was originally known as The Pizzeria and then Pizzeria Riccardo (after another founder Ric Riccardo), but when Sewell and Riccardo opened Pizzeria Due a block away in 1955, they named their first shop Pizzeria Uno.

In addition to Uno and Due, additional famous deep-dish restaurants include the Original Ginos Pizza, which opened in 1954 but is now closed. Ginos East opened in 1966 and hired Alice May Redmond and her sister Ruth Hadley as chefs. It’s still known as one of the best deep-dish pizza restaurants. Other deep-dish pizzerias include Connies, Edwardos, Pizanos (which is owned by Rudy Malnatis son, Rudy Jr.), and Lou Malnatis (which was founded by Rudy Malnatis son from his first marriage, Lou, and is now run by his grandsons).

Stuffed Pizza Vs. Deep-Dish

Stuffed pizza is related to deep-dish pizza and also came about in Chicago, but the two should not be lumped together as “Chicago-style pizza.” Stuffed pizza came along in 1974 when Nancys and Giordanos both opened their doors. They claim that their recipes came from old family recipes from Italy of scarciedda or Easter pies. These savory pies have meat and/or cheese stuffed in between two layers of crust. The Chicago stuffed pizza is generally deeper than any other type of pizza. This style of pizza quickly gained renown and is still popular today.

CHICAGO DEEP DISH PIZZA (New and Improved Recipe)

What makes Chicago style pizza crust so crispy?

Cornmeal is good at making things crunchy and is what makes the Chicago style pizza crust so crispy. Another unique feature about this crust is that it has plenty of butter. It is one of the creamiest crusts you will ever find in a pizza. So, how do you achieve that ultra-creamy flavor? Well, the trick is laminating the pizza dough.

What is Chicago style pizza dough?

This recipe is true Chicago style meaning that the dough is a different consistency than a usual pizza crust. It is denser and the cornmeal makes the outside of the crust crispier than its usual counterpart. It maintains its softness on the inside of the dough.

What is a Chicago Pizza?

Perhaps the most famous of all Chicago style pizzas, the deep dish pizza has solidified the Chicago pizza as a food of legend. The crust supports thick layers of mozzarella cheese and a hefty, chunky-style sauce that has helped make the pizza so well known. A form of deep dish pizza, you don’t want to underestimate this bad boy.

What is Chicago-style pizza?

She has 15 years of experience in writing for major publications. Chicago-style pizza usually refers to deep-dish pizza, which is a thick pizza baked in a pan and layered with cheese, fillings like meat and vegetables, and sauce–in that order. The crust is usually two to three inches tall and gets slightly fried due to the oil in the pan.