Imagine biting into a thick, cheesy slice of genuine Chicago deep dish, the warm sauce bubbling just right. Now, what if that perfect pizza wasn’t across the street, but hundreds of miles away? Many pizza lovers crave that authentic Windy City experience but live far from Chicago’s famous pizzerias. The problem is, not all shipped deep dish pizzas are created equal. Some arrive soggy, others lack the proper crust, and choosing the best company feels like a gamble.
You deserve a delicious, piping-hot deep dish, no matter where you live. This guide cuts through the confusion. We explore what makes a shipped deep dish truly great and reveal the top contenders that nail the taste and texture. Keep reading to discover the secrets to ordering the best deep dish pizza delivered right to your door, ensuring your next pizza night is a cheesy triumph!
Top Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Shipped Recommendations
- Hand made Chicago deep dish pepperoni and sausage pizza crafted from scratch by Lou Malnati’s since 1971.
- Flaky buttery crust, Wisconsin mozzarella, and hand-picked vine-ripened tomatoes.
- Oven-ready and served hot in about 40 minutes with restaurant-quality taste.
- Hand made Chicago deep dish pepperoni and sausage pizza crafted from scratch by Lou Malnati’s since 1971.
- Flaky buttery crust, Wisconsin mozzarella, and hand-picked vine-ripened tomatoes.
- Oven-ready and served hot in about 40 minutes with restaurant-quality taste.
- Hand made Chicago deep dish sausage pizza crafted from scratch by Lou Malnati’s since 1971.
- Flaky buttery crust, Wisconsin mozzarella, and hand-picked vine-ripened tomatoes.
- Oven-ready and served hot in about 40 minutes with restaurant-quality taste.
- 🍕Five 9" Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizzas
- 🍕10 LBS of Pizza!
- 🍕Ships Frozen On Dry Ice and Ready to Bake
- 🍕Three 9" Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizzas
- 🍕6 LBS of Pizza!
- 🍕Ships Frozen On Dry Ice and Ready to Bake
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Shipping Authentic Chicago Deep Dish Home
Craving that thick, cheesy, saucy goodness of true Chicago deep dish pizza but miles away from the Windy City? Shipping these behemoths directly to your door is easier than ever! This guide helps you pick the best frozen or fresh pie to satisfy your craving.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy Chicago deep dish online, several features tell you if you are getting the real deal.
- Crust Style: Look for a crust that is buttery and often slightly sweet. It should be thick, holding up the massive amount of toppings. Some use cornmeal for extra crunch.
- Layering Order: Authentic deep dish builds differently than regular pizza. The cheese goes directly on the dough, then the toppings, and finally, the crushed tomato sauce goes on top. This keeps the crust from getting soggy during the long bake.
- Size and Weight: Deep dish is heavy! A standard 10-inch pie can weigh several pounds. Make sure the size matches your appetite.
- Baking Instructions: Since these are shipped frozen, clear, easy-to-follow baking instructions are crucial for achieving that perfect, crispy edge.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The quality of ingredients directly impacts the final taste after reheating.
- Cheese: High-quality, low-moisture mozzarella is essential. It must melt beautifully and stretch. Some premium options use a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Sauce: The sauce should taste bright and fresh, usually made from crushed or pureed high-quality tomatoes. Avoid sauces that taste too sweet or metallic.
- Dough: The dough needs structure. Many traditional recipes use a mix of flour, yeast, and a high amount of fat (butter or oil) to create that signature flaky, biscuit-like texture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How the pizza is prepared and shipped matters a lot.
What Improves Quality:
- Flash Freezing: Pies that are assembled and immediately blast-frozen retain the best texture and flavor.
- Handmade Preparation: Pizzas made by hand often have better ingredient distribution and crust shaping than mass-produced versions.
- Insulated Shipping: Excellent dry ice or gel pack usage ensures the pizza arrives frozen solid, preventing premature thawing and texture breakdown.
What Reduces Quality:
- Thawing During Transit: If the box arrives warm or the ice packs have melted completely, the crust quality suffers greatly.
- Pre-Baked Crusts: Some budget options ship a partially baked crust. While faster to finish, this often results in a less authentic texture compared to baking from frozen.
- Low-Quality Cheese: Inferior cheese melts poorly and releases too much grease.
User Experience and Use Cases
Buying deep dish online is perfect for specific situations.
- Game Day Feast: These pizzas feed a crowd easily. They are a showstopper centerpiece for parties or watching sports.
- Comfort Food Delivery: When you need a heavy, satisfying meal that feels homemade but requires zero prep (other than baking), this is a great choice.
- Gifting: Shipping a taste of Chicago to friends or family who live far away makes a fantastic, unique gift.
Remember, deep dish takes time to bake—often 30 to 45 minutes. Plan your mealtime around the longer cooking duration!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shipped Deep Dish Pizza
Q: How long does the pizza stay fresh after shipping?
A: If kept frozen, most deep dish pizzas remain good for 3 to 6 months. Always check the “Best By” date on the package when it arrives.
Q: Do I need to thaw the pizza before baking it?
A: Almost always, no. Most quality deep dish pizzas must be baked directly from frozen. Thawing often leads to a soggy bottom crust.
Q: How long does shipping usually take?
A: Most reputable companies use 2-day or overnight shipping to ensure the product stays frozen. Total time depends on when you order and when they bake the pies.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers successfully?
A: Yes! Reheating in an oven or toaster oven at a lower temperature works best. Microwaving makes the crust soft, which you want to avoid.
Q: Is the sauce always on top?
A: For authentic Chicago deep dish, yes, the sauce is layered last. This is the main visual difference from New York style.
Q: What is the typical cost for a large deep dish shipped?
A: Expect to pay between $45 and $75 for a quality, shipped pie, depending on the size and the company. Shipping costs are often extra.
Q: Do these pizzas contain pork products?
A: Many traditional recipes use Italian sausage, which is pork. However, most major vendors offer pepperoni, vegetarian, or beef topping options as well.
Q: How do I cut a deep dish pizza easily?
A: Use a sturdy, sharp chef’s knife or a pizza rocker blade. Let the pizza rest for 5 to 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven so the cheese sets up slightly.
Q: Are the crusts healthier than regular pizza crusts?
A: No. Because deep dish uses a lot of butter or oil in the dough for flavor and flakiness, it tends to be higher in fat and calories than thin-crust options.
Q: What if my order arrives damaged or thawed?
A: Contact the seller immediately. Reputable companies offer refunds or replacements if the dry ice melts completely or the box shows severe damage upon arrival.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!