Detroit vs Chicago Pizza Which is the Best Style Deep Dish

Regarding pizza, few debates are as intense as the one between supporters of Detroit-style and Chicago-style pies. The Detroit vs Chicago Pizza debate has never been fully settled. Pizza lovers can’t seem to get enough of both detroit-style pizza and chicago-style pizza. Each kind or kinds of pizza has unique characteristics, loyal followers, and a rich culinary history. While both are undeniably delicious, their significant differences go beyond generous toppings and extend to the very center of their origins.

I’ve tried them all, having had the opportunity to visit Detroit and Chicago many times over the years for work. Needless to say, both are delicious. So, let’s delve into the distinct differences between Detroit and Chicago pizza, exploring their origins, ingredients, and what sets them apart.

The Difference. Detroit vs Chicago Pizza

Chicago-style pizza starts with a flaky, thinner crust, whereas Detroit-style pizza boasts a thick, airy base reminiscent of focaccia bread. What sets Detroit-style apart is its lighter texture and the cheesy, crispy underside of its crust

The flaky, thin, deep crust of a conventional pie forms the foundation of a Chicago style pizza slice. On the other hand, Detroit-style pizza features a base with a thick, airy crust akin to focaccia. The lighter texture and cheesy, crispy underside of a crust made in the Detroit style set it apart from other crusts.

Detroit Vs Chicago Pizza: A Square Slice of History Made in a Deep Pan

Let’s start our journey with Detroit pizza, a culinary gem that traces its roots back to the Motor City. Emerging in the mid-20th century, this style of pizza has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of pizza aficionados with its distinctive square shape and crispy, cheesy edges. But what sets Detroit pizza apart from its counterparts?

1. The Pan is Key in the Detroit vs Chicago Pizza Equation

The hallmark of Detroit pizza lies in its unique baking vessel – the blue steel or seasoned steel pan. Originally repurposed from the automotive industry, these pans provide the perfect canvas for creating the signature crispy crust that Detroit-style pizza is known for. The dough is pressed into the oiled pan, (I like olive oil) allowing it to rise and develop a crunchy exterior while remaining soft and airy on the inside.

2. The Dough:

A critical element in the Detroit vs Chicago Pizza battle. Unlike its thinner-crust counterparts, Detroit pizza features a thicker crust, bread-like crust that serves as the foundation for the toppings. Made with high-gluten purpose flour and often fermented for an extended period, the dough develops complex flavors and a satisfying chewiness that complements the other components of the pizza.

3. Detroit vs Chicago Pizza The Cheese:

One of the defining characteristics of Detroit pizza is the layer top of the cheese that blankets the dough, forming a caramelized edge as it bakes against the sides of the pan. Traditionally, this type of pizza uses Wisconsin brick cheese or a blend of mozzarella cheese and cheddar, adding a creamy richness and irresistible gooeyness to each slice. I love a pan pizza that uses a ton of cheese that gets extra crispy.

Chicago Pizza: Deep-Dish Pizza Dreams in the Windy City

On the other side of the pizza spectrum lies Chicago-style pizza, a culinary icon synonymous with the vibrant streets of the Windy City. With its towering layers of dough, cheese, and toppings, Chicago pizza offers a hearty and indulgent dining experience that’s distinctly its own. So, what sets Chicago-style pizza apart from the rest?

1. The Crust:

At the heart of every Chicago pizza lies its deep-dish crust – a buttery, golden-brown masterpiece that’s as much a vessel for toppings as it is a star of the show. Made from a rich dough that’s akin to a flaky pie crust, the base of a Chicago pizza provides a sturdy foundation capable of supporting generous layers of ingredients.

2. The Assembly Settles the Debate for Some When it Comes to Detroit vs Chicago Pizza

Unlike traditional pizzas that layer toppings on a thin crust, Chicago-style pizzas are assembled in reverse order, with cheese and toppings placed directly on the dough before being covered with a generous layer of tomato sauce. This unique construction prevents the crust from becoming soggy and ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.

3. The Sauce:

A defining feature of Chicago-style pizza is its chunky sauce, which is often made with whole peeled tomatoes and seasoned with herbs and spices. This hearty sauce provides a vibrant contrast to the richness of the cheese and crust, adding a burst of freshness to every bite.

The Great Debate: Detroit vs. Chicago Pizza

With their distinct styles and loyal followings, it’s no surprise that Detroit and Chicago pizzas have sparked a debate that’s as passionate as it is delicious. While both offer a satisfying slice of culinary history, there are a few key differences that set them apart:

1. Crust:

Detroit pizza boasts a thick, crispy crust that’s reminiscent of breadsticks, while Chicago pizza features a deep-dish crust that’s flaky and buttery like a pie crust.

2. Cheese:

Detroit pizza showcases a layer of caramelized cheese along the edges, while Chicago pizza features a generous blanket of cheese that melts into every nook and cranny.

3. Toppings to Know for the Detroit vs Chicago Pizza Debate

While both styles offer a wide range of topping options, Chicago pizza tends to feature heartier ingredients like Italian sausage, peppers, and onions, while Detroit pizza often sticks to classics like pepperoni and mushrooms.

4. Presentation:

Detroit pizza is typically served in square slices, while Chicago pizza is presented in wedges akin to a pie.

Commonly Asked Questions About Detroit vs Chicago Pizza

What is the difference between Detroit and Chicago pizza?

A Chicago-style pizza is a flaky, thin crust like a traditional pie. Meanwhile, Detroit pizza has a thick and fluffy crust reminiscent of focaccia with a c. A Detroit-style crust has an airier texture and a cheesy, crispy underside.

Is Detroit-style pizza like Sicilian pizza?

 While Detroit-style and Sicilian pizzas share a rectangular shape, they differ significantly in terms of origin, toppings, and baking method.

Is deep-dish from Chicago or Detroit?

Despite their similarities, Detroit and Chicago-style pizza crust differ in many ways. The most biggest difference is the pan in which they are cooked—Detroit-style pizza crust is cooked in a shallow rectangular pan, while Chicago pizza is cooked in a deep-dish round pan.

Is Detroit pizza the same as deep dish?

While other pizza types may be considered deep dish, Detroit-style pizza is different, having a soft inside and crispy outside. Chicago-style pizza is flakier, thin, deep crust like a traditional pie, Detroit-style pizza stars a thick crust closely resembling focaccia.

Why is deep-dish pizza so popular in Chicago?

According to Chicago locals, this is the best pie. The Chicago-style pizza was invented in Chi-Town by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo and is their preferred pizza style. These two combined their love for business and Italian cuisine and opened Pizzeria Uno in Chicago in 1943.

Why does Chicago pizza have sauce on top?

This is because the dough used for Chicago pizzas takes longer to cook than the dough used for NY pizzas. Consequently, the ingredients for the pizza have to be layered in a very specific way so they don’t burn: with the sauce on top

Final Thoughts On the Detroit vs Chicago Pizza Debate

In the eternal debate between Detroit and Chicago pizza, there’s no clear winner – only a delicious journey through the diverse world of pizza. Whether you prefer the crispy edges and cheesy goodness of Detroit-style pizza or the indulgent layers of Chicago-style deep dish, one thing is certain: both offer a slice of culinary history that’s worth savoring. So, the next time you find yourself craving a taste of Italy with an American twist, why not try them both and experience the best of both worlds?