Pizza is a perfect meal for friends and family as it unites people. Its diverse range of flavors and styles caters to everyone’s taste buds. From authentic Sicilian pizza to the iconic deep dish style, the pizza world has something for everyone!
Such a big variety of thin or thick-crust pizzas can make you wonder, “what’s the difference between deep dish pizza and sicilian-style pizza?”
Don’t fret!
Let’s dive in and discover the unique characteristics of each pizza style, how they’re made, and why you should consider indulging in them.
Sicilian Pizza vs. Deep Dish Pizza—A Quick and Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sicilian Pizza | Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza |
| Originated in Sicily during the 19th century, Italy when Focaccia bread was turned into pizza | Originated in Chicago, USA, during the 20th century, in a quest to create a unique and more delicious pizza |
| Sicilian pizza is also known as “sfincione.” | Deep Dish Pizza is also known as Chicago-style pizza. |
| Thick crust | 3X thicker and deeper crust with raised edges to hold toppings like a pan. |
| Soft and pillowy crust like soft bread | Buttery, flaky, and crispy crust like a pie |
| Rectangular shape | Round or circular shape |
| topped with onions, herbs, tomatoes, and anchovies | Topped with cheese and sauce primarily, but sausage, pepperoni, etc can also go on it. |
| More like a regular pizza | Closer to a casserole |
| Chunkier sauce | Smooth sauce |
| Less cheese | More and more cheese to create a fantastic cheese stretch |
| Layered in regular order as sauce first and cheese last. | Layered in reverse order, with cheese put first and tomato sauce at the end |
| Initially, has Pecorino Romano or caciocavallo cheese, but now mozzarella cheese is most commonly used | It has mozzarella cheese, but it can also accommodate other cheese blends |
| Requires less cooking time at a slightly higher temperature of 400-450F. | Requires slightly more cooking time but a low temperature of 350-425 F. |
| The real challenge of making a perfect Sicilian-style pizza is to get a puffy and soft crust out of it. | The real challenge of baking a perfect Chicago-style Deep Dish pizza is to prevent its crust from becoming too chewy and the sauce and cheese from running. |
Sicilian Pizza vs. Deep Dish Pizza—Is the difference explained in Detail?
Pizza lovers have long debated the merits of different pizza styles, with two heavyweights in particular, the Sicilian and Chicago-style Deep Dish pizza. While both boast a thicker crust and are pan-baked, the similarities end there.
Sicilian pizza has influenced other pizza styles, including Deep Dishes, but the two styles are fundamentally different. Let’s take a look at how these two pizzas are different from each other.
Origins of both thick pizzas
Thick crust, Sicilian pizza originated in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, Italy.
One theory about the origins of Sicilian pizza is that the common flat focaccia bread inspired it in the region.
Another theory is that Sicilian pizza was influenced by the French dish, pissaladière, a flatbread topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives. Pissaladière was introduced to Sicily by French soldiers during the 18th century, and it’s possible that Sicilian pizza was developed as a variation of this dish.
On the other hand,
Chicago-style deep dish cheese pizza originated in the city of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States, in the mid-20th century. The exact origin of the style is a matter of some debate, but it’s generally believed to have been invented at Pizzeria Uno, a restaurant on Ohio Street in downtown Chicago, in the early 1940s.
The restaurant’s founder, Ike Sewell, wanted to create a pizza that would be unique to Chicago. So, he developed a deep-dish pizza with a thick, buttery crust filled with cheese, tomato sauce, and various meats and vegetables. The pizza was an instant hit with locals and quickly became a signature dish of Chicago’s culinary scene (now it’s world-famous pizza).
The shape of the pizza
When it comes to pizza, shape matters, and when you’re comparing deep dish pizza to Sicilian, it’s one of the most obvious differences. Sicilian pizzas are baked in a rectangular pan and sliced into squares or rectangular slices–more manageable to distribute in a crowd.
Conversely, deep-dish pizzas are round and served as a whole pie.
