Deep dish pizza is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and stomachs of pizza lovers around the world. April 5th is celebrated as Deep Dish Pizza Day, a day when pizza enthusiasts can indulge in this delicious and decadent dish. Deep dish pizza is characterized by its thick and flaky crust, which is filled with cheese, tomato sauce, and various toppings of your choice. The pizza is cooked in a deep dish, which gives it its signature shape and ensures that all of the toppings and cheese are held securely in place.

Although its origins are a subject of debate, deep dish pizza is widely believed to have originated in Chicago in the early 20th century. The dish has since become a popular staple of Chicago-style cuisine and is now enjoyed by pizza lovers around the world. While it may take longer to cook than other pizza varieties, the result is a rich, flavorful pizza that is sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re a fan of classic cheese and pepperoni or prefer more adventurous toppings, Deep Dish Pizza Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this delicious and iconic dish.

In addition to its unique taste and texture, deep dish pizza has also become a cultural symbol of Chicago and is often featured in movies and TV shows set in the city. It has even been the subject of friendly rivalries between different cities, with some arguing that their local version of pizza is superior. Regardless of where you stand on the pizza debate, Deep Dish Pizza Day is a great way to appreciate this delicious and beloved dish. So, on April 5th, why not treat yourself to a slice (or two) of deep dish pizza and savor the delicious flavor that has made it a beloved pizza variety for generations.

Fun Facts About Deep Dish Pizza:

• It’s also known as “Chicago-style pizza”: Deep dish pizza is often associated with the city of Chicago, where it originated in the 1940s. It’s commonly referred to as “Chicago-style pizza” and has become a signature dish of the city.
• The crust is key: The deep-dish pizza crust is one of the most important elements of the dish. It’s thick and buttery, and often made with cornmeal to give it a slightly crunchy texture.
• The pizza is assembled “upside-down”: When making a deep-dish pizza, the toppings are placed on the crust in reverse order, with the cheese going on the bottom and the tomato sauce on top. This helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
• It takes longer to cook than other pizza styles: Due to its thick crust and layered toppings, deep dish pizza takes longer to cook than other pizza styles. It can take up to 45 minutes or more to bake in the oven.
• It’s a filling and hearty meal: Because of its thickness and generous toppings, deep dish pizza is often considered a more filling and substantial meal than other pizza styles. It’s a popular choice for family gatherings and parties.
• It’s versatile: While deep dish pizza is often associated with classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, it can also be customized with a variety of other ingredients, such as spinach, artichokes, or even macaroni and cheese.
• It has a fan following: Deep dish pizza has a devoted fan base, and there are even annual competitions and events dedicated to the dish. For example, the annual “Pizza Summit” in Chicago is a celebration of all things deep dish pizza, with dozens of local restaurants and pizzerias showcasing their own unique takes on the dish.

Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces pepperoni, chopped
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 (16-ounce) packages refrigerated pizza dough

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a deep dish pizza pan with 1 tablespoon of the oil.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and sugar and season with the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Spread the sauce over the prepared pizza pan. Sprinkle with the pepperoni, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, basil, and parsley.
4. Unroll the pizza dough and lay it over the top of the pizza. Crimp the edges to seal.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Be sure to tell us what your favorite pizza topping is. We’d love to hear from you.