When it comes to iconic American foods, Chicago-style pan pizza is right up there with hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie. With its deep, buttery crust, generous layers of cheese and toppings, and a robust tomato sauce that often crowns it, this pizza style is a culinary masterpiece that has won the hearts (and stomachs) of people worldwide. In this blog, we’ll take a deep-dish dive into the history, popularity, ingredients, and the art of making Chicago-style pan pizza.
The Origins of Chicago-Style Pan Pizza
The history of Chicago-style pan pizza is a tale as rich and flavorful as the pizza itself. While its exact origins may be debated, the popular narrative traces it back to Pizzeria Uno, a small restaurant in Chicago’s Near North Side, where it was first created in the 1940s. Ric Riccardo and Ike Sewell, the founders of Pizzeria Uno, sought to create a pizza that stood out from the thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizzas that were popular at the time.
Their innovation involved using a deep, buttery crust that resembles a pie more than the traditional flat pizza dough. This crust was baked in a deep, round pan, hence the name “pan pizza.” It provided a sturdy foundation for the hefty layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce that were to come.
Rising Popularity and Influence
Chicago-style pan pizza quickly became a hit among locals and visitors alike. Pizzeria Uno’s creation paved the way for numerous other pizzerias to adopt this unique style, helping it become synonymous with the Windy City’s culinary identity.
Over the years, Chicago-style pan pizza has evolved, spawning variations like stuffed pizza and pan pizza with innovative toppings. The dish has even transcended its hometown’s borders, gaining a cult following in other parts of the United States and beyond. Today, you can find Chicago-style pan pizza in cities around the world, from New York to Tokyo, each place adding its own twist to this beloved classic.
What Makes it Special
Chicago-style pan pizza stands out due to its unique ingredients and preparation. The thick, buttery, and cornmeal-infused crust is a standout feature, offering a crispy exterior and a tender interior. It provides the foundation for layers of flavor, beginning with a foundation of low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella cheese that prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Toppings are limited only by creativity, with options like Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach adding depth. A robust and chunky tomato sauce, often featuring crushed or diced tomatoes, garlic, and various herbs and spices, is generously spiraled atop the toppings, completing the distinctive flavor profile.
Crafting the perfect Chicago-style pan pizza is an art form. The process involves enriching the dough with butter or oil and pressing it into a deep, round pan to create the characteristic shape and texture. A layer of mozzarella cheese serves as a protective barrier for the crust. Toppings are then artfully arranged, allowing for personal preferences, whether it’s a classic pepperoni pizza or a vegetarian delight. The chunky tomato sauce is spread evenly, creating a vibrant red mosaic. Baking this pizza style requires a lower temperature and longer time, allowing the crust to cook thoroughly and achieve a golden brown perfection, while the cheese and toppings meld together. Finally, after a brief cooling period, each slice is meant to be savored.
Chicago-style pan pizza is more than just a dish; it’s a piece of culinary history that continues to captivate the taste buds of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Its journey from a humble pizzeria in Chicago to international stardom is a testament to its irresistible combination of buttery crust, gooey cheese, savory toppings, and zesty tomato sauce. Whether you’re enjoying it in the heart of the Windy City or at a local pizzeria, one thing’s for sure: Chicago-style pan pizza is a slice of pizza heaven you won’t want to miss.
At Aversano’s, we take pride in crafting our unique rendition of the classic Chicago-Style Pan Pizza, using only the freshest ingredients available. Our signature offering features a mouthwatering combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives (with the option to include onions and green peppers upon request). What makes our pizza truly special is its customizability, allowing you to personalize it with your favorite toppings. We invite you to experience the delectable flavors at our establishment by visiting us today or placing an order for takeout, and discover why our pizzas have garnered such popularity among our loyal customers!
6015 Parker Road, Sumner, WA 98390 | 253-863-3618 | AversanosSumner@Gmail.com