Pizza is one of the world’s most beloved foods, and there’s no denying that both Chicago and New York City have made their mark on the pizza scene.
The rivalry between these two cities goes beyond just sports teams; it extends to their iconic pizza styles as well.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the longstanding debate over Chicago vs New York pizza. So grab a slice (or two) and let’s settle this age-old argument once and for all!
What Is Chicago Pizza?
Chicago pizza, also known as “deep dish” pizza, is a thick and hearty style of pizza that originated in the Windy City. Its signature feature is its tall crust that forms a bowl-like shape to hold an abundance of toppings and sauce.
This style of pizza typically consists of a deep layer of cheese on the bottom, followed by meat (often Italian sausage), vegetables, and a layer of chunky tomato sauce on top.
It is then baked in a deep dish pan for a longer period to ensure that the crust is fully cooked and crisp. Chicago Pizza is known for being rich, filling, and packed with flavor.
What Is New York Pizza?
New York pizza, on the other hand, is a thin-crust pizza that originated in New York City and has become popular all over the world. It is typically larger in diameter than Chicago Pizza and features a thin, crispy crust that can be folded in half for easy eating on the go.
The toppings on a New York Pizza are often simple but flavorful, with a layer of tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings such as pepperoni or mushrooms. The pizza is cooked in a high-temperature oven for a shorter period, producing a crispy yet chewy crust.
Chicago vs New York Pizza: Main Differences
We have gone through the history and basic characteristics of Chicago and New York Pizza, but what are the key differences between these iconic styles? Here are a few points to consider:
1. The Crust
The crust of a Chicago Pizza is undoubtedly one of its most defining features. This deep-dish style boasts a thick, buttery crust typically around 2 to 3 inches high, forming a sturdy base and sides to hold the rich fillings. The dough is often made with cornmeal or semolina, which gives it a unique texture and flavor.
Baked in a deep dish pan, the crust turns golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender and thick on the inside. This characteristic crust allows Chicago Pizza to contain a substantial amount of cheese, toppings, and sauce without becoming soggy or collapsing under the weight.
In stark contrast, New York Pizza is known for its thin and crispy crust, which is usually hand-tossed to achieve its thinness and characteristic foldability. The crust of a New York Pizza is typically around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, providing a perfect balance between chewy and crunchy.
New York Pizza crust is seasoned with a touch of salt and olive oil, contributing to its flavorful, slightly charred outer edge. This style’s thinness ensures that the crust remains crispy even with the addition of toppings, and it is conducive to being folded in half, which is how many New Yorkers prefer to eat their slices on the go.
2. The Toppings
When it comes to toppings, Chicago Pizza truly excels in variety and generosity. This style of pizza is well-known for its hearty, layered approach.
The bottom layer is typically a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, followed by a plethora of toppings such as Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and even spinach.
The ingredients are often placed in abundance, given the pizza’s robust crust can handle the weight. A thick, chunky tomato sauce is then poured over the top, sometimes garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
The richness and depth of these toppings make each bite of a Chicago Pizza a flavorful and filling experience, often resembling a pizza-casserole hybrid.
In contrast, New York Pizza takes a more minimalist and straightforward approach to toppings. The most classic version features just tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, but additional toppings are also popular, including pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.
However, these toppings are typically spread in a single, thin layer, allowing the crust and sauce to remain the stars of the show. The focus is on balance and harmony, with each ingredient contributing its flavor without overwhelming the others.
The less-is-more philosophy here means the pizza remains light and easy to eat on the go, usually folded in half by enthusiastic New Yorkers.
3. Eating Style
Eating Chicago Pizza is a dining experience that requires time, patience, and often a knife and fork. Due to its thick, hearty crust and generous layers of toppings and sauce, it is usually served as individual slices that are almost like a meal on their own.
The deep-dish nature of this pizza means that it cannot be easily folded or eaten on the go. Instead, diners typically sit down and savor each bite, cutting through the layers to enjoy the rich combination of cheese, meat, and vegetables.
In contrast, the eating style of New York Pizza is designed for convenience and speed. Known for its large, wide slices with a thin, foldable crust, New York Pizza is often eaten on the go.
New Yorkers are famous for folding their slices in half lengthwise, creating a portable wedge that can be easily managed with one hand while walking, chatting, or even commuting.
This practical approach to eating makes New York Pizza a popular choice for busy city dwellers who need a quick and satisfying meal. The ease of eating New York Pizza also adds to its street food charm, allowing diners to enjoy the crispy, chewy, and flavorful slices whenever the craving strikes.
4. Baking Time
The baking time for Chicago Pizza is considerably longer compared to other styles, primarily due to its thick, dense crust and abundant toppings. A typical Chicago Pizza takes about 20 to 25 minutes to bake thoroughly.
This extended baking time is essential to ensure the crust achieves its signature golden brown and crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. The lengthy baking process also allows the cheese to melt evenly and the layered toppings to cook to perfection, infusing the pizza with rich, deep flavors.