The type of dough used
One of the unique features of Sicilian pizza is its spongy dough. It’s made with flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. The dough’s unique texture allows it to absorb all the olive oil in the pan, resulting in a crispy bottom and a soft middle.
On the other hand, the dough used in a deep dish Chicago-style pizza is thick and flaky, like a pie. The dough is made with wheat flour, water, cornmeal, yeast, oil, and sometimes sugar. The addition of cornmeal helps to create a crispy texture on the outside, at the same time while the yeast helps the dough to rise and become airy.
The Uniqueness of the Crust
The crust of a Sicilian Pizza is thick and soft, with a texture similar to bread or focaccia. Additionally, the edges of the crust are often left thicker than the center, giving it a distinct rectangular shape. The Sicilian Pizza crust is often used as a vehicle for a generous amount of tomato sauce and toppings, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
The crust is where the magic happens regarding deep dish pizza. It’s unlike any other pizza crust you’ve ever tasted; it’s super crispy and flaky.
But that’s not all – the deep dish crust is also known for its buttery goodness. The lamination of the dough results in a crust that’s not only crispy and flaky but also incredibly tender and delicious. It’s no wonder that deep-dish pizza has gained such a cult following – it’s simply IRRESISTIBLE!
Different Ways of Preparing the Sauce
Sicilian pizza sauce and deep-dish pizza sauce can differ in a few ways. One of the main differences is the consistency and texture of the sauce. Sicilian Pizza sauce is usually chunkier and thicker, with visible pieces of tomato and herbs.
It’s typically made with San Marzano tomatoes: plum tomatoes, known for their sweeter taste and lower acidity. The sauce is often seasoned with garlic, oregano, and olive oil, among other herbs and spices.
In contrast, deep-dish pizza sauce tends to be smoother and less chunky. It’s typically made with tomato puree cooked with herbs and spices to create a rich, flavorful sauce. The sauce may be seasoned with garlic, basil, and other herbs and spices, depending on the recipe. Both sauces are essential to their relevant pizzas and contribute to their distinct flavors.
Delectable Toppings
Sicilian pizza uses various savory toppings, including tomatoes, onions, anchovies, and olives. The combination of these flavors on top of the thick, fluffy crust is truly a culinary delight!
On the other hand, deep-dish Pizza is known for its hearty amount of few toppings. It’s typically adorned with a lot of cheese, some tomato sauce, and other delicious toppings of your choice.
Whether you prefer the deliciousness of a deep-dish pizza or the savory toppings of a Sicilian pizza, both are sure to tantalize your taste buds!
The Cheesy Goodness
Sicilian pizza typically uses a type of cheese called caciocavallo, a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. However, other types of cheese will also suffice. Depending on your preference, these can include; mozzarella, parmesan, and pecorino romano.
In contrast, deep-dish pizzas use mozzarella for their topping. Whether you use sliced or shredded mozzarella, the key is to use fresh but drier cheese. While pre-shredded cheese is an option, fresh slices or shreds from a block of mozzarella will give you the best flavor.
In fact, the difference in taste between fresh and pre-sliced mozzarella is quite noticeable. The rich, creamy taste of fresh mozzarella simply can’t be beaten. So, if you want the true deep-dish pizza experience, using fresh cheese is worth the extra effort.
The Amount and Type of Oil Used
The variation in the amount and type of oil used can greatly affect the outcome of the pizza. It’s apparent that deep-dish Pizza requires more oil and butter than a Sicilian Pizza.
Moreover, In Chicago deep dish, a combination of corn and vegetable oils is often used, with a small amount of olive oil. In contrast, Sicilian recipes usually call for olive oil as the primary oil ingredient.
Cooking Temperature
The temperature and cooking time for any pizza depends on the recipe and the type of oven you’re using. Generally, a Sicilian Pizza is cooked for about 20-30 minutes at 400-450°F (204-232°C).
