Chicago-style pizza

Chicago-style pizza is a delectable tradition that comes in various forms, the most famous of which is deep-dish pizza. This iconic version is renowned for its thick crust and high edges, accommodating generous amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. There's also a stuffed variant that's equally hearty. The origin of deep-dish pizza remains a topic of debate, with several Chicago pizzerias laying claim to its invention.

The distinguishing feature of deep-dish pizza is its pie-like crust. It is baked in a specialized iron skillet or steel pan, with the dough pressed up the sides to encase all the toppings. The layering order is unique: first comes the cheese, followed by meats and other toppings, and finally, a layer of uncooked tomato sauce. To prevent it from becoming soggy, the pizza is not cut until it is ready to be served.

Stuffed pizza elevates the experience with even more toppings and an additional layer of dough on top, giving it a domed appearance. It is often topped with a layer of tomato sauce before baking. Conversely, Chicago's thin-crust pizza also enjoys popularity, characterized by its firm, crunchy crust typically cut into squares.

When it comes to toppings, Chicagoans favor Italian sausage over pepperoni, which is more popular in other parts of the U.S. The affection for Chicago-style pizza has spread so widely that some restaurants now ship their pizzas partially baked and frozen across the continental United States.