Chicago is world-renowned for its iconic deep dish pizza, a cheesy, saucy and thick-crusted pie that has become a classic dish beloved by locals and tourists alike. The origins of this beloved dish are steeped in history, starting in 1943 when two Italian-American brothers changed the pizza game forever. Read on to explore the fascinating backstory of Chicago’s deep dish pizza.
The Birth of Chicago’s Deep Dish Pizza
The story starts with two Sicilian-born brothers, Ike and Rick Sewell, who decided to open a pizzeria in Chicago in 1943. They wanted to make a pizza similar to what they had grown up eating in Sicily, but that could also satisfy the hearty appetites of the city’s hardworking residents. With a combination of their family recipes and traditional Italian ingredients, the Sewell brothers created the deep dish pizza – a delicious and filling meal that was perfect for Chicago’s pizza lovers.
The thick dough and use of lots of cheese and tomato sauce made it stand out from the pizza of the time. The brothers named it “Pizza Pie” and it quickly became a hit. People flocked to the restaurant to try this new pizza variety and it wasn’t long before the Sewells had created a pizza empire. By the 1950s, Pizza Pie was a beloved staple in Chicago, and the deep dish pizza had firmly established itself as an iconic dish of the city.
Exploring the History of Chicago’s Iconic Pie
The popularity of Chicago’s deep dish pizza has only grown since its creation. Over the years, the dish has been tweaked and modernized, with new sauces, cheeses and toppings added to the traditional recipes. Today, many of the city’s pizzerias have their own special variations on the classic deep dish pie, making it a truly unique dish that is constantly evolving.
In addition to its tasty flavors, the deep dish pizza has become a symbol of the city. It’s been featured in films and TV shows, and it has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Deep dish lovers from all over the world flock to Chicago to try the iconic pie and experience its storied history.
Chicago’s deep dish pizza has come a long way since its debut in 1943. Despite its humble beginnings, it has become one of the most iconic dishes in the city and a beloved classic for pizza lovers. There’s no denying the deliciousness of this unique pizza and its importance in the history of Chicago.