Detroit-style pie and Chicago deep-dish pizza are two of the most popular types of pizzas in the United States today. Both are known for their thick crusts, delicious toppings, and unique flavors that make them stand out from other styles of pizza. But which one is better?
Lets take a look at the key differences between these two types of pies. From ingredients to cooking methods to presentation, Detroit-style and Chicago deep dish each have distinct characteristics that set them apart but also bring out their best qualities. Let’s take a closer look and decide which one is better.
Their History And Origins
Chicago Deep Dish History
One famous story is that In 1943, Chicago native Ike Sewell created the iconic deep-dish style. His bold new approach took traditional thin crust pies and transformed them into hearty creations with thick crusted bases capable of holding an abundance of toppings.
Pizzeria Uno quickly became renowned for its ingenious creation which quickly gained traction in Chicago’s food scene. It is now an iconic symbol of the city’s vibrant culinary history.
Another story is that back in the 1940s, a man named Rudy Malnati Sr. who worked as a cook at Pizzeria Uno purportedly invented the deep dish signature pizza. He supposedly came up with the idea for the pizza while experimenting with different crusts and toppings. He opened up his own pizzeria after, Lou Malnati’s which is still operational today.
Regardless of which story is true, we just can’t deny that Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has become a beloved staple of the windy city’s culinary landscape. This iconic dish is enjoyed throughout the city and can now be found in many pizzerias, each offering its own interpretation of this classic cuisine.
Detroit-Style Pie History
Detroit-style pizza has been a staple of Detroit cuisine since its inception in 1946. Developed at Buddy’s Rendezvous, a former Speakeasy Located at Hazel Park in the heart of Southeast Michigan. Owned by Ann Arbor and Gus Guerra, the unique style of pizza is characterized by a focaccia-like crust pressed with pepperoni to maximize flavor penetration.
This delicious dish was created using blue steel pans available from local automotive suppliers that were originally used as drip trays or to hold small parts or scrap metal in automobile factories. These rectangular pans were found to be an appropriate baking pan for the Detroit-style pizza recipe that was rumored to be created by Piccanato, a former employee of Buddy’s Pizza.
Then on, Detroit-style Pizza has become a favorite of Detroiters since its invention and remains an integral part of the motor city’s culinary cuisine to this day.
There are major differences between these two type of pizza. Detroit pizza has a thicker, crunchier exterior with a softer, airy crust, while Chicago deep-dish pizza has a buttery, flaky crust that is much deeper. The toppings are also arranged in reverse order, with the sauce on top of the cheese for Detroit-style pizza, and the cheese on top of the sauce for Chicago deep dish. The sides of the pan are also important in determining the texture of each pizza. For Detroit-style pizza, the cheese is caramelized on the edges of the pan, while for Chicago deep dish, the cheese and crust become one, forming a unique texture.
How They Differ?
There are major differences between these two pizza styles. Detroit-style pizza has a thicker, crunchier exterior with a softer, airier crust, while Chicago deep-dish pizza has a buttery, flaky crust that is much deeper. The toppings are also arranged in reverse order, with the sauce on top of the cheese for traditional Detroit-style pizza, and the cheese on top of the sauce for Chicago deep dish. The sides of the pan are also important in determining the texture of each pizza. For Detroit-style pizza, the cheese is caramelized on the edges of the pan, while for Chicago PIZZA, the cheese and crust become one, forming a unique texture.
Side-By-Side Comparison Of The Different Characteristics Of A Chicago Deep-dish And Detroit-style Pizzas
Chicago Deep Dish
Crust:
- Thick
- Flaky Texture
- Butter flavor
The crust of a Chicago deep-dish is perhaps the most defining characteristic. It is thick, often up to 1.5 inches tall, and has a flaky texture. The crust is usually made with a lot of butter, which gives it a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
Sauce:
- Chunky tomato sauce
- Spicy or sweet
The sauce on a deep dish pizza is chunky and often made with whole, peeled tomatoes. It can be either spicy or sweet, depending on the pizzeria’s recipe.
Cheese:
- Mozzarella
- Layered on top of sauce
- Plenty of cheese
Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese on a deep dish pizza. It is layered on top of the sauce and there is plenty of it!
