Deep Dish Delight: The Best Pizza Pan States

Deep-dish pizza is a contentious food in American culinary culture, largely due to its association with the thin-crust New York-style pizza. However, it is a unique and indulgent dish that deserves recognition and praise. The dish was invented in Chicago and is characterised by its tall, circular pan, thick crust, generous amounts of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce.

The best deep-dish pizzas in America can be found in Chicago, at restaurants such as Bartoli's, Bella Bacino's, Burt's Place, Gino's East, and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. Outside of Chicago, deep-dish pizzas can be found in Cleveland, New York City, San Francisco, and St. Louis.

To make a deep-dish pizza at home, a deep-dish pizza pan is required. The traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza pan is great, but there are alternatives made from materials like cast iron, aluminized steel, anodized aluminum, and carbon steel. The size of the pan will depend on the number of people being served, with a 14-inch pan being suitable for a large group.

Deep-dish pizza pans are tall with metal side walls

Deep-dish pizza pans are characterised by their tall metal side walls. This unique feature allows for the creation of extra-thick pizzas with generous amounts of toppings and ingredients. The pans are available in two shapes: square and round. The square-shaped pan is known as the Detroit Style Deep Dish Pizza Pan, while the round version is called the Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Pan.

The Detroit-style pan is ideal for those who prefer a light and airy centre with a crispy crust. This pan is modelled after the automotive parts trays originally used in Detroit, earning it the nickname "Motor City Secret". The Chicago-style pan, on the other hand, is designed to hold the weight of hearty toppings and ingredients. Both pans are similar in terms of functionality, with the main difference being their shape.

Deep-dish pizza pans are made from various materials, including cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. Each material offers distinct advantages in terms of heating properties, durability, maintenance, and price. For instance, cast iron pans are known for their superior heat retention and durability, while aluminium pans are more affordable and have a shorter heat-up time.

The size of a deep-dish pizza pan is an important consideration, as it determines the number of servings and should fit into your oven comfortably. Additionally, the thickness of the pan is a critical factor, as thinner pans cook faster and thicker pans retain heat better, making them more suitable for deep-dish pizzas that require longer cooking times.

Deep-dish pizza pans with non-stick coatings should not be washed in the dishwasher, as it can damage the coating. Instead, they should be hand-washed with mild detergent and a soft sponge. Stainless steel pans, on the other hand, are dishwasher-safe, although hand washing is recommended to extend their lifespan. Cast iron and pre-seasoned pans should be wiped clean with a paper towel and can be seasoned with vegetable oil to maintain their non-stick properties.

Deep-dish pizza is assembled differently to regular pizza

Deep-dish pizza is assembled in reverse order compared to regular pizza. The cheese goes directly on top of the crust, followed by toppings such as meat and vegetables, and then the sauce. This order of assembly is said to be a defining factor of deep-dish pizza.

The deep-dish pizza crust is also assembled differently. The dough is pressed up against the sides of a deep, round pan, creating a thick, buttery crust that lines the bottom and sides of the pan. This gives deep-dish pizza its characteristic high edge, providing ample space for large amounts of toppings. The crust is usually made with cornmeal or semolina, giving it a crunchy texture, and it may be parbaked before adding the toppings.

The pan used for deep-dish pizza is also different from that of a regular pizza. A deep, round cake or pie pan is used, resembling a cake or pie tin. This type of pan allows for the distinctive thick crust and high edges of deep-dish pizza.

The assembly of deep-dish pizza results in a hearty, filling, and satisfying meal that is more like a pie than a traditional flatbread pizza. The reverse order of toppings creates a subtle yet delicious difference in flavour compared to regular pizza.

Deep-dish pizza pans come in two shapes: square and round

The pans are similar in every other way except for their shape. They both have tall metal side walls, which allow for thick pies with lots of ingredients. They also come in a variety of sizes, from mini pans that serve one or two people to larger pans that can feed a hungry crowd.

When choosing a deep-dish pizza pan, it is important to consider the size of your oven and the thickness of the pan. Thinner pans cook faster, while thicker pans retain heat better and are used for baking deep-dish pizzas or other pies that require a longer cooking time.

In addition to the shape, deep-dish pizza pans can also be made from different materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and cast iron. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of heating, maintenance, durability, and price.

Deep-dish pizza pans are made from different materials

Deep-dish pizza pans are made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some of the most common materials used:

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel pizza pans are known for their even heating capabilities. They require proper maintenance to avoid rusting. While they may demand more attention, they offer high performance and can be a durable option for baking deep-dish pizzas.

Stainless Steel

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, stainless steel pans are a great choice. They are known for their affordability and resistance to rust. However, it's important to bake with caution as they can burn the crust more easily.

Aluminum

Aluminum deep-dish pizza pans are an excellent option if you're looking for a balance between performance and cost. They have a short heat-up time and natural rust-resistant properties. On the other hand, they are prone to corrosion and require careful handling to maintain their quality.

Cast Iron

For a heavy-duty option, cast-iron deep-dish pizza pans are a popular choice. They are known for their superior heat retention and durability. Cast iron pans also absorb the flavours of the pizza, enhancing the taste and quality of subsequent bakes. However, they do require regular maintenance to prevent rusting.

Anodized Hard-Coated or Silicone-Glazed

If you're looking for impressive non-stick performance, anodized hard-coated or silicone-glazed pizza pans are the way to go. These pans minimize the amount of oil, cheese, or ghee needed and make cleaning a breeze. Additionally, they often feature a dark coating that enhances heat retention, ensuring a perfectly baked crust.

Deep-dish pizza pans come in different sizes

Deep-dish pizza pans also come in different shapes, including round and square. The shape of the pan will determine the style of pizza you can make. For example, a Detroit-style deep-dish pizza is made in a square pan, while a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is made in a round pan.

When choosing a deep-dish pizza pan, you should also consider the material it is made from. Common materials include aluminum, steel, and cast iron. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of heat conduction, durability, and maintenance. For example, cast-iron pans are heavy-duty and improve the taste and quality of the pizza, but they require seasoning and maintenance to prevent rusting.

In addition to size, shape, and material, you should also consider the thickness of the pan. A thin pan will cook faster but may increase the risk of burning the crust. On the other hand, a thicker pan will retain heat better and cook the pizza for longer.

Some deep-dish pizza pans also come with a coating, such as a silicone glaze or a pre-seasoned finish, which can improve the non-stick properties of the pan and make it easier to remove the pizza once it's cooked.

Overall, there are many factors to consider when choosing a deep-dish pizza pan, and the right pan for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions