Chicago-Style Thin-Crust Pizza

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Who doesn't love pizza? It's a classic comfort food that brings people together.

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Chicago-Style Thin-Crust Pizza
Prep
15 min
Total
4 hr
Servings
6

Method

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, yeast, and granulated sugar by whisking together.

  2. Add water and oil to the mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes smooth, moist but not wet, and can be formed into a ball.

  4. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.

  5. Place the dough balls in 2 large, oiled bowls and cover them with plastic wrap. Let them proof at room temperature for at least 3 hours. Alternatively, transfer the bowls to the refrigerator and let them proof overnight or up to 48 hours.

  6. In a food processor or blender, blend tomatoes, oil, and a few pinches of salt until smooth. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

  7. Place a piece of parchment paper under a 12 cast-iron skillet and trace out the bottom to determine the size of your pizza.

  8. Preheat the skillet in the oven to 500°F (260°C) until it becomes very hot.

  9. If the dough has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer the first ball of dough to a lightly floured surface.

  10. Using your fingers, pound and shape the dough into a circle. Then, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to

About this recipe

Who doesn't love pizza? It's a classic comfort food that brings people together. And when it comes to pizza, Chicago-style thin-crust pizza is in a league of its own. Forget about the deep-dish pizza that the Windy City is famous for. We're talking about a thin, crispy crust that is so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance.

What makes Chicago-style thin-crust pizza so special?

Unlike its deep-dish counterpart, Chicago-style thin-crust pizza is all about the crust. It's thin, crispy, and has a delightful crunch with every bite. The crust is made with a unique blend of flours and topped with a variety of fresh ingredients. It's a pizza lover's dream come true.

How is the crust made?

The crust of Chicago-style thin-crust pizza is made with a combination of all-purpose flour and semolina flour. This gives it a nice texture and helps it achieve that perfect crispiness. The dough is rolled out thin and then baked in a hot oven until it becomes golden brown and crispy.

What are the toppings?

When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. You can go for the classic combination of tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Or you can get creative and try different combinations like spinach and feta cheese or BBQ chicken and red onions. The choice is yours!

How does it compare to other styles of pizza?

Chicago-style thin-crust pizza is unique in its own way. It's not as thick as the traditional deep-dish pizza, but it's not as thin as New York-style pizza either. It's somewhere in between, offering the best of both worlds. The crust is thin enough to be crispy, but thick enough to hold all the delicious toppings.

Is it difficult to make at home?

Not at all! Making Chicago-style thin-crust pizza at home is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate that authentic Chicago pizza experience in your own kitchen. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking and experiment with different toppings.

Where can I find Chicago-style thin-crust pizza in Chicago?

If you happen to be in Chicago, you're in luck! There are plenty of pizzerias that specialize in Chicago-style thin-crust pizza. From the famous Lou Malnati's to the iconic Giordano's, you'll find no shortage of options. Just make sure to come hungry because these pizzas are not for the faint of heart.

In conclusion

Chicago-style thin-crust pizza is a true delight for pizza lovers. Its thin, crispy crust and delicious toppings make it a standout among other styles of pizza. Whether you're in Chicago or making it at home, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So go ahead, indulge in a slice of heaven!

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Chicago-style thin-crust pizza and deep-dish pizza?

The main difference is in the crust. While deep-dish pizza has a thick, doughy crust, Chicago-style thin-crust pizza has a thin and crispy crust.

Can I make Chicago-style thin-crust pizza without a pizza stone?

Yes, you can. While a pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust, you can still make delicious Chicago-style thin-crust pizza using a baking sheet.

How long does it take to bake a Chicago-style thin-crust pizza?

It typically takes about 10-15 minutes to bake a Chicago-style thin-crust pizza, depending on your oven.

Can I freeze leftover Chicago-style thin-crust pizza?

Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.

What is the best cheese to use for Chicago-style thin-crust pizza?

The classic choice for Chicago-style thin-crust pizza is mozzarella cheese. However, you can also experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar or provolone.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Chicago-style thin-crust pizza?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you don't have time to make your own. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Can I make Chicago-style thin-crust pizza on a grill?

Absolutely! Grilling your Chicago-style thin-crust pizza adds a smoky flavor and gives the crust a nice charred texture.

Can I make a gluten-free version of Chicago-style thin-crust pizza?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Chicago-style thin-crust pizza using gluten-free flour and other alternative ingredients.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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