The Cheesy Delight: Unraveling the Abundance of Cheese on Deep Dish Chicago-Style Pizza

When it comes to pizza, the deep-dish style that originated in Chicago is in a league of its own. This pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and most notably, its generous layer of cheese. But why does Chicago-style pizza have so much more cheese than other styles of pizza? The answer lies in the unique construction of this pizza, the history of its creation, and the culinary culture of the Windy City itself.

The Construction of a Deep-Dish Pizza

Unlike traditional pizzas where the cheese is simply a topping, in a deep-dish pizza, the cheese is a crucial structural component. The deep-dish pizza is built ‘upside-down’ compared to other pizzas. The cheese is layered directly on the crust, followed by the toppings, and finally, the sauce. This inverted structure requires a substantial amount of cheese to create a barrier that prevents the crust from becoming soggy from the sauce and toppings. The result is a pizza that is as much about the cheese as it is about the other components.

The History of the Deep-Dish Pizza

The deep-dish pizza was created in 1943 by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, the owners of Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. At a time when most pizzas were very thin and light on toppings, Sewell and Riccardo wanted to create a pizza that was a hearty meal in itself. They came up with the idea of a ‘pizza pie’ with a thick crust and abundant fillings. The generous layer of cheese was a key part of this concept, providing richness and satiety.

The Culinary Culture of Chicago

Chicago has a long history of hearty, comfort food, from its famous hot dogs to its Italian beef sandwiches. The deep-dish pizza fits right into this tradition with its substantial, satisfying nature. The copious amount of cheese on a deep-dish pizza is a reflection of this culinary culture, offering a rich, indulgent experience that is quintessentially Chicago.

Conclusion

So, the abundance of cheese on a deep-dish Chicago-style pizza is not just a random choice, but a deliberate design that serves both practical and culinary purposes. It creates a unique texture and flavor profile, contributes to the structural integrity of the pizza, and aligns with the hearty, comfort food tradition of Chicago. Next time you dig into a slice of deep-dish pizza, take a moment to appreciate the thought and history that has gone into that glorious layer of cheese.