That craving hits hard, doesn’t it? The sudden, undeniable urge for a slice – no, a slab – of Chicago style pizza. That buttery, towering crust, the chunky tomato sauce practically bursting with flavor, and a blanket of melted mozzarella that stretches for miles. But you’re in Pensacola, Florida, a beautiful city known for its pristine beaches and Southern charm. While Pensacola boasts a vibrant food scene, finding authentic Chicago style pizza can feel like searching for a deep-sea treasure. Fear not, fellow deep dish devotees! This guide is your compass, navigating the Pensacola pizza landscape to help you discover (or create) the best Chicago style pizza experience this side of the Windy City.
The Allure of Deep Dish: More Than Just Pizza
Chicago style pizza is more than just food; it’s a culinary experience, a cultural icon, and a comforting reminder of the Midwest. It’s not just a pizza; it’s practically a casserole! To truly appreciate the quest for Chicago style pizza in Pensacola, it’s important to understand what sets it apart.
A Taste of History
Legend has it that Chicago style pizza was born in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno, thanks to Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. They wanted to create a pizza that was more substantial, a meal in itself. What they invented was a masterpiece, a deep dish pizza that would become synonymous with the city of Chicago. Think of it like this: in Chicago, deep dish isn’t just pizza – it’s tradition.
Deconstructing the Deep Dish: A Layered Masterpiece
What exactly defines a Chicago style pizza? Let’s break down its components:
The Crust: Forget thin and crispy. Chicago style boasts a thick, buttery crust that climbs the sides of the pan, creating a well to hold the generous fillings. Some variations even incorporate cornmeal for a subtle sweetness and extra texture. Think of it as a pie crust, sturdy and ready to hold a mountain of deliciousness.
The Sauce: The sauce is chunky, vibrant, and distinctly tomato-forward. It’s not just a thin layer; it’s a hearty, flavorful component that complements the cheese and toppings. This is not a subtle sauce; it’s bold and confident, a true testament to the power of good tomatoes.
The Cheese: A generous layer of mozzarella cheese is essential. The cheese must be high-moisture to achieve that perfect melt and stringy texture. It’s the glue that holds everything together, the creamy, comforting element that makes deep dish pizza so satisfying.
The Toppings: Unlike traditional pizzas, the toppings are often layered *under* the sauce in Chicago style pizza. This helps to prevent them from drying out during the longer baking time required for a deep dish. Sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers are common choices, but the possibilities are endless.
Satisfying the Soul: Why We Crave Chicago Style
Chicago style pizza is incredibly filling. The thick crust, generous cheese, and hearty sauce combine to create a truly satisfying meal. It’s the perfect comfort food, ideal for a chilly evening or a gathering with friends. It’s the kind of pizza that leaves you feeling full and content, a true culinary indulgence.
The Pensacola Pizza Puzzle: Is Chicago Style Out There?
Pensacola’s pizza scene is diverse, offering everything from classic New York style slices to gourmet wood-fired creations. However, finding a truly authentic Chicago style pizza can be a challenge. Let’s explore the options.
Local Pretenders and Potential Contenders
The first step is to identify any local restaurants that claim to offer Chicago style pizza. This might involve a bit of online searching and some old-fashioned word-of-mouth inquiries. Once you’ve identified a few potential candidates, it’s time for some serious taste-testing.
Reviewing the Options: Be a discerning diner. Evaluate each restaurant’s pizza based on the following criteria:
- Crust Authenticity: Is the crust thick, buttery, and does it climb the sides of the pan? Does it have that characteristic slight crispness around the edges?
- Sauce Flavor: Is the sauce chunky, tomato-forward, and flavorful? Does it taste like it’s made with high-quality ingredients?
- Cheese Quality and Quantity: Is there a generous layer of mozzarella cheese? Does it melt properly and have a good stringy texture?
- Overall Resemblance: Does the pizza truly capture the essence of Chicago style pizza? Does it evoke that feeling of hearty, comforting goodness?
