Chicago-Style Pizza vs. St. Louis-Style Pizza

Attribute	Chicago-Style Pizza	St. Louis-Style Pizza
Crust	Deep dish, thick crust	Thin, cracker-like crust
Cheese	Usually mozzarella, sometimes provolone	Provel cheese blend
Sauce	Chunky tomato sauce on top	Sweet, tangy tomato sauce
Toppings	Typically lots of toppings, including sausage and vegetables	Usually topped with pepperoni and sausage
Serving Style	Served in slices	Served in squares or rectangles

Crust

One of the most noticeable differences between Chicago-style pizza and St. Louis-style pizza is the crust. Chicago-style pizza is known for its deep-dish crust, which is thick and buttery. The crust is typically made with a high gluten flour, giving it a chewy texture. On the other hand, St. Louis-style pizza has a thin, cracker-like crust that is made without yeast. This crust is crisp and almost wafer-thin, providing a unique texture that sets it apart from other styles of pizza.

Cheese

When it comes to cheese, both Chicago-style and St. Louis-style pizzas use a generous amount. However, the type of cheese used differs between the two styles. Chicago-style pizza typically uses mozzarella cheese, which melts and creates a gooey, stringy texture. St. Louis-style pizza, on the other hand, uses Provel cheese, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone cheeses. Provel cheese has a unique flavor that is slightly tangy and creamy, adding a distinct taste to St. Louis-style pizza.

Sauce

The sauce is another key component that sets Chicago-style pizza apart from St. Louis-style pizza. Chicago-style pizza typically uses a thick, chunky tomato sauce that is made with whole peeled tomatoes and seasoned with herbs and spices. This sauce is spread on top of the cheese and toppings, creating a rich and flavorful base for the pizza. In contrast, St. Louis-style pizza uses a sweet and tangy tomato sauce that is often made with a touch of sugar or honey. This sauce adds a unique sweetness to the pizza that complements the savory toppings.

Toppings

Both Chicago-style and St. Louis-style pizzas offer a variety of toppings to choose from. However, the way the toppings are layered differs between the two styles. In Chicago-style pizza, the toppings are typically placed on top of the cheese and sauce, creating a deep-dish pizza with a thick layer of toppings. On the other hand, St. Louis-style pizza has the toppings placed under the cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and hold the toppings in place. This creates a more uniform distribution of toppings throughout the pizza.

Size

Another difference between Chicago-style pizza and St. Louis-style pizza is the size. Chicago-style pizza is typically served in individual slices or small personal-sized pies, making it a great option for sharing or enjoying as a meal on its own. St. Louis-style pizza, on the other hand, is often served in larger rectangular pies that are cut into squares, known as "party cut" or "tavern cut." This makes St. Louis-style pizza a popular choice for parties and gatherings where multiple people can enjoy a slice.

Popularity

Both Chicago-style pizza and St. Louis-style pizza have their own dedicated fan bases, but Chicago-style pizza is generally more well-known and popular worldwide. Chicago-style pizza has gained recognition for its deep-dish crust, hearty toppings, and rich flavors, making it a favorite among pizza lovers. St. Louis-style pizza, on the other hand, is more of a regional specialty that is beloved by locals in the St. Louis area. While St. Louis-style pizza may not have the same level of fame as Chicago-style pizza, it has a loyal following among those who appreciate its unique crust and flavor profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicago-style pizza and St. Louis-style pizza each offer a distinct and delicious pizza experience. From the thick, buttery crust of Chicago-style pizza to the thin, cracker-like crust of St. Louis-style pizza, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer a deep-dish pizza with hearty toppings or a thin-crust pizza with a sweet and tangy sauce, both styles have their own unique appeal. So, the next time you're craving pizza, consider trying a slice of Chicago-style or St. Louis-style pizza to experience the best of both worlds.