But the deep dish pizza takes a more leisurely approach. It’s baked for 30 minutes at lower temperatures ranging from 350-425°F (176-218°C). The deep-dish Pizza requires a bit more patience and attention to detail. It’s a slower, steadier process that requires careful monitoring to ensure the crust doesn’t burn and the cheese melts just right.
The type of pan used
When it comes to making a delicious pizza, the type of pan used can make a big difference. Sicilian-style Pizza is typically baked in a rectangular, heavyweight cold-rolled steel pan. This type of pan has a tapered 1-inch depth and crisp angled corners.
They help to achieve a thick crust and make the edges of the Pizza crispy. The shape of the pan helps to create a thick and chewy crust. It’s ideal for holding a variety of preferred toppings!
As for the deep-dish Pizza, it’s baked in a deep-dish pie pan that allows for a thick and flaky crust. The Deep Dish pan is designed to cook the Pizza evenly. This type of pizza pan is perfect for making a hearty and filling pizza.
The way pizzas are eaten.
Sicilian pizza is typically eaten with your hands, just like most other styles of pizza. Since the crust is thicker and the toppings are often piled high, folding the slice in half may be easier. You can do this to prevent the toppings from falling off.
But if you’re used to grabbing a slice of Pizza and folding it in half before taking a big bite, then the Chicago-style deep dish cheese pizza might shock your system. This hearty, filling Pizza is not made for eating with your hands alone. Instead, the deep layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings require a fork and a knife to navigate.
FAQs
What are the five main Chicago-style pizzas?
The five styles of Chicago pizza include
- Stuffed Pizza
- Deep Dish pizza
- Tavern Pizza
- Pan pizza
- Pizza pot pie
Sicilian Pizza vs. Deep Dish Pizza, which is more calorie-dense?
It’s difficult to make a direct comparison between Sicilian pizza and deep-dish pizza in terms of calorie density. It’s because there are many variations in their preparation, ingredients, and serving sizes. However, deep dish pizza tends to be more calorie-dense than Sicilian pizza.
A typical slice of deep dish pizza can have anywhere from 400-700 calories or more, depending on the size and toppings. This is because the crust is typically thicker and made with more butter or oil than other types of pizza crusts. The toppings on c pizza are also often more generous, which adds to the overall calorie count.
Sicilian pizza, on the other hand, is usually made with a thinner crust and lighter toppings. A typical slice of Sicilian pizza may have 200-400 calories or more, depending on the size and toppings.
Ultimately, the calorie density of both types of pizza can vary widely depending on the specific recipe and serving size. If you’re concerned about calorie intake, it’s a good idea to enjoy pizza in moderation and to pay attention to serving sizes and toppings.
Sicilian Pizza vs. Deep Dish Pizza, which is healthier?
When it comes to comparing the healthiness of Sicilian pizza and Chicago-style deep dish cheese pizza, you must consider the ingredients and nutritional content of each.
Sicilian pizza typically has a thinner crust than deep dish pizza, which can make it lower in calories and carbohydrates. However, the toppings used on Sicilian pizza can vary widely in terms of nutritional value. Some common toppings like cheese, meats, and extra oil can add calories and saturated fat to the pizza.
On the other hand, deep dish pizza often has a thick crust made with butter or oil, which can contribute to its higher calorie and fat content. However, it can also contain a lot of vegetables and lean proteins like chicken or turkey, which can provide more nutritional value.
Overall, neither Sicilian nor deep dish pizza is considered a particularly healthy food choice due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. However, if you’re looking to make a slightly healthier choice between the two, you may want to choose a smaller portion size, opt for vegetable-based toppings, and limit high-calorie toppings like cheese and meat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Sicilian Pizza and deep dish pizza are delicious in their own way. But if you’re a fan of deep-dish pies, you must try Chicago-style Pizza at least once in your life. The tall, crispy crust and the rich filling will have you drooling in no time!
On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, then Sicilian Pizza is the perfect option for you. With its thin crust and fresh toppings, this pizza will surely give you a satisfying eating experience.
So why not indulge in the world of Pizza today?
Thanks for reading, and happy eating!
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