Chicago Pizza vs. New York Pizza

Attribute	Chicago Pizza	New York Pizza
Crust	Deep dish	Thin crust
Cheese	More cheese	Less cheese
Sauce	Chunky tomato sauce	Thin tomato sauce
Toppings	Usually on top	Usually under cheese
Serving style	Served in slices	Served in slices or whole pie

Crust

One of the most noticeable differences between Chicago pizza and New York pizza is the crust. Chicago pizza is known for its deep-dish crust, which is thick and buttery. The crust is more like a pie crust, providing a sturdy base for the toppings. On the other hand, New York pizza has a thin and crispy crust that is typically hand-tossed. The crust is chewy and has a slight char from being cooked in a high-temperature oven.

Cheese

When it comes to cheese, both Chicago and New York pizzas use mozzarella as the main cheese. However, the amount and type of cheese used differ between the two styles. Chicago pizza tends to have a generous amount of cheese, often layered on top of the toppings. The cheese in Chicago pizza is melted to perfection, creating a gooey and stringy texture. In contrast, New York pizza uses a lighter amount of cheese that is evenly distributed across the pizza. The cheese in New York pizza is more likely to be slightly browned and bubbly.

Sauce

The sauce is another key component that sets Chicago pizza apart from New York pizza. Chicago pizza typically uses a chunky tomato sauce that is rich and flavorful. The sauce is often made with whole tomatoes and seasoned with herbs and spices. The sauce in Chicago pizza is spread on top of the cheese and toppings, creating a distinct layering effect. On the other hand, New York pizza uses a smoother and tangier tomato sauce that is applied directly to the crust. The sauce in New York pizza is usually more acidic and bright in flavor.

Toppings

Both Chicago and New York pizzas offer a wide variety of toppings to choose from. However, the way the toppings are arranged differs between the two styles. Chicago pizza tends to have the toppings layered in a specific order, with the cheese on the bottom, followed by the toppings, and then the sauce on top. This layering technique helps prevent the crust from getting soggy. In contrast, New York pizza typically has the toppings scattered on top of the cheese and sauce in a more random fashion. This allows for a variety of flavors in each bite.

Size

Another noticeable difference between Chicago pizza and New York pizza is the size. Chicago pizza is known for its deep-dish style, which results in a thicker and heavier pizza. A typical Chicago pizza is served in a round pan and can be up to 2 inches thick. Due to its size and thickness, Chicago pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork. On the other hand, New York pizza is known for its large, thin slices that are easy to fold and eat on the go. A typical New York pizza slice is large enough to satisfy one person, making it a popular choice for a quick meal.

Overall Experience

When it comes to the overall experience of eating Chicago pizza versus New York pizza, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Chicago pizza offers a hearty and indulgent meal that is perfect for sharing with a group. The deep-dish style allows for a generous amount of toppings and cheese, making each bite a flavorful experience. On the other hand, New York pizza offers a more casual and convenient dining experience. The thin crust and large slices make it easy to grab a slice on the go or enjoy a quick meal at a local pizzeria.