Difference Between Chicago And Detroit Deep Dish Pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular dishes in the world. It is a savory flatbread topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. In America, two cities are known for their unique style of pizza; Chicago and Detroit. Both cities have their own versions of deep-dish pizza, which are quite different from each other. In this article, we will explore the differences between Chicago and Detroit deep dish pizza.
Origins
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza originated in, as the name suggests, Chicago. It was first created in 1943 by Ike Sewell, the founder of Pizzeria Uno. The idea behind it was to create a pizza that was more like a pie than a flatbread. On the other hand, Detroit-style deep-dish pizza has its roots in the Motor City. It was first created in the 1940s by Gus Guerra, the owner of Buddy's Rendezvous restaurant in Detroit.
Crust
The crust is the most noticeable difference between Chicago and Detroit deep-dish pizza. Chicago-style pizza has a buttery, flaky crust that is almost like a pie crust. It is very thick and can be up to 3 inches tall at the edges. The crust is made with a lot of butter, which gives it a rich, almost pastry-like flavor. Detroit-style pizza, on the other hand, has a crispy, chewy crust. The crust is thick, but not as thick as Chicago-style pizza. It is crispy on the bottom and chewy on the inside, thanks to the cheese and toppings that are baked into it.
Cheese
Both Chicago and Detroit-style deep-dish pizzas have a lot of cheese, but the cheese is arranged differently on each. Chicago-style pizza has the cheese on the bottom, followed by toppings, and then the tomato sauce on top. This is sometimes called an upside-down pizza. Detroit-style pizza, on the other hand, has the cheese on top, forming a crispy, caramelized layer on top of the pizza.
Toppings
Toppings are also different on Chicago and Detroit-style pizzas. Chicago-style pizza has a lot of toppings, which are usually layered on top of the cheese. It is not uncommon to find pizzas with several layers of toppings. Detroit-style pizza has fewer toppings, but they are usually spread evenly over the pizza. The toppings on Detroit-style pizza are usually limited to sausage and pepperoni, but some places also offer vegetarian options.
Sauce
The sauce on Chicago-style pizza is usually chunky and made with whole, crushed tomatoes. It is applied on top of the toppings and cheese, giving it a distinct flavor. Detroit-style pizza has a thinner sauce, which is usually applied on top of the cheese. The sauce is sweeter and less acidic than the sauce used on Chicago-style pizza.
Cooking Method
The cooking method is also different for Chicago and Detroit-style pizzas. Chicago-style pizza is usually cooked in a deep, round pan. It is baked at a high temperature for 30-40 minutes. Detroit-style pizza, on the other hand, is baked in a rectangular pan, which gives it its distinctive shape. It is baked at a lower temperature for a longer time, which results in a crispy crust and caramelized cheese on top.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Chicago and Detroit deep-dish pizzas are delicious in their own way. Chicago-style pizza is buttery, flaky, and packed with toppings. Detroit-style pizza has a crispy, chewy crust and caramelized cheese on top. Both pizzas are a must-try for pizza lovers, and you can't go wrong with either one.