Discovering the Delight of Chicago’s Deep-Dish Pizza

Think you know pizza? Have you ever experienced the delight of Chicago’s deep-dish pizza?

Are you a pizza snob? Well, even I, a self-proclaimed pizza snob, had my opinions swayed when I tried Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza. Let me tell you about my eye-opening experience.

As a kid, I was raised on Pizza Hut’s thin n’ crispy pizza topped with ham and pineapples. And as a teenager in Adelaide, I enjoyed Dino’s pan-style pizzas delivered in quirky yellow hatchbacks with a giant red phone handset on top. But I never quite understood the hype around deep-dish pizza.

In my mind, deep-dish pizza was nothing more than a gooey mess piled on top of a spongy dough, similar to the atrocities committed by major pizza chains here in Australia. I had never been to Chicago, let alone tried their most famous dish. That all changed when I stepped into Lou Malnati’s flagship pizzeria in the historic Gold Coast district.

The moment the pizza arrived at my table, I knew this was no ordinary pizza. It was treated with the same dramatic flair as a fine-dining dish, carved into slices right in front of me. The base, contrary to my expectations, was a thin, pie-like crust that was buttery and sturdy. It acted as the perfect vehicle for the heavy load of toppings.

Unlike wood-fired pizzas that often have a dry crust, deep-dish pizza focuses on what’s on top. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint. The first layer is a generous amount of cheese, followed by your choice of toppings. I went for a vegetarian-friendly spinach mix, but I couldn’t help but imagine how a layer of Malnati’s famous sausage would have elevated the flavors even more.

To finish it off, the pie is filled with a rich tomato sauce made from California-grown tomatoes. The sauce is perfectly balanced with acidity and sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Traditional condiments like powdery Parmesan cheese and chili flakes add an extra kick. To fully enjoy this masterpiece, a knife and fork are a must to conquer the crunchy base without any spillage.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood visits to Italian restaurants, where I would always request extra savory tomato sauce with my pasta. Deep-dish pizza was like the pizza version of that sauce. It was so delicious and satisfying that I couldn’t resist asking for a second serving. But any more than that would be pure gluttony.

The history of deep-dish pizza is a fascinating one. Business partners Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo are credited with creating the pizza back in 1943. Their first attempt at opening a restaurant ended in food poisoning, but that didn’t stop them from perfecting their recipe. It’s also worth mentioning that Rudy Malnati, a staffer at their first pizzeria, played a role in creating the dish as well.

Today, there are numerous deep-dish pizza joints in Chicago, each with their own loyal following. Pizzeria Uno, where it all began, and Lou’s are two of the most authentic options. You can find these restaurants and many others throughout the state of Illinois, satisfying pizza lovers everywhere.

So, if you’re a pizza snob like me, I challenge you to give deep-dish pizza a chance. It may just change your mind and leave you craving for more.

• Growing up on thin crust pizza, I never understood the appeal of deep-dish
• But a visit to Lou Malnati’s pizzeria changed my mind
• The pizza is delivered with flair and carved at the table
• The base is buttery and serves as a sturdy vehicle for the heavy toppings
• Cheese is the first layer, followed by toppings and a rich tomato sauce
• The result is a delicious blend of flavors that will have you craving for more

Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is a revelation for pizza snobs like myself. Its buttery crust, generous toppings, and flavorful sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Don’t knock it until you try it!