Chicago-style pizza is a culinary icon, a symphony of flavors and textures that has captivated pizza lovers worldwide. Among the Windy City’s many pizzerias, Giordano’s reigns supreme, a name synonymous with decadent, cheesy goodness. But the question remains: Is Giordano’s pizza stuffed or deep-dish? The answer, like the pizza itself, is layered and complex. Let’s dive into the details, exploring the nuances that define Giordano’s and its place in the pantheon of Chicago-style pizza.
The Deep Dive: Understanding Deep-Dish Pizza
To truly understand the distinction, we must first explore the fundamentals of deep-dish pizza. This style is characterized by its high, almost cake-like crust, which forms a deep “dish” to hold generous amounts of cheese, toppings, and sauce. The crust is typically made with butter or oil, giving it a slightly crispy and golden-brown texture.
The toppings are arranged in a specific order, with cheese placed directly on the crust to protect it from becoming soggy, followed by the toppings, and then topped with a chunky tomato sauce. The deep-dish is baked in a round, steel pan, resulting in a pizza that is incredibly thick and satisfying.
Key Characteristics of Deep-Dish
A Tall, Substantial Crust: The defining feature of deep-dish is its thick, sturdy crust that rises high along the sides of the pan. This crust acts as a vessel, cradling the abundant fillings.
Cheese on the Bottom: The cheese is strategically placed directly on the crust. This layer of cheese acts as a barrier, preventing the crust from absorbing too much moisture from the sauce and toppings, thus preserving its texture.
Chunky Tomato Sauce: A robust, chunky tomato sauce is the crowning glory of a deep-dish pizza. It’s often made with coarsely crushed tomatoes and seasoned with herbs and spices.
Giordano’s: The Stuffed Pizza Masterpiece
While often categorized as deep-dish, Giordano’s pizza actually falls into the realm of “stuffed” pizza. This subtle yet significant distinction sets it apart from other deep-dish variations.
Giordano’s takes the deep-dish concept to the extreme. Instead of just a single, high crust, it features two layers of crust, effectively “stuffing” an enormous amount of cheese and toppings within. The top crust is typically thin and flaky, often featuring ventilation holes to allow steam to escape during baking.
The Anatomy of a Stuffed Pizza
Two Layers of Crust: The most defining characteristic is the presence of two distinct crusts. A bottom crust that is similar to deep-dish and a thinner, flakier top crust.
An Abundance of Cheese: Giordano’s is legendary for its cheese. The sheer volume of cheese inside a Giordano’s stuffed pizza is truly remarkable, creating a gooey, decadent experience.
Toppings Galore: Between the layers of cheese, you’ll find a generous helping of your chosen toppings. From classic pepperoni and sausage to more adventurous combinations, the options are endless.
Sauce on Top: Unlike typical deep-dish, the sauce is usually ladled on top of the upper crust after baking, preserving the crispness of the crust.
Stuffed vs. Deep-Dish: Dissecting the Difference
The key difference lies in the crust. Deep-dish pizza has one thick crust that forms the sides of the pan, while stuffed pizza has two: a bottom crust similar to deep-dish and a thin top crust that encases the fillings.
The placement of the sauce is also different. Deep-dish pizza typically has the sauce under the toppings, while Giordano’s puts the sauce on top after baking. This preserves the crust’s integrity and prevents it from becoming soggy due to the immense amount of cheese.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s break down the key differences in a comparison:
- Crust: Deep-dish has one thick crust, stuffed has two (a thick bottom and thin top).
- Cheese: Both have generous amounts of cheese, but stuffed pizza generally uses significantly more.
- Sauce: Deep-dish has sauce underneath toppings, stuffed usually has it on top after baking.
- Overall Structure: Deep-dish is like a deep pie, stuffed is like a pizza pie with a lid.
Giordano’s: A Taste of Chicago History
Giordano’s story began in a small town near Turin, Italy, where Mama Giordano was famous for her “Italian Easter Pie.” This double-crusted, cheese-filled masterpiece became the inspiration for the stuffed pizza that would eventually captivate Chicago.
Brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio brought their mother’s recipe to Chicago in 1974 and opened the first Giordano’s pizzeria. The stuffed pizza quickly gained popularity, and the restaurant expanded throughout the city and beyond. Giordano’s remains a family-owned business committed to using high-quality ingredients and honoring Mama Giordano’s original recipe.
The Giordano’s Experience: What to Expect
Ordering a Giordano’s pizza is not a decision to be taken lightly. These pizzas are incredibly rich and filling, so plan accordingly. A single slice can be a meal in itself. The pizzas also take a while to bake, usually around 45 minutes, so be prepared for a wait.
The first bite of a Giordano’s stuffed pizza is an experience. The combination of the flaky top crust, the gooey cheese, the flavorful toppings, and the tangy tomato sauce is a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s a truly indulgent and unforgettable pizza experience.
Tips for Ordering and Enjoying Giordano’s
Order Ahead: Because of the long bake time, ordering ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak hours.
Consider the Size: Giordano’s pizzas are large. A small pizza can easily feed two to three people.
