When it comes to pizza, two American cities stand out for their distinctive styles: Chicago and Detroit. Both have loyal followings, with fans fiercely defending their preferred style. So, what sets Chicago pizza apart from Detroit pizza, and vice versa? Let’s take a closer look.
Chicago Pizza
Chicago-style pizza is known for its deep dish crust, which is tall enough to hold a thick layer of cheese and toppings. The crust is usually made from a buttery, flaky dough that is similar to a pie crust. The cheese is typically a blend of mozzarella and a hard, grated cheese like Parmesan or Romano. The sauce is made with crushed tomatoes, and it’s usually seasoned with garlic, oregano, and other spices.
One of the most distinctive features of Chicago pizza is the way it’s assembled. The cheese is spread directly on top of the crust, followed by the toppings, and then the sauce is poured on top. This prevents the toppings from getting soggy and helps to create a crispy crust.
Chicago pizza is typically served in individual slices, and it’s often eaten with a knife and fork. It’s a hearty and filling pizza that’s perfect for a cold winter night.
Detroit Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is a relative newcomer to the pizza scene, but it’s quickly gaining popularity. It was originally created in Detroit in the 1940s, and it’s been described as a cross between Chicago-style pizza and Sicilian-style pizza.
Detroit pizza is made in a rectangular pan that’s similar to a cake pan. The dough is stretched out to the edges of the pan, creating a thick, crispy crust. The cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the dough, which creates a caramelized crust around the edge of the pizza.
The sauce is usually a simple tomato sauce, and the toppings are often placed under the cheese. This helps to prevent the toppings from burning and allows the cheese to melt over the top of them.
Detroit pizza is typically cut into squares, and it’s often eaten with your hands. It’s a crispy and cheesy pizza that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
So, what’s the difference between Chicago pizza and Detroit pizza? The most obvious difference is the crust. Chicago pizza has a deep dish crust, while Detroit pizza has a thick, crispy crust that’s caramelized around the edges. Chicago pizza is assembled with the cheese on the bottom, while Detroit pizza has the cheese all the way to the edges of the crust.
The sauce is also different. Chicago pizza has a seasoned tomato sauce, while Detroit pizza has a simple tomato sauce. The toppings are usually placed on top of the sauce on Chicago pizza, while they’re placed under the cheese on Detroit pizza.
Both styles of pizza have their fans, and both are delicious in their own way. Chicago pizza is hearty and filling, while Detroit pizza is crispy and cheesy. Whether you prefer deep dish or thick crust, one thing is for sure: both Chicago and Detroit know how to make a great pizza.