Deep Dish Cheese Pizza
A classic deep dish pizza with Wisconsin mozzarella cheese and vine-ripened tomato sauce on a flaky, buttery crust.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Deep dish pizza emerged in Chicago, Illinois, in the early 20th century, evolving from classic Italian pizza traditions. Immigrants seeking familiar flavors adapted their recipes using local ingredients and a unique cooking method to create a distinctly American pizza style.
Deep dish pizza is deeply ingrained in Chicago culture, often associated with gatherings, celebrations, and a sense of local pride. It's a communal dish enjoyed with friends and family, often representing the city's culinary identity.
Chicago Staple
Deep dish pizza is synonymous with Chicago, often considered a must-try food for tourists and a beloved comfort food for locals.
Social Gathering Food
The size and richness of deep dish pizza make it ideal for sharing, making it a popular choice for group meals and social events.
Culinary Debate
Deep dish pizza is often compared and contrasted with other pizza styles, particularly New York-style pizza, sparking ongoing culinary debates about which style reigns supreme.
The Deep Dish Cheese Pizza is characterized by a harmonious blend of rich, buttery crust, tangy tomato sauce, and generous amounts of gooey Wisconsin mozzarella cheese. The high sides allow for a deep layering of these core flavors.
The flaky, buttery crust provides a substantial base, contrasting the softer, more delicate Neapolitan crust. The vine-ripened tomato sauce offers a balance of sweetness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cheese. Wisconsin mozzarella, known for its mild flavor and excellent meltability, creates a cheesy, gooey layer that defines the experience. Some variations include herbs like oregano or basil in the sauce for added complexity.
Crust Preparation
Use cold butter and ice water in the crust to ensure flakiness. Press the dough firmly into the sides of the pan, creating a sturdy wall to contain the fillings.
Layering Technique
Layer the cheese directly on the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy. Then, add the sauce on top of the cheese. This order is critical to avoid a soggy crust.
Baking Temperature and Time
Bake the pizza at a moderate temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) for an extended period (40-50 minutes) to ensure the crust is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use a pizza stone if available.
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