The History of Deep-Dish Pizza
When most people think of pizza, they picture a thin, soft crust with tomato sauce, cheese and toppings. But if you head to Chicago, pizza looks a little different. In 1943, two entrepreneurs created a new variation called deep-dish pizza. It’s essentially pizza in potpie form, filled with plenty of gooey cheese, meat and a thick tomato sauce. Yes, the sauce goes on top of the cheese!
While some pizza lovers refuse to call it a pizza due to its construction, the Chicago deep-dish pizza is the favorite form of pizza for many Chicagoans and people worldwide. Learn more about Chicago deep-dish pizza history to understand how this delicious creation came to be!
What Is Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza?
Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza is a unique type of pizza originating from — you guessed it — Chicago. The main difference between deep-dish pizza and traditional Italian pizza — other than its size and topping order — is that you cook it in a cast iron pan. You first line the pan with a thick dough, then add meat and plenty of mozzarella before covering it with chunky tomato sauce.
If you’re used to traditional pizza, the topping order may seem strange. However, the tomato sauce layer plays a vital role — it protects the cheese! Thick, deep-dish pizza requires a longer cooking time, which would burn the cheese if it was on top. With the sauce above it, the cheese melts perfectly.
Who Invented Deep-Dish Pizza?
Deep-dish pizza’s history reaches as far back as the 1940s. So, who invented it? Well, this is where things get interesting. Most sources credit the creation of deep-dish pizza to Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, who founded their own pizzeria in 1943. However, they were both businessmen who most likely didn’t spend time in the restaurant’s kitchen. This is why some people believe the restaurant’s manager may have actually invented the dish.
While we may never truly know who cooked the first deep-dish pizza, we’re sure glad it exists!
Deep-Dish vs. Stuffed Pizza
Another style of deep-dish pizza emerged in the 1970s partly thanks to Giordano’s — hey, that’s us! The first Giordano’s restaurant sold deep-dish pizza with an extra layer of crust between the fillings and tomato sauce. This addition made the deep-dish pizza thicker and taller, which is why it’s called stuffed pizza.
For Giordano’s, the person behind this change is Mama Giordano. She was famous for her cooking back home in a small town near Torino, Italy. Her most popular recipe was an “Italian Easter Pie,” a double-crusted pizza pie filled with cheesy goodness. It became a traditional recipe for the Giordano family and a legend in her hometown.
In 1974, the Giordano brothers, Efren and Joseph Boglio, introduced their mother’s famous recipe to the south side of Chicago. People loved it, and the first Giordano’s was born. Over four decades later, Giordano’s is still considered one of Chicago’s best stuffed pizzas.
The History of Pizza Itself
Of course, deep-dish pizza would only be possible thanks to the invention of the original pizza. However, pizza has a long and winding history that spans centuries. Without each step along the way, we wouldn’t have the delicious dish we know and love today. It all begins in 600 B.C.
Ancient Pizza Influences
While some believe that the Italians invented pizza, historians have discovered even earlier mentions of pizza-like food. The origin of pizza dates back to ancient times when the Persians, Greeks, Romans and Egyptians ate a meal called flatbread. Flatbread crust is very similar to the pizza crust of today, but they would top it with olive oil, herbs and vegetables. In this way, it’s more comparable to focaccia.
However, there are some instances of flatbread and cheese pairings. For example, some Persian soldiers cooked flatbread topped with dates and cheese on their battle shields in the 6th century B.C.
The Introduction of Tomatoes
One of the core components of a modern-day pizza is the tomato sauce. So, when did pizzas featuring this iconic ingredient begin? It all started in Naples:
- 1500s: The Spanish brought tomatoes to Europe in the 16th century after they colonized the Americas. While it’s unclear who introduced Italy to the plant, we do know that the Italians originally thought its fruit was poisonous. This mentality made tomatoes unpopular and cheap, so the poorest citizens began eating them on flatbread. It became a popular street food for the lower class that was easy to eat on the go.
- 1800s: In the late 1800s, Naples had a premier pizzaiolo — a person who makes pizza — who was incredibly popular. The story goes that when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples, they wanted to try something new. They ended up at Naples’s best pizza restaurant, where the owner served various pizza-like dishes. The queen particularly liked pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, which the restaurant named “pizza Margherita” in her honor. This incident supposedly popularized the food in Naples.
- 1900s: It wasn’t until the late 1900s that pizza became more widely accepted in Naples. People of all classes ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Soon, street vendors started to offer seating so people could sit, eat, drink and socialize. They went on to become pizzerias and offered a variety of toppings. Soon, all of Italy would start enjoying pizza thanks to increased tourism and curiosity about Italian food.
Pizza Arrives in the United States
While pizza was a hit in Naples, it only became popular in America throughout the 20th century:
- Early 1900s: When Italians immigrated to the U.S., they brought their recipes with them. Restaurants started serving “tomato pies” with a layer of cheese and tomato sauce on top. Pizzerias soon spread across the country as more Neapolitans came for work.
- World War II: During WWII, many American soldiers were stationed in Italy. When they returned home, they craved Italian pizza. It was during the 1940s that deep-dish pizza became popular in Chicago. Other pizzerias across the country also offered their own pizza styles and toppings, often adapted to local tastes.
- Late 1900s: Pizza started gaining popularity nationwide following the war. Due to economic and technological changes, pizza become more domesticated and commercialized. By the 1950s, you could buy frozen pizza — with tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent the crust from drying out — or pizza mixes at the store. In 1958, pizzerias started offering pizza delivery, giving people the option to have a pizza with their choice of topping delivered hot and ready to eat right to their front door.
- Today: In 2023, a survey revealed that pizza is the most popular type of fast food in the U.S. There are around 80,000 pizza restaurants, with sales reaching $46.9 billion in 2022. As you can see, pizza is here to stay!
How Did Pizza Get Its Name?
The origin of the word “pizza” is unclear, but some theories exist. One theory is that pizza comes from the Greek word “pitta” or the Langobardic word “bizzo” which means “mouthful.” The word may have also originated from the Italian word “pizzicare,” which means “to pinch or pluck.”
In 997 A.D., the word “pizza” was first documented in Gaeta, Italy, and began to spread to other parts of the country. However it got its name, the word is now known and loved worldwide! Each country has even added its signature twist to the dish. The Costa Ricans love coconut on their pizzas, while the Germans enjoy tinned tuna fish. Some places even serve pineapple, banana and curry as a topping combo!
Try Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Deep-Dish Pizza Today
Have a taste of the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago from Giordano’s! Mama Giordano’s stuffed pizza has a tender, flaky crust with layers of mouthwatering flavors. We use only the finest handpicked tomatoes from Northern California and our signature mozzarella cheese from local Wisconsin cheesemakers.
You can enjoy the full dining experience at one of our restaurants in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Nevada or Wisconsin. For pizza delivered straight to you, place an order on our website. Thanks to our online pizza shop, you can also stock your freezer with our famous pizza.
Taste the difference of Giordano’s today!