New York Pizza vs Chicago Pizza: A Tasty Showdown

When it comes to pizza, two styles often stand head-to-head that is New York-style and Chicago-style.

Pizza lovers often enjoy discussing which style reigns supreme. In these culinary conversations, you might find that some prefer the rich, indulgent nature of Chicago’s deep dish. Meanwhile, others are devoted to the simplicity and quick satisfaction provided by New York’s thin slices.

New York-style pizza traces back to the early 20th century. Gennaro Lombardi opened the first pizzeria in New York City in 1905, introducing thin-crusted delights inspired by Neapolitan pizza.

With its wide, foldable slices, New York-style pizza quickly became a symbol of the city's diverse culture. The thin crust allows for easy snacking on the move which is perfect for the bustling streets of New York.

Chicago-style pizza offers a completely different experience. Also known as deep-dish pizza, it emerged in the Windy City in the 1940s. This style features a thick, buttery crust that forms a deep base for layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings.

The origins of Chicago pizza are linked to Pizzeria Uno, reportedly founded by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. This pizza provides a hearty meal that reflects the city's bold and robust character.

Differences between NY Style and Chicago Style Pizza

When comparing New York and Chicago pizzas, the crust and toppings are the main differences.

What Makes a New York Style Pizza

To make a New York-style pizza, you start with a simple dough of flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is stretched into a large circle using your hands. This gives it its signature thin crust.

Once you've dressed your pizza, it's baked in a very hot oven. Most pizzerias might use ovens set to around 500-600°F. This high heat ensures the thin-crust pizza gets crispy yet stays soft enough to fold. The quick baking time of about 10 minutes adds to the delicious New York slice experience.

You’ll layer a thin base of tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, typically low-moisture mozzarella. Light tomato sauce allows the cheese, to perfectly show its taste.

Toppings are usually simple – just enough to enhance but not overshadow the classic taste. Pepperoni, mushrooms, and extra cheese are favorites, but the real star is the cheese, coating each slice in a luscious, gooey layer.

Characteristics of Chicago Style Pizza

Crafting Chicago-style deep dish pizza begins with a rich dough that includes butter, giving it a flaky, buttery crust. The dough is pressed into a round, deep dish pan, allowing for thick edges.

You’ll start with layers of sliced mozzarella right on the dough, followed by toppings. Meat lovers enjoy the sausage, while veggies like green peppers and onions add a fresh touch. The final touch is a hearty layer of chunky tomato sauce on top.

The Chicago pizza sauce is quite unique. Instead of being lightly spread, the chunky tomato sauce sits on top, above the cheese and other toppings. This keeps the flavors intense and fresh.

Local Twists and Specialty Variants

In New York, some creative chefs experiment with unique combinations, adding unexpected ingredients like smoked salmon or vegan cheese. Specialty pizzas might feature seasonal produce or international flavors, delighting adventurous eaters.

In Chicago, the deep dish lends itself well to creative fillings. Some local spots incorporate unusual ingredients like roasted garlic or fresh basil. Specialty versions might include seafood or gourmet cheeses, offering a twist on the traditional.

Both cities pride themselves on offering pizzas that reflect local tastes, giving you a chance to explore diverse flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do calories compare between New York and Chicago pizzas?

Chicago pizzas tend to be higher in calories due to the deep-dish crust and generous layers of cheese and toppings. New York-style pizzas generally have fewer calories per slice because of their thinner crust and lighter cheese and topping application.

What are the price differences between a NY-style pizza and a Chicago pizza?

Prices can vary based on location and the ingredients used. NY pizzas are often sold by the slice, making them cheaper and ideal for quick meals. Chicago pizzas are typically sold as whole pies due to their larger, thicker nature, which can lead to higher overall prices.