Honest Assessment: Be honest with yourself. Does the pizza truly meet the standards of authentic Chicago style? If not, is it still a delicious pizza in its own right? Remember, even if it’s not a perfect replica, it might still satisfy your craving for a thick, cheesy pizza.
Similar Styles: Finding a Suitable Substitute
If a truly authentic Chicago style pizza proves elusive, consider exploring restaurants that offer similar styles. Detroit style pizza, with its thick, rectangular crust and caramelized cheese edges, might be a good alternative. Deep dish pan pizzas, even if they don’t perfectly replicate the Chicago style, can still provide that satisfyingly thick and cheesy experience. Look for restaurants that offer a variety of thick crust options and customize your pizza with chunky tomato sauce and generous toppings.
The Online Option: Shipping Chicago to the Gulf Coast
In today’s world, distance is no longer an obstacle to satisfying your culinary cravings. Several reputable companies offer frozen Chicago style pizza that can be shipped nationwide. Goldbelly and Lou Malnati’s are two popular options. This is a good way to get a taste of authentic Chicago pizza without leaving Pensacola.
The Pros and Cons: Consider the cost, shipping time, and overall quality before placing an order. While these pizzas are often quite good, they may not be quite as fresh as a pizza made in-house. However, they can be a lifesaver when that deep dish craving hits hard and local options are limited.
Become the Chef: DIY Chicago Style Pizza
Sometimes, the best way to get exactly what you want is to make it yourself! Making Chicago style pizza at home might seem daunting, but with a good recipe and a little patience, you can create a delicious and authentic deep dish pizza in your own kitchen.
The Recipe for Success
Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow recipe for making Chicago style pizza at home:
[Insert a detailed Chicago style pizza recipe here. Include ingredients like high-gluten flour, cornmeal, canned tomatoes, high-moisture mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni, etc. Provide step-by-step instructions for making the dough, assembling the pizza, and baking it. Include tips for success, such as pre-baking the crust and layering the ingredients correctly.]
Sourcing the Supplies: Pensacola’s Ingredient Hunt
Finding the right ingredients is crucial for making an authentic Chicago style pizza. Look for high-gluten flour, which is essential for creating a strong, sturdy crust. Good quality canned tomatoes are a must for the sauce. High-moisture mozzarella will give you that perfect melt and stringy texture. Check specialty stores in Pensacola for high quality imported mozzarella or ingredients. Local grocery stores should carry the rest of the standard ingredients.
Essential Equipment: Gearing Up for Deep Dish
You’ll need a few key pieces of equipment to make Chicago style pizza at home. A deep dish pizza pan is essential for creating that characteristic deep crust. A rolling pin will help you roll out the dough evenly. You might also want to invest in a pizza cutter for slicing your finished masterpiece. If you’re on a budget, a cast iron skillet can also work well as a deep dish pizza pan.
Beyond the Slice: Chicago Flavors in the Sunshine State
While Chicago style pizza might be the star of the show, there are other iconic Chicago foods that might be available in Pensacola. Keep an eye out for Chicago hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, or even just some good old-fashioned Chicago-style popcorn.
Alternative: Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe
If you’re craving something Chicagoan, Italian beef sandwiches are a great choice. Here’s how to make a similar sandwich at home:
Find roast beef at the store, season it with Italian herbs. Simmer the meat in beef broth with pepperoncini and onions. Serve on a crusty roll and top with giardiniera for that Chicago feel.
The Deep Dish Decision: Your Pensacola Pizza Verdict
So, what’s the verdict? Can you find authentic Chicago style pizza in Pensacola, FL? The answer is… it depends. While a perfect replica might be hard to come by, there are options available. You can try your luck at local restaurants that claim to offer Chicago style pizza, explore similar styles like Detroit style or deep dish pan pizza, or order frozen pizza online. Ultimately, the best option might be to embrace your inner chef and make your own Chicago style pizza at home. No matter which route you choose, the quest for deep dish deliciousness is sure to be a rewarding one.
Now, it’s your turn! Share your experiences with Chicago style pizza in Pensacola in the comments section below. Have you found a hidden gem? Do you have a favorite recipe? Let’s build a community of deep dish devotees in Pensacola!