Be Patient: The wait is worth it. The quality and the amount of cheese make it worth the time.
Embrace the Mess: Eating a Giordano’s pizza can be a messy affair. Embrace it! It’s part of the experience.
Beyond the Cheese: Exploring Giordano’s Menu
While Giordano’s is best known for its stuffed pizza, the menu offers a variety of other options, including thin-crust pizza, appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes. However, the stuffed pizza remains the star of the show and the reason most people visit.
Other Options at Giordano’s
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try their thin-crust pizza. It is still considered a good option and a tasty alternative.
Consider appetizers like mozzarella sticks, salads, and other Italian-inspired dishes that can complete your meal.
Why Giordano’s Remains a Chicago Icon
Giordano’s has cemented its place as a Chicago icon for several reasons. Its commitment to quality ingredients, the unique stuffed pizza recipe, and its rich history have all contributed to its enduring popularity.
But perhaps the most important factor is the taste. Giordano’s pizza is simply delicious. It’s a decadent, satisfying, and unforgettable pizza experience that keeps people coming back for more.
Conclusion: So, is it Stuffed or Deep-Dish?
While often lumped together with deep-dish pizza, Giordano’s is technically a stuffed pizza. The two layers of crust and the sauce-on-top approach set it apart from traditional deep-dish variations. It’s more than just semantics; it’s about the specific construction and the resulting taste experience.
Whether you call it stuffed or deep-dish, one thing is certain: Giordano’s pizza is a Chicago culinary treasure. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting the Windy City and a beloved comfort food for locals. So, the next time you’re craving a truly indulgent pizza experience, head to Giordano’s and prepare to be amazed.
What is the primary difference between Giordano’s stuffed pizza and their deep-dish pizza?
The core difference lies in the crust construction. Giordano’s stuffed pizza features a very high crust that acts as a bowl to hold a generous amount of cheese, toppings, and sauce, followed by a thin layer of dough on top to seal it all in. This upper layer is then brushed with sauce and sprinkled with parmesan cheese before baking.
Deep-dish pizza, in contrast, has a tall, thick crust that is pressed into a seasoned pan. It’s layered with mozzarella cheese, toppings, and then a chunky tomato sauce that is often added last to prevent the cheese from burning during the extended baking time. The ratio of ingredients and the order in which they are layered are key distinctions.
How long does it typically take to bake a Giordano’s stuffed pizza?
Due to its sheer volume of ingredients and multiple layers of dough, Giordano’s stuffed pizza requires a significant baking time. The process ensures that all the ingredients are thoroughly cooked and that the crust achieves a golden-brown, crispy texture.
Typically, a Giordano’s stuffed pizza takes around 45 to 55 minutes to bake in their specialized ovens. This longer baking time distinguishes it from a regular pizza and is crucial for achieving the signature stuffed pizza experience.
Which type of Giordano’s pizza is generally considered to be more “Chicago-style”?
Both stuffed and deep-dish pizzas are considered Chicago-style, but the stuffed pizza is often seen as the more definitive and elaborate expression of this iconic dish. While deep-dish is undeniably a Chicago staple, stuffed pizza represents a more intense and layered approach to pizza making.
The substantial height of the stuffed pizza, along with its generous fillings and final layer of sauce, truly encapsulates the “more is more” philosophy often associated with Chicago-style pizza. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking the ultimate Chicago pizza experience.
What kind of cheese is typically used in a Giordano’s pizza?
Giordano’s is renowned for using a generous amount of Wisconsin mozzarella cheese in their pizzas. This cheese is chosen for its excellent melting properties, creamy texture, and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
The high-quality mozzarella contributes significantly to the overall richness and gooeyness that are characteristic of both their stuffed and deep-dish pizzas. It’s a key ingredient in achieving the authentic Giordano’s taste.
Can you customize the toppings on a Giordano’s pizza?
Yes, Giordano’s allows customers to customize their pizzas with a variety of toppings. They offer a range of options, from classic choices like pepperoni and sausage to vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
Customers can select their preferred toppings to create a personalized pizza that suits their individual tastes. This flexibility allows for a unique dining experience, whether you prefer a meat-lover’s pizza or a vegetarian delight.
Is Giordano’s pizza available for delivery or carryout?
Yes, Giordano’s offers both delivery and carryout options, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their pizza in the comfort of their own homes or at another location. They have established a reliable delivery network and efficient carryout processes to ensure that pizzas are delivered or picked up fresh and hot.
Customers can place orders online, by phone, or through third-party delivery services, providing flexibility in how they choose to enjoy Giordano’s pizza. The availability of delivery and carryout options has contributed to Giordano’s widespread popularity and accessibility.
Are there any gluten-free options available at Giordano’s?
While Giordano’s specializes in traditional wheat-based crusts, they do offer a gluten-free crust option at some of their locations. This caters to customers with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions, allowing them to still enjoy a Giordano’s pizza experience.
However, it’s important to note that while the crust is gluten-free, cross-contamination is possible in the kitchen environment. It is always recommended to inquire about preparation procedures and potential cross-contamination risks when ordering gluten-free options.