Chicago-Style Pizza: The Perfect Cheesy Combination

Chicago-style pizza is prepared according to several styles developed in the city. It can refer to the well-known deep-dish or stuffed pizzas, or the lesser-known thin-crust tavern-style pizzas. The deep-dish pizza is assembled upside-down, with the cheese going directly on top of the crust, followed by toppings, and then sauce. The pan in which it is baked gives the pizza its characteristically high edge, which provides ample space for large amounts of cheese and a chunky tomato sauce. The cheese used is typically sliced or shredded mozzarella, with parmesan also added for extra flavour.

Mozzarella

It is recommended that you slice or shred the mozzarella yourself from a block of real mozzarella cheese, as pre-shredded mozzarella has an inferior taste. Fresh mozzarella is also not recommended, as it contains a lot of water, which can make the pizza watery and difficult to slice. Instead, low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella is the best option.

Parmesan

Chicago-style pizza is prepared according to several styles that originated in the city. It can refer to deep-dish, stuffed, or thin-crust "tavern-style" pizzas. The deep-dish variety is the most well-known, and it is this style that is particularly associated with Parmesan cheese.

Deep-dish Chicago-style pizza is baked in a deep pan, which gives the pizza its characteristic high edge. This higher edge provides ample space for large amounts of cheese, sauce, and toppings. The thick pizza crust may be made with cornmeal for texture and is often parbaked before the toppings are added to give it greater spring.

In a traditional deep-dish pizza recipe, the top of the crust is layered with meats, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese. The sides of the crust rise to the top of the pan, and then a layer of crushed tomatoes is ladled over the top. The pizza is then baked to completion. Due to its thickness, deep-dish pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork.

To make an authentic-tasting Chicago deep-dish pizza, it is recommended to use a thick layer of cheese. This usually includes mozzarella, which can be sliced or shredded, and Parmesan. The Parmesan is sprinkled on top of the pizza, adding extra flavour to the dish.

Some recipes suggest using 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. This is added on top of the mozzarella cheese and other toppings, before the tomato sauce is poured on. The pizza is then baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown.

Fresh vs low-moisture

Chicago-style pizza is a broad term that can refer to deep-dish, stuffed, or thin-crust "tavern-style" pizzas. The type of cheese used can vary depending on the style and the recipe, but generally, low-moisture mozzarella is recommended for Chicago-style pizzas. Here's a more detailed look at the differences between fresh and low-moisture cheese for Chicago-style pizza:

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is a high-moisture cheese that is best when made fresh and used the same day. It has a softer, stretchier texture and tends to release water when melted, which can make the pizza crust soggy. While it has a delicious, creamy flavour, it may not be the best choice for Chicago-style pizza, especially deep-dish or stuffed pizzas, as it can make the crusts wet and difficult to handle. However, some people do use fresh mozzarella for their Chicago-style pizzas and manage the moisture by cooking the sauce longer or using techniques like pre-cooking meats and vegetables to reduce their moisture content.

Low-Moisture Mozzarella

Low-moisture mozzarella, on the other hand, has a longer shelf life and can be purchased in bulk, making it a more cost-effective option. It has a denser texture and lower moisture content, reducing the risk of a soggy crust. When melted, it stretches well and stays dry, ensuring the pizza holds together. Low-moisture mozzarella is also saltier, which can enhance the flavour of the pizza. It is the preferred choice for Chicago-style pizzas, especially deep-dish and stuffed varieties, as it can handle the longer baking time without releasing too much water.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When making a Chicago-style pizza, it is essential to consider the style of pizza, the other ingredients, and your personal preference. If you are making a thin-crust pizza, fresh mozzarella may work well as the shorter baking time reduces the risk of a soggy crust. However, for deep-dish or stuffed pizzas, low-moisture mozzarella is generally the better option due to its lower moisture content and ability to stretch without becoming soupy. Additionally, whole milk mozzarella, whether fresh or low-moisture, tends to melt better and have a richer flavour than skim or part-skim varieties.

Cheese placement

The cheese placement in a Chicago-style pizza is a crucial part of the assembly process. Here are the steps and best practices for achieving the perfect cheese layer in your deep-dish pizza:

Type of Cheese

The type of cheese used in a Chicago-style pizza is important for both flavour and functionality. The traditional cheese used is mozzarella, which can be either sliced or shredded. It is recommended to use fresh mozzarella cheese and shred or slice it yourself from a block. Pre-shredded mozzarella can be used, but the flavour of fresh mozzarella is preferred.

Quantity of Cheese

A generous amount of cheese is a signature feature of Chicago-style pizza. The deep-dish crust allows for a thick layer of cheese, creating a decadent and indulgent experience. The quantity of cheese used will depend on the size of your pizza, but a general rule is to use enough cheese to create a substantial layer that covers the crust.

Placement Technique

The unique aspect of Chicago-style pizza is that the cheese is placed directly on top of the crust. This is done to prevent the cheese from burning during the long baking time. By placing the cheese first, it is shielded from direct heat and melts evenly without burning. This "upside-down" assembly ensures that the cheese forms a cohesive layer that holds the toppings together.

Toppings on Cheese

Once the cheese layer is in place, you can add your desired toppings. Meats such as pepperoni, bacon, or sausage are popular choices. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. The key is to distribute the toppings evenly over the cheese, creating a balanced ratio of ingredients.

Sauce on Top

After adding your toppings, the final step is to spread the tomato sauce on top. This order of assembly may seem unconventional, but it is essential to the unique character of Chicago-style pizza. The sauce adds moisture and flavour to the pizza, complementing the cheese and creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.

Baking and Serving

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is typically baked in a round, steel pan or an iron skillet. Due to the thickness of the pizza, it may take longer to bake compared to a traditional thin-crust pizza. It is recommended to let the pizza cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and prevent it from collapsing when sliced. Chicago-style pizza is often enjoyed as a sit-down meal, and it may be necessary to use a fork and knife to eat it due to its thickness and generous fillings.

Cheese quantity

The quantity of cheese used in a Chicago-style pizza depends on the size of the pizza and the number of layers. A deep-dish pizza, for instance, will require more cheese than a thin-crust pizza, as it has a higher edge and more space for toppings.

A typical recipe for a 9-inch Chicago-style deep-dish pizza calls for 2 cups (8 oz) of shredded mozzarella cheese per pizza, which is then topped with 1/4 cup (22g) of grated parmesan cheese. This quantity can be adjusted to your taste preferences, and some recipes may call for a mix of mozzarella and provolone, or mozzarella and parmesan.

When using fresh mozzarella, it is important to ensure that the cheese is dry enough so as not to make the pizza watery. This can be achieved by slicing the cheese and placing it between layers of paper towels, with a cast-iron pan on top, for at least 15 minutes to draw out the moisture.

For a stuffed pizza, which has an additional layer of dough covering the toppings, the quantity of cheese will be higher than a deep-dish pizza. A stuffed pizza typically has more cheese than sauce, so the quantity of cheese will depend on the desired ratio of cheese to sauce.

When assembling a Chicago-style pizza, the cheese is usually placed directly on top of the crust, followed by meat toppings, and then the sauce. This is done to prevent the cheese from burning during the long baking time, as the sauce helps insulate the cheese from the high temperatures.

Frequently asked questions