Chicago Thin-Crust Pizza Recipe | Crispy Tavern-Style Pizza with Square Slices

Chicago Thin-Crust Pizza Recipe | Crispy Tavern-Style Pizza with Square Slices

Distinct from the city’s famous deep-dish, this tavern-style pizza is known for its crispy crust and square slices.

Chicago Thin-Crust Pizza, also known as tavern-style pizza, is a local favorite that features a cracker-thin crust, tangy tomato sauce, and toppings spread all the way to the edges. Unlike deep-dish pizza, this variety is cut into small squares, making it a perfect party snack or casual meal.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp instant yeast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cornmeal (for dusting the pizza stone)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, or green peppers (optional)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Roll Out the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until very thin (about ⅛ inch thick).
3. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted pizza stone or baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough.
2. Sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
3. Add your favorite toppings evenly across the pizza.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Cut & Serve

1. Cut into small square slices, following the classic Chicago tavern-style tradition.
2. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

🍕 Pair with a cold beer or soda for an authentic Chicago experience.
🍕 Serve with a side of ranch or giardiniera for extra flavor.

Enjoy this crispy, cheesy, and perfectly shareable Chicago Thin-Crust Pizza! 🍕✨