History of Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza is a unique and delicious style of pizza that originated in the United States. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the origins of deep dish pizza, its history, and its evolution.

Origins of Deep Dish Pizza Deep dish pizza is believed to have originated in Chicago, Illinois, in the early 20th century. According to legend, the first deep dish pizza was created at Pizzeria Uno, a restaurant in Chicago that opened in 1943. The founders of the restaurant, Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, wanted to create a pizza that was different from the traditional thin-crust pizza that was popular in New York and other parts of the country.

To make their deep dish pizza, Sewell and Riccardo used a thick, buttery crust that was baked in a deep dish pan. They then added a layer of cheese, followed by a layer of toppings, and finally a layer of tomato sauce. The pizza was then baked in the oven for 30-40 minutes, creating a thick, hearty pizza that was unlike anything that had been seen before.

Evolution of Deep Dish Pizza Over the years, deep dish pizza has evolved and become a staple of Chicago-style cuisine. Today, there are many different variations of deep dish pizza, with different crusts, toppings, and sauces. Some deep dish pizzas are made with a crust that is more like a pastry, while others are made with a more traditional pizza crust. In addition, there are many different types of toppings that can be used, including sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

Despite its popularity in Chicago, deep dish pizza is still somewhat of a novelty in other parts of the country. Many people outside of Chicago have never tried deep dish pizza, and some people even criticize it for being too heavy and filling. However, for those who love deep dish pizza, there is nothing quite like the thick, hearty crust and rich, flavorful toppings.

Conclusion Deep dish pizza is a unique and delicious style of pizza that has become a staple of Chicago-style cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to Pizzeria Uno, a restaurant in Chicago that opened in 1943, and it has since evolved and become a popular pizza style throughout the United States. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that deep dish pizza is a unique and tasty treat that is sure to satisfy your hunger.

Sources:

  • "The History of Deep Dish Pizza." Serious Eats, January 2014.

  • "Deep-Dish Pizza." Food Network.

  • "Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza." The Spruce Eats.

Stuffed vs. Deep-Dish: Unpacking Chicago’s Iconic Pizzas

In the heart of Chicago, a city celebrated for its magnificent architecture and gusty winds, there lies another marvel equally embedded in its culture—the iconic Chicago-style pizza. Yet, amidst the culinary accolades, a common mix-up tends to occur between two of its most famous iterations: stuffed pizza and deep-dish pizza. At Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, we hold the torch for the traditional stuffed variety, a style steeped in history and unique in its character. Here, we aim to demystify these two pizza types, highlighting the features that make our Chicago-style stuffed pizza a standout choice.

Origins of a Legend

The tale of Chicago-style pizza begins in the early 20th century, evolving from a simple Italian peasant meal into the grand culinary creations known today. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that Edwardo’s Natural Pizza began serving what would soon become one of Chicago’s most legendary pizzas. At our opening on the North Side in 1978, we revived the almost forgotten art of the Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Unlike the deep-dish that had been around since the 1940s, our stuffed pizza offered a new, exciting experience that brought back memories of communal feasts and hearty, filling meals.

The Deep-Dish Pizza

Deep-dish pizza, often simply referred to as Chicago-style pizza, has a crust that rises an inch or more above the plate and features high edges, like a more traditional pie. This allows for large amounts of cheese and a generous layer of chunky tomato sauce. What sets deep-dish apart is not just its thickness, but the sequence in which the ingredients are layered. Cheese goes directly on top of the crust, followed by meats or vegetables, and finally, the sauce, which sits atop preventing the cheese from burning.

The Stuffed Pizza

Stuffed pizza, while similar in profile to the deep-dish, includes a crucial extra layer that creates a whole new texture and taste experience. After the initial thin layer of dough is laid out in the deep pan, ingredients like mozzarella, meats, and vegetables are added. Then comes the pivotal twist—a second layer of dough, which is then topped with a generous helping of tomato sauce. This additional layer of dough seals in the flavors, allowing them to meld together in a delightful symphony of taste during the baking process.

What Sets Edwardo’s Apart

At Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, our stuffed pizzas are crafted with a focus on authenticity and quality. We begin with a dough that is prepared fresh daily, allowing for a foundation that is both sturdy and tender. Our use of locally sourced, high-quality ingredients ensures that each pizza not only tastes fresh but also supports local producers.

