Are you a die-hard Kansas City BBQ aficionado? Prepare to have your culinary horizons expanded. While Kansas City is undeniably the barbeque capital of the world, a different kind of comfort food is slowly but surely making its mark: Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Yes, you read that right. Beyond the smoky ribs and burnt ends, a cheesy, saucy behemoth awaits. This article dives into the surprisingly robust, yet niche, world of finding authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza right here in Kansas City, exploring what makes it special and why it’s absolutely worth a try.
What is Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza?
Forget everything you think you know about pizza. Chicago-style deep dish is an entirely different beast, a culinary experience that transcends the simple flatbread we’ve all come to know and love. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust that climbs high up the sides of a deep pan, almost like a savory pie. This isn’t just a crust; it’s a vessel, a delicious fortress designed to contain a mountain of cheese, your choice of toppings, and a generous lashing of chunky tomato sauce ladled on top – yes, you read that right, sauce on top of the cheese. The sauce-on-top placement is a key identifier and prevents the cheese from burning during the longer cooking time necessary for such a massive pizza. It is a beautifully designed and perfectly balanced pizza.
The history of deep dish dates back to the early 1940s at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. Legend has it that Ike Sewell, the founder, wanted to create a heartier, more substantial pizza that could be eaten with a knife and fork. The result was a culinary revolution, a pizza so thick and decadent that it quickly became a Windy City icon. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Chicago’s early pizza pioneers.
Compared to its thinner-crusted cousins like New York-style pizza, or even Kansas City’s own regional variations, deep dish is a different game entirely. The New York slice is known for its thin, foldable crust and simple toppings. Deep dish is a monument, a commitment, a culinary undertaking that requires time, patience, and a serious appetite. The difference is night and day, a contrast in both form and function. It stands on its own as an epic and a great option for dinner and pizza lovers.
Why is Chicago-Style Pizza Uncommon in Kansas City?
Let’s be honest, Kansas City is synonymous with barbeque. The city’s culinary landscape is dominated by the smoky aromas of ribs, brisket, and burnt ends. Barbeque is not just a food here, it’s a cultural institution, a point of pride, and a fiercely guarded tradition. This ingrained barbeque culture naturally influences the culinary preferences of Kansas City residents.
While pizza is undoubtedly popular in Kansas City, thinner-crust options and more “traditional” styles tend to be more prevalent. You’ll find plenty of Neapolitan-style pizzerias and your standard delivery chains, but the search for authentic Chicago-style deep dish can be a bit more challenging. It’s not that Kansas Citians dislike deep dish, it’s simply not as readily available or as heavily promoted as other pizza varieties.
The limited availability poses a bit of a marketing challenge for restaurants specializing in Chicago-style pizza. They need to actively introduce the concept to a BBQ-centric audience, educating them about the unique characteristics and flavors of deep dish. It requires a strategic approach, showcasing the dish as a hearty and satisfying alternative to barbeque, rather than a direct competitor. It is something that must be slowly built to be a viable option in the culinary landscape of KC.
Finding Deep Dish Delights in Kansas City
The Craft Pie
Located in Overland Park, The Craft Pie is a hidden gem that offers a surprisingly authentic Chicago-style deep dish experience. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal. Their deep dish is known for its perfectly cooked crust that is crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside. Their cheese blend is very good and compliments all their available toppings. Their sauce has great flavor and is not too sweet, just the perfect blend of acidity and tomato flavor. They also have a great variety of craft beers that pair well with their pizza.
One of the standout features of The Craft Pie is the quality of their ingredients. They use fresh, locally sourced produce whenever possible, and their cheese is imported from Wisconsin. The result is a pizza that is bursting with flavor and texture. They can be a bit on the expensive side, however, with a deep dish running around $30. Based on customer reviews, many patrons rave about the authenticity and flavor of their deep dish, claiming it’s the closest you can get to Chicago without leaving Kansas City.
Minsky’s Pizza
A Kansas City staple with multiple locations throughout the metro area, Minsky’s is celebrated for the gourmet pizzas with generous toppings. They have been in business for a long time and have stood the test of time, always coming out on top in the pizza food wars. While not exclusively a deep-dish establishment, Minsky’s offers a “Chicago Style” option that’s definitely worth exploring. The atmosphere can vary depending on the location, but generally, expect a lively and bustling environment.
