The Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza debate has raged in Chicago for decades. As a long-time Chicago resident who has partaken in many late-night pizza debates, we have developed strong opinions on both styles of pizza.
Deep Dish lovers argue that it is the quintessential Chicago-style pie-thick, cheesy, and able to feed an army. However, Stuffed Pizza advocates claim their style is truly unique to the city, with layers of dough separated by mounds of cheese and sauce.
Both have their merits, but which reigns supreme?
In this post, we will explore the intriguing world of deep dish vs stuffed pizza and try to definitively settle this argument once and for all through careful analysis of texture, flavors, and what truly makes a pizza great.
What Is Deep Dish Pizza?
Deep dish pizza, also known as Chicago-style pizza, is a thick-crust pie that originated in the city in the 1940s. It is typically served in a deep round pan and has a high-edge crust that allows for an abundance of toppings and cheese to be added.
The crust itself is usually made with cornmeal giving it a slightly crunchy texture, and acts as a sturdy base to hold all the delicious toppings.
What Is Stuffed Pizza?
Stuffed pizza, on the other hand, is a variation of Deep Dish That emerged in the 1970s. It takes the traditional Deep Dish crust and adds an extra layer of dough on top, creating a pocket or “stuffed” space for even more toppings and cheese to be added.
This style also has a thicker crust than traditional thin-crust pizza, giving it a hearty and substantial texture.
Is Deep Dish Pizza The Same As Stuffed Pizza?
While both Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza are thick-crust pies, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
Deep Dish is known for its high-edge crust and abundance of toppings, while Stuffed Pizza has an extra layer of dough on top and even more toppings and cheese. Although the two may look similar at first glance, they have different textures, flavors, and histories.
Deep Dish vs Stuffed Pizza: What Are The Main Differences?
You already know that these two types of pizza are different. So what’s the difference between them? The truth will be revealed after this.
1. The Dough
– Deep Dish Pizza: The dough for Deep Dish Pizza is made with cornmeal, giving it a slightly crunchy texture and adding a hint of sweetness to the crust.
– Stuffed Pizza: The dough for Stuffed Pizza is usually similar to that used in traditional thin-crust pizza but with added oil or butter to make it thicker and heartier.
2. The Toppings
– Deep Dish Pizza: Deep Dish Pizza has a deep layer of toppings and cheese that often includes chunks of tomato, sausage, or pepperoni. The toppings are usually placed on top of the cheese, giving it a traditional “Chicago-style” appearance.
– Stuffed Pizza: Stuffed Pizza, as the name suggests, is stuffed with toppings and cheese between two layers of dough. This allows for even more ingredients to be added, such as vegetables or extra meats.
3. The Texture
– Deep Dish Pizza: Due to its thick crust and layers of toppings and cheese, Deep Dish Pizza has a hearty and filling texture. The crust is crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside.
– Stuffed Pizza: With an extra layer of dough on top, Stuffed Pizza has a unique texture compared to other pizza styles. The outside is crispy, and the inside is soft and doughy, creating a perfect balance of textures.
4. The Crust
– Deep Dish Pizza: The high-edge crust of Deep Dish Pizza is a defining characteristic, providing a sturdy base for all the toppings and adding to its overall thickness.
– Stuffed Pizza: Stuffed Pizza also has a thick crust but with an added layer on top. This creates a pocket for additional ingredients and gives it a distinct look from traditional Deep Dish Pizza.
5. The Cheese
– Deep Dish Pizza: Deep Dish Pizza is known for its generous amount of cheese, with the gooey goodness often dripping off the slice. The cheese is typically placed on top of the toppings and acts as a glue holding everything together.
– Stuffed Pizza: Stuffed Pizza also has plenty of cheese, but it’s evenly distributed between two layers of dough. This allows for more even distribution and ensures every bite has the perfect cheese-to-topping ratio.
6. The Sauce
– Deep Dish Pizza: The sauce in Deep Dish Pizza is chunky and often made with chunks of tomatoes, giving it a hearty and flavorful taste.
– Stuffed Pizza: Stuffed Pizza can have either chunky or smooth sauce, but it is usually thicker than the sauce used in a deep dish. This helps prevent the extra layer of dough from becoming soggy.
7. The Temperature
– Deep Dish Pizza: Due to its thickness, Deep Dish Pizza takes longer to bake and therefore is usually served piping hot.
– Stuffed Pizza: Stuffed Pizza also takes a bit longer to cook than traditional thin-crust pizza, but it’s often served slightly cooler to prevent the extra layer of dough from becoming too crispy.
After comparing these two delicious styles of pizza, it’s clear that they each have their unique qualities and are both beloved by Chicagoans and pizza lovers worldwide.
Whether you prefer the hearty texture of Deep Dish or the extra layers of toppings in Stuffed Pizza, one thing is for sure – a trip to Chicago isn’t complete without trying both styles!