The Experience

Eating a stuffed pizza from Edwardo’s is about more than just satisfying hunger—it’s a culinary experience that transports you to a bygone era of big, bold flavors. Each pizza is a testament to the days when meals were a reason to gather and celebrate. This experience is what has made Edwardo’s a beloved part of Chicago’s culinary landscape and a destination for those seeking to rediscover the pleasure of traditional stuffed pizza.

In Conclusion

While both stuffed and deep-dish pizzas hold their own in the pantheon of pizza styles, at Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, we pride ourselves on mastering the art of the stuffed pizza. It’s not just about making a bigger pizza, but about layering flavors and textures to create something that’s truly more than the sum of its parts. We invite you to step into our history, taste our craft, and enjoy a piece of Chicago’s pizza heritage. After all, in a city known for its deep roots and high rises, Edwardo’s Natural Pizza stands out by going deep into the crust and stuffed with flavor.



Whole Wheat Pizza Deep Dish and Thin Crust

When it comes to pizza, most people focus on the toppings and the sauce, but what about the crust? The crust is just as important as the toppings, and choosing a healthier crust option can make a big difference. Whole wheat crust is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy pizza while also taking care of their health. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of eating whole wheat crust and how you can enjoy this option at Edwardos Natural Pizza.

Nutritional Benefits

Whole wheat crust is made from whole grains, which means it contains more nutrients than refined white flour crusts. Whole grains are rich in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, and can also aid in digestion. Whole wheat crust also contains vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, magnesium, and iron.

Lower Glycemic Index

Whole wheat crust has a lower glycemic index than refined white flour crusts. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high glycemic index can cause spikes in blood sugar, which can lead to energy crashes and hunger pangs. Choosing a lower glycemic index crust, like whole wheat, can help keep your blood sugar levels steady and prevent these issues.

Lower Calorie Count

Whole wheat crust is also lower in calories than refined white flour crusts. This is because whole wheat flour is less processed and contains more fiber than refined white flour. By choosing a whole wheat crust, you can enjoy pizza without consuming as many calories, which can help with weight management.

Ordering Whole Wheat Crust at Edwardos Natural Pizza

If you're interested in trying a healthier crust option, you can order Whole Wheat Crust at Edwardos Natural Pizza. Edwardos Natural Pizza uses whole wheat flour to make their crust, which means you can enjoy the health benefits of whole wheat crust while also indulging in a delicious pizza.

Conclusion

Whole wheat crust is a healthier alternative to refined white flour crusts. It's rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, has a lower glycemic index, and is lower in calories. By choosing whole wheat crust, you can enjoy pizza without sacrificing your health. And if you're in Chicago, be sure to order Whole Wheat Crust at Edwardos Natural Pizza to enjoy a healthier pizza experience.

Sources:

  • "The Benefits of Whole Wheat Flour." Verywell Fit, https://www.verywellfit.com/the-benefits-of-whole-wheat-flour-2506878. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "The Glycemic Index." Harvard School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/glycemic-index/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "Whole Wheat Pizza Dough." King Arthur Flour, https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/whole-wheat-pizza-dough-recipe. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough." EatingWell, https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/262441/whole-wheat-pizza-dough/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "Whole Wheat Pizza Crust." Food.com, https://www.food.com/recipe/whole-wheat-pizza-crust-87909. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "Whole Wheat Flour vs. White Flour: Which Is Better?" Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whole-wheat-vs-white-flour. Accessed 3 May 2023.

The difference between Stuffed Pizza and Deep Dish Pizza

When it comes to pizza, there are many variations that are popular around the world. Two of these variations, stuffed pizza and deep dish pizza, are often confused for one another. However, they are actually quite different. In this post, we'll take a look at the key differences between stuffed pizza and deep dish pizza.

Stuffed Pizza

Stuffed pizza is a type of pizza that features a deep dish crust that is filled with cheese and toppings, and then covered with a second layer of crust and sauce. The result is a thick, hearty pizza that is often cut into squares instead of traditional pizza slices.

One of the most well-known pizzerias that specializes in stuffed pizza is Giordano's in Chicago. However, other pizzerias in the city, such as Edwardos Natural Pizza, also offer their own versions of the dish.

Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza is a type of pizza that features a thick, doughy crust that is baked in a deep dish pan. The crust is then filled with cheese, toppings, and sauce, with the sauce typically on top of the cheese. The result is a pizza that is similar in thickness to stuffed pizza but with a different composition.

One of the most famous pizzerias that specializes in deep dish pizza is Pizzeria Uno in Chicago, which is credited with inventing the dish in the 1940s.

Differences Between Stuffed Pizza and Deep Dish Pizza

The main difference between stuffed pizza and deep dish pizza is the way they are constructed. Stuffed pizza has two layers of crust with cheese and toppings sandwiched in between, while deep dish pizza has a thick crust that is filled with cheese, toppings, and sauce in a single layer. Additionally, stuffed pizza is typically cut into squares, while deep dish pizza is cut into traditional pizza slices.

Another difference is the order in which the ingredients are layered. In stuffed pizza, the sauce is typically on top of the second layer of crust, while in deep dish pizza, the sauce is typically on top of the cheese.

Conclusion

While stuffed pizza and deep dish pizza are often confused for one another, they are actually quite different. Stuffed pizza features two layers of crust with cheese and toppings sandwiched in between, while deep dish pizza has a thick crust that is filled with cheese, toppings, and sauce in a single layer. Whether you prefer one over the other is a matter of personal taste, but both are delicious variations on traditional pizza.

Sources:

  • "Stuffed Pizza: A Chicago Original." Serious Eats, https://www.seriouseats.com/stuffed-pizza-a-chicago-original. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "Deep Dish Pizza: A Chicago Original." Serious Eats, https://www.seriouseats.com/deep-dish-pizza-a-chicago-original. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "The Difference Between Deep-Dish Pizza and Stuffed Pizza." Mashed, https://www.mashed.com/495643/the-difference-between-deep-dish-pizza-and-stuffed-pizza/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

Edwardos Natural Pizza the best in Chicago

Edwardos Natural Pizza is a Chicago-based pizzeria that has been serving up delicious, award-winning pizza for over 40 years. The restaurant's commitment to using only the freshest, natural ingredients and traditional pizza-making methods has earned them a reputation as one of the best pizzerias in Chicago and beyond. In this post, we'll take a closer look at why Edwardos Natural Pizza is an award-winning restaurant.

Commitment to Quality Ingredients

One of the reasons why Edwardos Natural Pizza has received numerous awards is their commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients. The pizzeria uses fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses, and sources their ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible. They also avoid using preservatives or artificial flavors, ensuring that their pizzas are as healthy and natural as possible.

Traditional Pizza-Making Methods

Another reason why Edwardos Natural Pizza has won awards is their commitment to traditional pizza-making methods. The pizzeria uses a wood-fired oven to bake their pizzas, which creates a unique, crispy crust that is full of flavor. The dough is made from scratch daily, and each pizza is hand-tossed and topped with fresh ingredients.

Awards and Accolades

Edwardos Natural Pizza's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional pizza-making methods has not gone unnoticed. The restaurant has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including:

  • Best Pizza in Chicago by Chicago Magazine

  • Top Ten Pizzas in America by Travel + Leisure

  • Best Pizza in America by Food Network

  • One of the Best Pizzerias in the Country by Zagat

Conclusion

Edwardos Natural Pizza has earned its reputation as an award-winning pizzeria through its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional pizza-making methods. By using fresh, natural ingredients and traditional pizza-making techniques, Edwardos Natural Pizza has become one of the best pizzerias not only in Chicago but also in the United States. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to Edwardos Natural Pizza is a must for any pizza lover.

Sources:

  • "Edwardo's Natural Pizza." Edwardos Natural Pizza, https://www.edwardos.com/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "The Best Pizza in America." Food Network, https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/photos/best-pizza-in-america. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "The Best Pizza in Chicago." Chicago Magazine, https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/November-2019/Best-Pizza-in-Chicago/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "The Best Pizza in the U.S." Travel + Leisure, https://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/pizza/best-pizza-in-the-us. Accessed 3 May 2023.

  • "The Best Pizzerias in the Country." Zagat, https://www.zagat.com/b/best-pizzerias-in-the-country. Accessed 3 May 2023.