When you think of Chicago pizza, you probably think of the deep-dish style that is loaded with cheese and sauce. But did you know that there is another type of pizza that is popular in the Windy City? It’s called Chicago thin crust pizza, and it’s a delicious alternative to the more famous version.
Chicago thin crust pizza is different from other thin crust pizzas in several ways. First of all, it has a very thin and crispy crust that is cut into squares, not slices. Second, it has a generous amount of cheese that covers the entire surface of the pizza, including the edges. Third, it has a tangy and slightly sweet tomato sauce that is applied sparingly, not drowning the toppings. And fourth, it has a variety of toppings that can range from sausage and pepperoni to spinach and mushrooms.
If you want to try making your own Chicago thin crust pizza at home, here are some tips and recipes from three websites that specialize in this style of pizza.
Real Deep Dish and Ed, a Chicago native who loves to share his passion for pizza. He explains that the key to making a good Chicago thin crust pizza is to use a high-gluten flour, such as bread flour or all-purpose flour with vital wheat gluten added. He also recommends using a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet to get a crisp and even crust. He provides a detailed recipe for the dough, the sauce, and the cheese blend, as well as some suggestions for toppings.
Countertop Pizza Oven and Tom, a pizza enthusiast who likes to experiment with different types of pizza ovens and recipes. He agrees that using a high-gluten flour is important for the crust, but he also adds some cornmeal and oil to give it more flavor and crunch. He uses a simple sauce made with canned tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and salt, and he prefers to use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of a cheese blend. He also likes to add some parmesan cheese on top of the pizza before baking it. He provides a step-by-step guide for making the pizza, as well as some tips for using a countertop pizza oven.
Just Like Dad’s Pizza and Mike, a father of two who grew up eating Chicago thin crust pizza with his dad. He claims that his recipe is the closest to the authentic Chicago thin crust pizza that he remembers from his childhood. He uses a food processor to make the dough, which he says makes it easier and faster. He also uses a homemade sauce that is similar to the one from Real Deep Dish, but he adds some sugar and vinegar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. He uses a cheese blend that consists of mozzarella, provolone, and white cheddar, and he likes to add some fresh basil on top of the pizza after baking it. He provides a video tutorial for making the pizza, as well as some photos of the final product.
There are different ways to make your own Chicago thin crust pizza at home, depending on your preferences and equipment. But no matter which recipe you choose, you will end up with a tasty and satisfying pizza that will make you feel like you are in Chicago. So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful pizza that is Chicago thin crust.
Whether you decide to make your own dough from scratch or use a store-bought crust, the key to a delicious Chicago thin crust pizza is in the toppings. From classic pepperoni and sausage to gourmet combinations like spinach and artichoke, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to sprinkle on plenty of mozzarella cheese and your favorite seasonings before baking to perfection. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can enjoy a taste of Chicago right in your own kitchen.