Must-See Pizza Places For The Best Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza Experience
Here are some must-see pizza places in Chicago for those looking to indulge in the best Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza experience that we recommend you all:
1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: Known for its famous Deep Dish Pizza, Lou Malnati’s is a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.
2. Giordano’s: Another popular spot for Deep Dish Pizza lovers, Giordano’s has been serving up their signature Stuffed Pizza since 1974.
3. Gino’s East: Known for its unique cornmeal crust, Gino’s East is a must-visit for those looking to try Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza in one place.
4. Pequod’s Pizza: This hidden gem is known for its crispy caramelized crust and mouth-watering toppings, making it a favorite among locals.
5. Nancy’s Pizza: With over 40 years of experience in serving up their signature Stuffed Pizza, Nancy’s is a staple in the Chicago pizza scene.
So next time you’re in Chicago, make sure to stop by one (or all) of these must-see pizza places for the ultimate Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza experience!
How To Make Deep Dish Pizza?
1. Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup water at room temperature
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes, drained and crushed by hand
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
– Toppings of your choice (suggestions: pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers)
2. Instructions
– Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
– Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix water, olive oil, and yeast until well combined.
– Step 3: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
– Step 4: Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface.
– Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 2 hours.
– Step 6: Preheat your oven to 425°F.
– Step 7: Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it in a Deep Dish Pizza pan.
– Step 8: In a separate bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano. Spread the mixture onto the dough.
– Step 9: Layer on your desired toppings.
– Step 10: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
– Step 11: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
– Step 12: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
How To Make Stuffed Pizza?
1. Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup water at room temperature
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes, drained and crushed by hand
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons cornmeal
– 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
– Toppings of your choice (suggestions: sausage, mushrooms, onions)
2. Instructions
– Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
– Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix water, olive oil, and yeast until well combined.
– Step 3: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
– Step 4: Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface.
– Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 2 hours.
– Step 6: Preheat your oven to 425°F and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to preheat as well.
– Step 7: Roll out the dough into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle cornmeal on the baking sheet or pizza stone and transfer the dough onto it.
– Step 8: In a separate bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano. Spread the mixture onto one-half of the dough.
– Step 9: Layer your desired toppings on top of the tomato sauce.
– Step 10: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
– Step 11: Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings and crimp the edges to seal it.
– Step 12: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
– Step 13: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
So whether you prefer Deep Dish or Stuffed Pizza, with these delicious recipes, you can enjoy the best of both worlds from the comfort of your own home.
Stuffed Pizza vs Deep Dish – What Should We Choose?
It finally comes down to personal opinion on whether deep-dish or filled pizza is preferred because they both put a distinctive and delectable twist on classic pizza.
Take into consideration the following elements to assist you in selecting which could be the ideal fit for you.
1. Toppings and Cheese: Deep-dish pizza is typically seen as a “toppings” pizza because the cheese goes on top of the toppings. Stuffed Pizzas, in contrast, offer a more evenly distributed topping and cheese ratio.
2. Crust: Deep-dish pizza has a higher-edge crust that provides a solid foundation for all other ingredients while also adding to its overall depth. The Stuffed Pizza additionally has a dense crust, but it features an additional top layer. This produces a particular appearance from the normal deep-dish pizza.
3. Texture: Deep Dish Pizza is filled with toppings and cheese that make it have a hearty texture making it very fulfilling to eat. On the other hand, Stuffed Pizza acquires its distinctive texture from being stacked with an extra dough coating on top, giving it a perfect balance of crispiness and softness.
4. Sauce: Deep Dish Pizza sauce is chunky, with large pieces of tomatoes providing it with an intense and delicious taste. Stuffed Pizzas generally have thicker sauce to prevent the additional layer of dough from becoming soggy.
5. Temperature: Due to its thickness, Deep Dish Pizza takes longer to bake, resulting in it being served piping hot. Stuffed Pizzas take a little longer than thin-crust pizza, but they are generally served at a cooler temperature to prevent the extra dough layer from getting too crispy.
At the end of the day, it depends on personal preference when it comes to choosing between Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza. Both styles have their unique qualities and flavors that make them loved by many.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty and indulgent Deep Dish or a more evenly distributed Stuffed Pizza, one thing is for sure – they both represent the deliciousness of Chicago-style pizza!
Conclusion
In summary, the debate between deep dish and stuffed pizza comes down to personal preference and specific culinary application. Both styles offer their unique flavors and textures, making Chicago-style pizza a beloved dish by many.
Whether you’re visiting the Windy City or just craving a taste of authentic Chicago pizza, be sure to check out some of the must-see pizza places mentioned for an unforgettable Deep Dish and Stuffed Pizza experience.
And if you can’t make it to Chicago, try out our homemade recipes for a taste of the city right in your kitchen.
Happy pizza making!