Baking a Chicago Pizza often requires a combination of both a high initial temperature to set the crust and a lower temperature to cook the toppings evenly, carefully balancing the need to achieve a perfect bake without burning any components.
On the other hand, New York Pizza bakes relatively quickly due to its thin and crispy crust. A typical New York Pizza usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes to bake in a hot, preheated oven.
The high temperatures, often reaching up to 475°F (245°C) or higher in commercial pizza ovens, help achieve the crust’s characteristic slight char and crispiness while ensuring the toppings cook rapidly.
This shorter baking time also keeps the pizza light and prevents overcooking of the sauce or cheese. The swift baking process captures the essence of New York Pizza – a quick, delicious meal that retains a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness, making it a favorite for those seeking a fast and delectable dining experience.
5. Accessibility
Chicago Pizza, often associated with deep dish, is typically enjoyed in pizzerias and dining establishments where patrons can sit down and appreciate the dish’s complexity. Due to its layered structure and considerable preparation time, Chicago Pizza is usually made to order, which can limit its accessibility in fast-food scenarios.
It is particularly popular in its home city of Chicago, where numerous pizzerias specialize in this rich, filling style. However, outside of its regional stronghold, it might be harder to find unless one seeks out specific restaurants that offer it.
New York Pizza, with its thin, foldable crust, is revered for its accessibility and convenience. This style of pizza is widely available, not just in New York City but across the United States and around the world.
Pizzerias offering New York-style pizza are ubiquitous, from bustling city centers to suburban streets, ensuring that a quick, satisfying slice is almost always within reach. Its portability makes it a popular choice for takeout and delivery, adding to its convenience.
In conclusion, both Chicago and New York Pizza have unique characteristics that make them beloved by locals and tourists alike. While some may prefer the hearty and indulgent taste of Chicago Pizza, others may opt for the simplicity and portability of New York Pizza.
So why not try both styles and decide for yourself which one reigns supreme in the New York vs Chicago pizza debate?
Nutritional Facts Of Chicago vs New York Pizza
While both Chicago and New York Pizza may be delicious, it’s important to also consider their nutritional value. Here are some general nutritional facts for both styles of pizza:
1. Fat
Chicago Pizza, with its thick crust and generous layers of cheese and toppings, is typically higher in fat content. A single slice can contain anywhere from 12 to 20 grams of fat, depending on the specific toppings and amount of cheese used.
The inclusion of processed meat toppings like sausage and pepperoni further increases the saturated fat content, making this style a more indulgent choice.
New York Pizza, characterized by its thin crust, generally has a lower fat content compared to its Chicago counterpart. A slice of plain cheese New York Pizza usually contains about 8 to 15 grams of fat.
While adding meat toppings can raise the fat content, the overall amount is still typically lower than that of a slice of Chicago Pizza due to the thinner crust and less cheese.
2. Carbohydrates
The dense, thick crust of Chicago Pizza means that it is higher in carbohydrates. A single slice can encompass 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates, largely due to the substantial dough used for the base.
This carbohydrate load is important to consider, especially for individuals monitoring their intake for dietary or health reasons.
New York Pizza, with its thin and foldable crust, has a comparatively lower carbohydrate content per slice. Typically, a slice contains around 20 to 30 grams of carbohydrates.
The reduced thickness of the dough contributes to lesser carb content, aligning better with those seeking a lighter option.
3. Protein
Chicago Pizza offers a significant protein boost, thanks to its hefty layer of cheese and meat toppings. A single slice can provide anywhere from 12 to 20 grams of protein, making it a robust choice for those looking to increase their protein intake.
The extensive use of cheese and meats like sausage and pepperoni contributes substantially to this high protein content.
New York Pizza also provides a good source of protein, albeit slightly different in quantity. A typical slice contains around 8 to 16 grams of protein.
While the thinner crust means somewhat less cheese and toppings compared to Chicago Pizza, it remains a good option for protein, especially when adding extra toppings like pepperoni or vegetables.
4. Sodium
The sodium content in Chicago Pizza can be relatively high due to the liberal use of cheese and cured meats. A single slice can contain upwards of 600 to 900 milligrams of sodium.
This elevated sodium level is an essential consideration for those on a low-sodium diet, as excessive intake can impact blood pressure and overall heart health.
New York Pizza also contains a notable amount of sodium, though it tends to be slightly less than Chicago Pizza due to the thinner crust and more restrained use of toppings. A slice typically contains around 400 to 700 milligrams of sodium.
While still high, it’s generally lower than that of Chicago Pizza, making it a marginally better option for sodium-conscious diners.
How To Make Chicago Pizza?
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to try making Chicago Pizza at home, here are the basic steps:
1. Ingredients
– Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– Tomato sauce
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Italian Sausage
– Parmesan Cheese
2. Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven To 425°F
Before you start assembling your Chicago Pizza, it’s crucial to preheat your oven. Set it to 425°F and allow it to heat up thoroughly. This temperature ensures the thick crust cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought dough, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. For homemade dough, follow your recipe to ensure it’s well-risen and ready.
