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.