National Deep Dish Pizza Day (April 5)
National Deep Dish Pizza Day is celebrated every year on April 5, honoring one of the most beloved and unique pizza styles in the world.
With its buttery, flaky crust, layers of gooey cheese, and chunky tomato sauce, deep dish pizza is more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
This unique pizza style, made famous in Chicago, is celebrated each year on April 5.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering its delicious depths, this weird April holiday is the perfect excuse to savor a slice and explore the rich history behind this iconic dish.
When Is the Holiday?
Celebrated annually on April 5, this tasty holiday honors one of America’s most famous regional pizza styles.
It’s a day dedicated to indulging in a slice (or two) of this thick, cheesy, and saucy dish, whether at a classic Chicago pizzeria or made fresh at home.
Who Invented the Holiday?
While the origins of the holiday itself remain unclear, it likely emerged as a tribute to Chicago’s iconic pizza style.
Some speculate that pizzerias and food bloggers popularized the day as a way to celebrate the city’s unique contribution to the pizza world.
Regardless of its creator, it has become a widely recognized celebration among pizza lovers.
The History of Deep Dish Pizza
While the exact origins of National Deep Dish Pizza Day are unclear, it has become a widely recognized celebration among pizza lovers.
Chicago’s deep dish pizza first gained popularity in the 1940s, and its reputation has only grown since then.
The holiday itself likely emerged from a combination of food industry promotions and grassroots enthusiasm for this beloved style of pizza.
As social media helped spread awareness of quirky food holidays, deep dish pizza fans embraced April 5 as a day to indulge, experiment with recipes, and honor the dish that put Chicago on the pizza map.
Today, pizzerias across the country mark the occasion with special deals, while home chefs try their hand at recreating this signature dish.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Deep Dish Pizza
- It Was Designed to Be a Full Meal. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizza, deep dish was created as a substantial dish meant to satisfy hearty appetites.
- The Crust Is More Like Pastry. Deep dish pizza crust is often made with butter and cornmeal, giving it a texture closer to a flaky pie crust than a standard pizza dough.
- It Takes Nearly an Hour to Cook. Because of its thick layers, deep dish pizza requires a longer bake time, usually around 40 to 50 minutes.
- The Sauce Is Always on Top. Unlike traditional pizzas, where cheese goes on top, deep dish layers cheese and toppings first, with tomato sauce as the final layer to prevent burning.
- It Sparked a Rivalry. While deep dish is iconic in Chicago, many locals debate whether it’s the best style, with fans of thin-crust tavern-style pizza arguing that deep dish is for tourists.
Activities to Celebrate
- Visit a Chicago-style pizzeria and try an authentic deep dish pizza.
- Make your own deep dish pizza at home using a cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pan.
- Host a pizza-tasting party featuring different styles of pizza.
- Learn about Chicago’s pizza history and its influence on American cuisine.
- Share your deep dish pizza experience on social media using #DeepDishPizzaDay.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
- Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. A step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect deep dish pizza, from making the buttery crust to layering cheese and sauce for maximum flavor.
- Easy Deep Dish Pizza. A quick and simple version that requires minimal prep while still delivering delicious results.
- Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie. A fun take on deep dish, baked in individual portions with gooey cheese and rich sauce inside.
- Authentic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. This recipe stays true to the classic preparation, using high-quality ingredients to replicate the taste of a true Chicago deep dish.
- Deep Dish Pizza with a Springform Pan. A unique technique using a springform pan for extra height and a crisp, flaky crust.
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Links to Resources
- History of Deep Dish Pizza – A deep dive into the origins and evolution of this iconic dish.
- Chef Pomodoro Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Pan. A 12-inch hard-anodized aluminum pan designed for optimal heat conduction, ensuring a perfectly crispy crust.
- OXO Good Grips Large Pizza Wheel and Cutter. A sharp 4-inch stainless steel blade with a non-slip ergonomic handle for effortless pizza slicing.
Related Holidays
- National Pizza Day (February 9)
- National Pizza Party Day (Third Friday in May)
- National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5)
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