Celebrating Pi Day in Illinois with Chicago-Style Pizza
Pi Day is a fantastic time to celebrate all things mathematical, but it’s also the perfect occasion to indulge in something truly delicious. And what better way to do so than with a slice of the iconic Chicago-style pizza?
Originating in the Windy City, Chicago-style pizza has become a beloved dish across the globe, especially for its deep, hearty crust and layers of savory ingredients. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, there’s no better time than Pi Day to dig into this pizza masterpiece.
The Origins of Chicago-Style Pizza
Chicago-style pizza was invented in the 1940s by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, the founders of Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. Their vision was to create a pizza that stood apart from the thin-crust varieties of the time, offering a deep-dish pie that could be filled with more ingredients and layered for maximum flavor. The result was a pizza that looked more like a pie than a traditional pizza.
Unlike the usual flat pizza, Chicago-style pizza features a thick, buttery crust that forms the base of the dish. It’s filled with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, followed by a hearty helping of toppings, and then topped with a rich, tangy tomato sauce.
What Makes Chicago-Style Pizza Special?
- The Deep-Dish Crust
The most distinct feature of Chicago-style pizza is its crust. It’s thicker than traditional pizzas and more akin to a pie crust, providing a buttery and crispy texture that perfectly holds all the layers of cheese, meats, and sauce. This creates a filling and hearty dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a special celebration like Pi Day. - Layered Ingredients
Chicago-style pizza isn’t just about the crust; it’s about the layers. The cheese is typically placed directly on the dough, followed by the toppings (like sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, or veggies), and finished with a generous amount of tomato sauce. This method ensures that every bite is rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. - Baked to Perfection
Once assembled, the pizza is baked in a deep, round pan. This allows the crust to bake evenly while the cheese and toppings melt into the perfect gooey goodness. When you slice into a Chicago-style pizza, you’re greeted with a full, satisfying meal that’s as filling as it is flavorful.
Where to Get the Best Chicago-Style Pizza
While Chicago is known for its pizza, you don’t have to be in the city to experience its legendary deep-dish pizza. Several local pizzerias in Illinois and across the U.S. have adopted the style, but for the ultimate experience, there’s nothing like enjoying a slice right in the heart of Chicago.
Some of the top places to grab a slice of Chicago-style pizza in the city include:
- Lou Malnati’s
A Chicago institution, Lou Malnati’s is often hailed as one of the best places to get Chicago-style pizza. With its buttery crust and fresh ingredients, it’s a must-try for any pizza lover. - Giordano’s
Known for its stuffed deep-dish pizza, Giordano’s is another fan favorite. Their pie is stuffed with cheese and toppings before being baked to perfection, making it one of the heartiest Chicago-style pizzas around. - Pizzeria Uno
As the birthplace of Chicago-style pizza, Pizzeria Uno is a classic choice. Whether you’re enjoying the original deep-dish or one of their newer creations, Pizzeria Uno is a piece of pizza history.
Why Chicago-Style Pizza is Perfect for Pi Day
Pi Day is all about celebrating circles and the mathematical constant π (3.14159…). What better way to mark this day than by indulging in a pizza that’s literally a circle of cheesy, delicious perfection? Chicago-style pizza is the perfect Pi Day treat, with its round shape, layered flavors, and rich crust.
So, this Pi Day, take a slice of Chicago history and celebrate in the most delicious way possible. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, friends, or solo, Chicago-style pizza is sure to leave you satisfied and smiling.
Ready to dive into Chicago-style pizza this Pi Day? Celebrate with a slice (or two) and enjoy the tastes that have made this dish a national treasure.