Minsky’s version features a slightly thinner crust compared to traditional Chicago deep dish, but it still boasts the signature layered construction and chunky tomato sauce. The ingredients are very high-quality, and they offer a very generous selection of toppings. Their sauce is very tasty and has just the right spice to it. Minsky’s is typically more affordable than The Craft Pie, with a deep dish costing approximately $25. Minsky’s is a crowd-pleaser for many and is a great option for families. Online reviews frequently praise Minsky’s for its consistent quality and wide variety of toppings. While their “Chicago Style” might not be a perfect replica, it’s a delicious and satisfying option for those looking for a taste of deep dish in Kansas City.
Pizza Man
Pizza Man has multiple locations across the KC area. It is a simple pizza joint with an inviting local atmosphere. It has excellent Chicago Style Pizza for the price.
One of the most appealing aspects is its affordability, with deep dish pizzas typically priced around $20. The pizza is very good, with a wide array of topping selections and very friendly staff. It is not necessarily the best deep dish in town but you get a lot of value for your dollar. Customer reviews consistently highlight Pizza Man’s great prices and family-friendly environment, making it a go-to spot for a casual and affordable deep dish experience.
What Makes a Great Deep Dish?
A truly exceptional Chicago-style deep dish pizza is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that harmoniously blend together. Let’s delve into the key elements that distinguish a good deep dish from a truly great one.
The cornerstone of any great deep dish is the quality of its ingredients. Fresh, high-quality cheese is paramount, preferably a blend of mozzarella and provolone for optimal melt and flavor. The sauce should be made from ripe, flavorful tomatoes, simmered with herbs and spices to achieve a balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice. Toppings should also be fresh and flavorful, sourced locally whenever possible. Quality ingredients can make or break a pizza and is more important than any other aspect.
The crust is a critical component. The texture should be buttery and slightly crispy on the outside, yet soft and doughy on the inside. It should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the fillings without becoming soggy. The crust is a testament to the pizza maker’s skill, requiring a delicate balance of ingredients and precise baking techniques.
The sauce should complement the other ingredients without overpowering them. It should have a rich, tomatoey flavor with a hint of sweetness, a touch of acidity, and a subtle kick of spice. Finding that balance is crucial for a truly memorable deep dish experience.
The visual appeal of a Chicago-style deep dish is undeniable. The anticipation as you slice into the pizza, revealing layers of melted cheese and colorful toppings, is a key part of the experience. The satisfying cheese pull, the gooey texture, all contribute to the sensory pleasure of eating deep dish.
The right combination and quantity of toppings are essential for a well-balanced pizza. Too few toppings and the pizza will lack flavor; too many and the flavors will clash. The key is to choose a combination of toppings that complement each other and enhance the overall taste of the pizza. Classic toppings include Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
Tips for Enjoying Chicago-Style Pizza
Patience is key. Deep dish pizza takes longer to cook than other styles, so be prepared to wait. It’s worth the extra time, trust us!
Embrace the knife and fork. Deep dish is a hearty, substantial pizza that’s best enjoyed with utensils. Don’t be afraid to dig in with a knife and fork – it’s the traditional way to eat it!
Deep dish is a meal best shared with a group of friends or family. It’s a great way to gather around the table and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal together.
Start with lighter appetizers like a salad or bruschetta to balance out the richness of the pizza. This is a very filling pizza, so you may want to start light.
Pair your deep dish with a refreshing beverage like beer, wine, or soda. A crisp lager or a light-bodied red wine can complement the flavors of the pizza perfectly.
Chicago Style Pizza Kansas City: The Verdict
While Kansas City may be known for its barbeque, it offers surprisingly good options for those craving Chicago-style deep dish pizza. From The Craft Pie’s authentic rendition to Minsky’s gourmet twist and Pizza Man’s budget-friendly option, there’s a deep dish experience waiting to be discovered. The next time you are in Kansas City, you should explore the world of Chicago Style Pizza Kansas City offers.
So, the next time you’re in Kansas City and craving something beyond barbeque, consider venturing into the world of deep dish. Give the restaurants recommended here a try and let us know what you think. Share your favorite deep dish spots in Kansas City in the comments below. Which Chicago Style Pizza Kansas City location is your favorite?
While BBQ undoubtedly reigns supreme in KC, there’s certainly room for a slice of Chicago-style goodness. After all, a little culinary variety never hurt anyone. You will not be disappointed in taking a break from the traditional BBQ and trying a deep dish pizza while in Kansas City.
