When it comes to pizza, different regions in the United States have their unique takes on this beloved dish. One style that stands out is the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, known for its thick crust, chunky tomato sauce, and generous helping of melted cheese. Papa Murphy’s, a popular pizza chain, offers its own version of this classic style. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Chicago-style pizza and explore what makes Papa Murphy’s take on this dish so special.
A Brief History of Chicago-Style Pizza
To understand the essence of Chicago-style pizza, it’s essential to look at its origins. This style of pizza was born in the 1940s in Chicago, Illinois, when Pizzeria Uno’s founder Ike Sewell and his partner Ric Riccardo developed a recipe that would become the hallmark of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. The original recipe featured a thick crust, thick layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and a thick tomato sauce on top.
Over time, Chicago-style pizza gained popularity, and various pizzerias in the city began to create their own versions. Today, this style of pizza is enjoyed not only in Chicago but also across the United States and around the world.
What Makes a Chicago-Style Pizza?
So, what sets a Chicago-style pizza apart from other styles? Here are some key characteristics:
The Crust
A Chicago-style pizza features a thick crust, typically made from a mixture of wheat and corn flour, water, and oil. The crust is formed into a deep pan and allowed to rise, giving it a thick, flaky texture.
The Cheese
A generous helping of melted cheese is a hallmark of Chicago-style pizza. The cheese is typically a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, which provides a rich, creamy flavor.
The Sauce
Unlike other pizza styles, the sauce is applied on top of the cheese in a Chicago-style pizza. The sauce is typically made from crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and spices, which gives it a thick, chunky texture.
The Toppings
Toppings for a Chicago-style pizza can vary, but common ingredients include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Papa Murphy’s Take on Chicago-Style Pizza
Papa Murphy’s, a popular pizza chain, offers its own version of Chicago-style pizza. Here’s what sets their pizza apart:
A Thin Crust with a Twist
While traditional Chicago-style pizza features a thick crust, Papa Murphy’s version has a thinner crust that’s still crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This twist allows for a more balanced flavor profile and a crust that’s easier to handle.
A Blend of Cheeses
Papa Murphy’s Chicago-style pizza features a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, which provides a rich, creamy flavor.
A Chunky Tomato Sauce
Papa Murphy’s tomato sauce is made from crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and spices, which gives it a thick, chunky texture.
A Variety of Toppings
Papa Murphy’s offers a range of toppings for their Chicago-style pizza, including sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
How to Order a Chicago-Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s
Ordering a Chicago-style pizza from Papa Murphy’s is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Choose Your Crust
While Papa Murphy’s Chicago-style pizza features a thinner crust, you can still choose from a range of crust options, including gluten-free and original.
Select Your Sauce
Papa Murphy’s offers a range of sauces, including their signature tomato sauce and a garlic sauce.
Add Your Cheese
Choose from a range of cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Add Your Toppings
Select from a range of toppings, including sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Finish with Fresh Ingredients
Papa Murphy’s pizzas are made with fresh ingredients, including fresh vegetables and meats.
Nutrition Information
If you’re watching your diet, here’s some nutrition information for Papa Murphy’s Chicago-style pizza:
| Nutrient | Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Total Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8-10g |
| Cholesterol | 30-40mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30-40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-3g |
| Sugars | 5-7g |
| Protein | 20-25g |
Conclusion
Papa Murphy’s Chicago-style pizza is a delicious twist on the classic deep-dish pizza. With its thinner crust, blend of cheeses, chunky tomato sauce, and variety of toppings, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a pizza lover or just looking for a new culinary adventure, Papa Murphy’s Chicago-style pizza is definitely worth trying.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Papa Murphy’s Chicago-style pizza is a must-try for anyone who loves pizza. With its unique flavor profile and fresh ingredients, this pizza is sure to become a favorite. So next time you’re in the mood for pizza, consider trying Papa Murphy’s Chicago-style pizza. Your taste buds will thank you!
What is a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s?
A Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s is a type of deep-dish pizza that originated in Chicago. It features a thick crust, thick layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables, and a thick tomato sauce on top. Papa Murphy’s, a popular pizza chain, offers its own version of this classic dish, made with high-quality ingredients and a unique cooking process.
The Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s is cooked in a slow oven, which allows the crust to rise and the cheese to melt and bubble. The result is a crispy, golden-brown crust and a gooey, cheesy center. The pizza is then topped with a variety of ingredients, including sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
What makes a Chicago Style Pizza different from other types of pizza?
A Chicago Style Pizza is distinct from other types of pizza due to its thick crust and deep-dish design. Unlike thin-crust pizzas, which are cooked quickly in a hot oven, Chicago Style Pizzas are cooked slowly in a cooler oven, allowing the crust to rise and the cheese to melt and bubble. This unique cooking process gives the pizza a crispy, golden-brown crust and a gooey, cheesy center.
Another key feature of Chicago Style Pizzas is the order of the ingredients. Unlike other types of pizza, where the sauce is spread on the bottom of the crust, Chicago Style Pizzas have the sauce on top of the cheese and meats. This allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together and creates a rich, savory taste experience.
What are the ingredients used in a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s?
A Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s features a variety of high-quality ingredients, including a thick, buttery crust, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and a variety of meats and vegetables. The pizza is topped with a thick tomato sauce, made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Some of the meats and vegetables used in a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. The pizza can also be customized with a variety of other ingredients, including bacon, ham, and olives, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
How is a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s cooked?
A Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s is cooked in a slow oven, which allows the crust to rise and the cheese to melt and bubble. The pizza is first assembled and then placed in a cooler oven, where it cooks for 20-25 minutes. This slow cooking process gives the pizza a crispy, golden-brown crust and a gooey, cheesy center.
One of the unique features of Papa Murphy’s cooking process is that the pizzas are cooked at home by the customer. The pizzas are assembled and then taken home, where they are cooked in the customer’s oven. This allows the customer to have complete control over the cooking process and ensures that the pizza is cooked to their liking.
Can I customize a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s?
Yes, a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s can be customized with a variety of ingredients. The pizza can be topped with a range of meats, including sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ham, as well as a variety of vegetables, including mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
In addition to the toppings, the crust of the pizza can also be customized. Papa Murphy’s offers a range of crust options, including a gluten-free crust and a stuffed crust, which is filled with cheese and herbs. The pizza can also be made with a variety of sauces, including a garlic sauce and a ranch sauce.
Is a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s a healthy option?
A Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients used. The pizza features a thick, buttery crust, which is high in calories and fat, but it can also be topped with a variety of healthy ingredients, including vegetables and lean meats.
One of the healthiest options is to customize the pizza with a range of vegetables, including mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, and to opt for a lean meat, such as chicken or turkey sausage. The pizza can also be made with a whole-wheat crust, which is higher in fiber and nutrients than a traditional crust.
Can I order a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s online?
Yes, a Chicago Style Pizza from Papa Murphy’s can be ordered online. Papa Murphy’s offers a range of online ordering options, including a website and a mobile app. Customers can place their order online and then pick it up at their local Papa Murphy’s store.
One of the benefits of ordering online is that customers can customize their pizza with a range of ingredients and sauces. The online ordering system also allows customers to save their favorite pizzas and to reorder them quickly and easily.