The Basics of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Every spot has its pizza. Detroit has the square pie, New Yorkers like it big, thin and folded, and, of course, the heavyweight champ Chicago likes it deep dish. 

The Basics of Deep Dish Pizza

1. A sturdy crust

From looking at the outside of a deep-dish pizza you might expect the crust to be big and overwhelming. Not at all! 

The perfect deep dish pizza has a thin, sturdy crust. The crust comes up the side of the dish to create a delicious golden carrier for all the other ingredients. 

    2. Cheese first

The cheese plays a very important role in deep dish pizza. Using slices, not shredded, is key to the perfect pie. By overlapping the slices of low-moisture mozzarella you create a barrier between the toppings and sauce and the crust. This ensures the crust doesn’t end up a soggy mess.

If you do use shredded cheese be sure to completely cover the crust, this is the first step to ensuring a great pizza. 

     3. Toppings that aren’t toppings

Typically the toppings go atop of the pie or just under the cheese. Of course, Chicago deep dish turns it all on its head and puts the “toppings” over the cheese and under the sauce. 

And don’t be surprised if you order a sausage pizza and find a pie-sized sausage patty packed in the layers. They don’t skimp on anything in Chicago deep dish. 

     4. Sauce takes the crown

At first, deep-dish might look like a naked pizza with no cheese, but the sauce on top is part of the appeal.

Top 5 Chicago Deep Dish spots

Before we start any knockout fights, these are not listed in any specific order. Everyone has their favorite slice and we don’t mess with pizza love. But if you have never been for a true slice of deep-dish these are a few of our favorite spots. 

Lou Malnati’s

Usually, we aren’t a big proponent of “chain restaurants”, but Lou Malnati’s has been making pizzas for over 50 years and they still do it well. Plus they are easy to find so if you don’t have a ton of time in the Windy City this is a great option for making sure you get your slice of deep dish before you leave town.

Pequod’s

This one makes the list for its irresistible caramelized crust. Even non-crust eaters won’t be able to resist the crunchy brown outside of these pan pizzas. With only two locations, you will have to plan for a stop at Pequod’s – but it is well worth it.

Gino’s East

Gino’s is becoming one of the leading names in deep dish pizza as they spread their gospel across the nation. With two locations in Chicago, they have now brought their pies to several other places including Los Angeles and Nashville. We’ve always found them to be heavier on the cheese than others, but the cheese pulls are picture-worthy.

Burt’s Place

Considering Anthony Bourdain said Burt’s Place was the only deep dish pizza he loved, how could it not go on the list? Located in Morton Grove this is a true locals place. So sit back and enjoy your drink and pizza along with those that call the neighborhood home.

The Art of Pizza

Even after being open 30 years, some might consider it one of the newest players in the pizza game. It won’t take you long to see why it is a favorite. We love that you can get deep dish by the slice . . . sometimes the craving hits, but you can’t put away more than one slice.

Ready to make your own deep dish pizza? 

This heavy pie might seem overwhelming to make at home, but it is much easier than you think. Deep dish is perfect for family pizza night. You are going to want to share this with others! So, gather your family, pick one of the recipes below, and get started.

Jeff Mauro’s Deep Dish – Food Network

The Real Deal Deep Dish – Chew Out Loud

Lou Malnati’s Copycat – Del’s Cooking Twist