Deep Dish Pizza vs. New York Thin Crust: Recipes for Both Styles

19 February 2025

Learn the key differences between Deep Dish Pizza vs. New York Thin Crust, including history, texture, and recipes for making both styles at home!

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the world, but not all pizza is created equal. Two of the most iconic American pizza styles—Chicago Deep Dish and New York Thin Crust—offer very different experiences.

One is thick, buttery, and baked in a pan, while the other is crispy, foldable, and perfect for on-the-go eating. But which one is better? That depends on your personal preference!

Key Takeaways:

Deep Dish Pizza and New York Thin Crust Are Two Iconic Styles: Chicago’s deep dish pizza is thick, buttery, and baked in a pan, while New York-style pizza is thin, crispy, and foldable.
Chicago Deep Dish is Like a Pizza Casserole: It has a tall, buttery crust with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce, baked slowly for a rich, indulgent flavor.
New York Thin Crust is Perfect for Eating on the Go: It has a thin, crispy yet chewy crust, light sauce, and gooey mozzarella, making it easy to fold and eat.
Cooking Methods Differ: Deep dish pizza is baked at a lower temperature (425 °F) for 35-40 minutes, while New York-style pizza is cooked at a high heat (500 °F) for 8-10 minutes.
Dough Ingredients and Preparation Vary: Deep dish dough includes cornmeal and butter for richness, while New York-style dough is made with bread flour for a chewier texture.
Toppings and Sauces Are Different: Deep dish features a thick, chunky tomato sauce on top of the cheese, while New York-style pizza has a thin layer of smooth tomato sauce beneath the cheese.
Both Styles Can Be Made at Home: You don’t need to visit Chicago or New York to enjoy these pizzas—follow the step-by-step recipes to make them in your own kitchen.
Which One Wins? It’s a Matter of Preference: If you love thick, cheesy, and hearty pizza, deep dish is your pick. If you prefer thin, crispy slices, New York-style is the way to go!
Perfect for Different Occasions: Deep dish is a sit-down meal that requires a fork and knife, while New York-style is great for parties and quick bites.
Both Are Delicious in Their Own Way: Whether you’re team Deep Dish or Thin Crust, both pizzas are legendary in their own right and worth trying at least once!

In this article, we’ll compare deep dish vs. New York-style pizza, including their origins, unique characteristics, and step-by-step recipes for making both styles at home.

What Is Chicago Deep Dish Pizza?

Photo By Petite Gourmets

History & Characteristics

Chicago’s deep dish pizza was invented in the 1940s at Pizzeria Uno by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. Unlike traditional flat pizzas, deep dish is baked in a tall, round pan, creating a thick, buttery crust that holds layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.

What Makes Deep Dish Pizza Unique?

Thick, buttery crust baked in a deep, round pan.
Layered structure with cheese on the bottom, followed by toppings, then chunky tomato sauce.
Slow-baked for a crispy crust and fully cooked interior.
Hearty and filling, with a rich, almost casserole-like texture.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
2 teaspoons sugar
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup melted butter
1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 pound Italian sausage, cooked
½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
½ cup sliced green bell peppers (optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and melted butter.
Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft.
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until thick.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
Grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan. Roll out the dough and press it into the pan, going up the sides.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the dough first (this prevents a soggy crust).
Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Spread the thick tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice and enjoy!

What Is New York Thin Crust Pizza?

History & Characteristics

New York-style pizza traces its roots back to early 1900s Italian immigrants, who adapted Neapolitan pizza into a larger, thinner, and crispier version.