Toppings:
- Wide variety
- Placed on top of cheese
- Often includes sausage, onions, and peppers
The toppings on a deep dish pizza are wide-ranging and can include just about anything. However, the classic toppings for a deep dish pizza include sausage, onions, and pepperoni.
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is perfect for those who love a rich, buttery crust and plenty of cheese. The toppings are also plentiful and can be customized to anyone’s taste. It’s the perfect hearty pizza for a hearty, filling meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Detroit-Style Pie
Crust:
- Thick
- Rectangular
- Crispy edges
The crust of a Detroit-style Pie is also thick, but it is rectangular rather than circular. The edges of the pizza are crispy, formed by baking the pizza in a well-oiled pan.
Sauce:
- Tomato sauce
- Placed on top of cheese
The sauce is typically placed on top of the cheese, rather than under it. The sauce is usually made with tomato and is often chunky.
Cheese:
- Wisconsin Brick Cheese
- Spread to edges
- Caramelized
Wisconsin Brick Cheese is the signature cheese on a Detroit-style pizza. It is spread all the way to the edges of the pizza, where it caramelizes and creates a crispy, cheese-filled crust.
Toppings:
- Wide variety
- Placed on top of cheese
- Often includes pepperoni, sausage, or unique toppings like tater tots.
The toppings on a Detroit-style pizza are also wide-ranging and can include just about anything. Classic toppings for a Detroit-style pizza include pepperoni, sausage, and other meats.
Detroit-style pizza is perfect for those who love a crispy crust and a cheese-filled edge. The unique rectangular shape also allows for more slices and makes it perfect for sharing with a group of friends. The toppings are also varied and can be customized to anyone’s taste.
How they differ in cooking method?
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust that is similar to a pie crust. The dough is typically made with a high gluten flour and cornmeal, giving it a crunchy texture. The pizza is cooked in a deep dish pan, which allows for a large amount of toppings to be added without weighing down the crust. The sauce is placed on top of the cheese, which creates a unique flavor profile. Chicago-style deep dish pizzas take longer to cook due to their thickness, typically taking around 45 minutes to an hour.
Detroit-style pizza, on the other hand, has a thicker crust than traditional New York-style pizza, but not as thick as a deep dish. The crust is light and airy with a crispy texture on the bottom and edges. The dough is typically made with a high hydration rate, which gives it a chewy texture. The pizza is cooked in a rectangular steel oil pan that is typically used for automotive parts, giving it a unique shape. The sauce is typically placed on top of the cheese, but it is often spread all the way to the edges, creating a caramelized crust. Detroit-style pizzas take less time to cook than Chicago-style pizzas, typically taking around 20 to 30 minutes.
Chicago-style Deep-dish
- Thick, buttery crust similar to a pie crust
- High gluten flour and cornmeal in the dough
- Cooked in a deep dish pan
- Takes 45 minutes to an hour to cook
- Sauce placed on top of cheese
Detroit-style Pie
- Thicker crust than New York-style pizza, but not as thick as a deep dish
- Light and airy with a crispy texture on the bottom and edges
- High hydration rate in the dough
- Cooked in a rectangular steel blue pan
- Takes 20 to 30 minutes to cook
- Sauce typically placed on top of cheese, but spread all the way to the edges
More Difference And Similarities
Here are some more differences and similarities between Chicago deep dish and Detroit-style pizza:
Differences:
- Chicago-style deep dish pizza has a thicker crust and is more like a pie, while Detroit-style pizza has a thinner, chewier crust.
- Chicago-style pizza is cooked in a deep pan, while Detroit-style pizza is cooked in a rectangular steel pan.
- The sauce placement is different between the two pizzas – on top of the cheese for Chicago-style pizza and spread to the edges for Detroit-style pizza.
- Chicago-style pizza takes longer to cook than Detroit-style pizza.
Similarities:
- Both pizzas are popular in the Midwest region of the United States.
- Both pizzas have a unique texture and flavor profile.
- Both pizzas allow for a generous amount of toppings.
So, Which Is Better?
Question on which is better between Chicago deep-dish and Detroit-style pie will likely continue for years to come. They both offer unique and delicious experiences, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and taste. It’s up to the you to decide which one you prefer, whether it’s the iconic Chicago deep dish or the up-and-coming Detroit-style. I suggest you try them both and be the judge.
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