Lightly flour your work surface and begin rolling out the dough. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch, ensuring it can cover the bottom and sides of your deep-dish pizza pan.
Step 3: Press The Dough Into The Pan
Take your rolled-out dough and gently press it into your deep-dish pizza pan, covering the entire bottom and stretching it up the sides. Make sure the dough is distributed evenly, with no thin spots.
The edges should reach the top of the pan to create a deep well for your fillings.
Step 4: Add a Layer Of Cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the dough. This serves as the base layer, creating a barrier that prevents the crust from becoming soggy when you add the tomato sauce.
Ensure the cheese layer is even and covers all parts of the dough.
Step 5: Add Your Toppings
Now it’s time to add your preferred toppings. Traditionally, Chicago Pizza includes Italian sausage, but feel free to add your favorite meats or vegetables.
Distribute the toppings evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring you don’t overload any single area.
Step 6: Pour On The Tomato Sauce
Spread a thick layer of tomato sauce over your toppings. The tomato sauce should cover all the ingredients beneath it, sealing them in.
Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce evenly, ensuring no dry spots remain. This layer of sauce adds flavor and moisture to your pizza.
Step 7: Sprinkle With Parmesan Cheese
Finish off your pizza assembly by sprinkling a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the tomato sauce. This adds a delightful salty flavor and helps to create a golden, slightly crispy top.
Step 8: Bake The Pizza
Place your assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake it for 18 to 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbling, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 9: Let It Cool and Serve!
Once the pizza is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to cut and serve. After a brief cooling period, slice your Chicago Pizza into hearty pieces and enjoy a taste of the Windy City at home!
How To Make New York Pizza?
If you are more interested in New York Pizza, then don’t worry, we have also prepared a general recipe for you to try at home:
1. Ingredients
– Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– Tomato sauce
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Romano cheese
– Fresh Basil
– Rep Pepper Flakes
– Olive Oil
2. Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 500°F. This high temperature is crucial for achieving the characteristic crispiness of New York Pizza.
Ensure your oven is thoroughly heated before you place the pizza inside.
Step 2: Add a Thin Layer Of Tomato Sauce
Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving about 1 inch of the edge untouched to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon to gently distribute the sauce.
Remember, less is more; the sauce should enhance, not overwhelm, the other flavors.
Step 3: Sprinkle Mozzarella Cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Distribute the cheese evenly to ensure each bite has a harmonized blend of sauce and cheese.
For an authentic taste, use whole-milk mozzarella for its superior melting quality and creamy texture.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Customize your pizza with preferred toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers. For a traditional New York pizza, go light on the toppings to maintain the classic thin-crust experience.
Keep in mind that adding too many ingredients can result in a soggy crust.
Step 5: Add Romano Cheese and Fresh Basil
Sprinkle a light dusting of Romano cheese over your toppings for an extra layer of salty, nutty flavor. Finish with a few fresh basil leaves, which add a sweet, aromatic touch that complements the overall taste profile.
Step 6: Drizzle With Olive Oil and Red Pepper Flakes
Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top of the pizza. This adds richness and helps the crust brown. If you enjoy a bit of a kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the entire pizza for a slight heat.
Step 7: Bake The Pizza
Using a pizza peel, slide your pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles with slight browning at the edges.
Rotate the pizza halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Serving!
Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This resting period allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice.
Cut your New York pizza into large, foldable slices and enjoy the classic taste of the Big Apple right at home!
With these basic recipes, you can create your versions of Chicago and New York Pizza at home. Experiment with different toppings and crust styles to find your ultimate favorite.
Regional Variations Of Chicago and New York Pizza
While Chicago deep dish and New York thin crust are the most well-known styles, there are also regional variations within these two cities.
For example, in Chicago, there is also a thin crust style of pizza known as “tavern style” or “party cut” which features a crispy crust and square-shaped slices.
In New York, there are smaller pizzerias that offer their unique twists on the traditional New York-style pizza such as adding toppings like pineapple or BBQ chicken.
New York vs Chicago Pizza: Which One Is Better?
It’s impossible to definitively say which style of pizza is better, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may prefer the heartiness and indulgence of Chicago deep-dish pizza, while others may opt for the simplicity and portability of New York-style pizza.
However, one thing is for sure – both styles have a dedicated fan base and are beloved by locals and tourists alike. So the next time you’re craving a slice, why not try both styles and decide for yourself which one reigns supreme?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate between Chicago vs New York pizza may never be settled, but one thing is for sure – both styles of pizza have a special place in the hearts and stomachs of food lovers everywhere.
Whether you prefer the deep dish indulgence of Chicago or the thin crust simplicity of New York, there’s no denying that these two cities have mastered the art of pizza-making.
So go ahead and indulge in a slice (or two) of your favorite style, balance it with some veggies, and enjoy every delicious bite.
Happy eating!