Chicago Style Pizza vs. New York Style Pizza

Attribute	Chicago Style Pizza	New York Style Pizza
Crust	Deep dish, thick crust	Thin crust
Cheese	Usually mozzarella, on top of toppings	Usually mozzarella, under toppings
Sauce	Chunky tomato sauce on top	Smooth tomato sauce on top
Toppings	Layered under cheese and sauce	Layered on top of cheese and sauce
Serving Style	Served in slices	Served in slices

Crust

One of the most noticeable differences between Chicago style pizza and New York style pizza is the crust. Chicago style 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 style pizza has a thin, crispy crust that is typically hand-tossed. The crust is chewy and has a slight char from being cooked in a hot oven.

Cheese

When it comes to cheese, both Chicago style pizza and New York style pizza use mozzarella as the main cheese. However, the amount and distribution of cheese differ between the two styles. Chicago style pizza has a thick layer of cheese on top of the toppings, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that stretches with each bite. In contrast, New York style pizza has a lighter layer of cheese that allows the toppings to shine through. The cheese on New York style pizza is often more evenly distributed across the pizza.

Sauce

The sauce is another key component that sets Chicago style pizza apart from New York style pizza. Chicago style pizza typically has a chunky, tomato-based sauce that is slightly sweet. The sauce is often spread on top of the cheese and toppings, creating a distinct layering effect. On the other hand, New York style pizza has a thinner, tangy tomato sauce that is spread directly on the crust. The sauce on New York style pizza is more savory and acts as a base for the toppings.

Toppings

Both Chicago style pizza and New York style pizza offer a wide variety of toppings to choose from. However, the way the toppings are used differs between the two styles. Chicago style pizza tends to have more toppings piled high on top of the cheese, creating a hearty and indulgent pizza. Popular toppings for Chicago style pizza include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and green peppers. In contrast, New York style pizza typically has fewer toppings that are more evenly distributed across the pizza. Common toppings for New York style pizza include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

Size

Another noticeable difference between Chicago style pizza and New York style pizza is the size of the slices. Chicago style pizza is typically served in thick, square slices that are more like a casserole than a traditional pizza. Each slice is filling and can be quite heavy due to the thick crust and generous toppings. On the other hand, New York style pizza is served in large, thin slices that are easy to fold in half for a classic New York pizza-eating experience. The size of the slices makes New York style pizza a popular choice for on-the-go eating.

Overall Experience

When it comes to the overall experience of eating Chicago style pizza versus New York style pizza, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Chicago style pizza is a hearty and indulgent meal that is best enjoyed with a knife and fork. The layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce create a satisfying and filling pizza experience. On the other hand, New York style pizza is a classic and iconic dish that is perfect for grabbing a quick slice on the go. The thin crust and flavorful toppings make New York style pizza a favorite among pizza lovers.