Ordering pizza online today is simple. A few clicks, a couple of choices, and dinner is on the way. But if you’re thinking about doing something a little different this time, there’s one kind of pizza that works best when you know what to expect. Before you order Chicago style pizza, it helps to understand what makes it unlike anything else on the menu. At Sabino’s Pizza Pub in Leander, we make Chicago-style stuffed pizza and tavern-style thin crust, so knowing the difference helps you decide what to click on when you order.
This isn’t your standard thin crust or regular pan pizza. It’s heavier, thicker, and served in slices that surprise people the first time they try it. We’ve had people assume it’s more like lasagna than pizza. And on cold nights in January when warm food sounds extra good, this type of pizza just hits better. If you’re thinking about a new way to do pizza night, we’ve got a few pointers to help you get it right.
Know the Style Before You Order
Chicago style can mean different things, and that’s where some people get lost. The most common are deep dish and stuffed. Both are baked in a pan and both are packed with cheese, but there’s a difference.
Deep dish pizzas have a thick, crunchy crust that goes about halfway up the edge of the pan. They hold a lot of cheese and meat, and the sauce is usually poured on top before it bakes through.
Stuffed pizzas go even further. They use a bottom crust and a second, thin layer of dough on top of the cheese and toppings. Then a bit of sauce is added above that final layer before baking. It’s dense and rich, almost like a pizza pie.
Both styles take longer to bake than a regular pizza. Don’t be surprised if you’re told it will be 30 or 40 minutes. That’s normal. The extra time is what keeps the middle cooked and the layers melted just right.
Pick the Right Time and Place
Some food just fits better during certain moments. January nights in Leander, Texas, come with chilly air and darker evenings. That’s when this slow, comfort-heavy pizza usually makes the most sense. It’s not about eating on the go or grabbing a quick slice. Chicago style is for settling in.
This makes it a great pick when:
- You’re watching the playoffs or a big game
- You’re having a weekend movie night with the kids
- You want something warm and filling without needing to cook
One thing to plan for is timing. These pizzas take a while to make, and they’re too hot to eat right away. If you’ve got a 6:00 p.m. tipoff or dinner time locked at 5:30, you’ll want to place your online order early. That way, it’s ready when you are.
What to Expect With Toppings and Portions
Most regular pizzas are all about piling on extra toppings. With Chicago style, less is more. Since the crust is already thick and the pizza is holding so much cheese, too many toppings can make the center slide or break apart.
Here’s how the layers usually go:
- Dough lines the pan
- Cheese comes next, and thick
- Toppings like sausage or spinach go above that
- Sauce finishes it off, either on top or under a thin crust lid, depending on the style
Because of the depth and density, these pizzas are usually cut into fewer slices. But each piece fills you up fast. One slice often equals two slices of regular pizza. So don’t be surprised if leftovers end up in the fridge, and that’s not a bad thing on a cold weeknight. We offer 10 inch and 14 inch build your own stuffed pizzas, so you can pick the size that fits your table and how many leftovers you want.
Tips for Ordering Online Without Surprises
Ordering online saves time, but it can lead to confusion if you don’t know what to look for. We always double-check the details before sending an order through and suggest doing the same when you order Chicago style pizza at home. Our online ordering makes it easy to choose stuffed or thin crust for takeout when you are planning ahead for a game or family night.
Make sure to check:
- If the pizza is listed as “stuffed” or “deep dish” so you know which one you’re getting
- If the wait time includes prep and bake time, expect a longer cook time than thin crusts
- If the size matches your needs, smaller stuffed pizzas go a long way
You’ll also want to double-check your toppings. With heavy crusts, cheese, and sauce, a few well-picked ingredients work better than tossing everything on at once. Balance makes a difference in how it cooks and how cleanly it cuts.
Get the Most Out of the First Bite
There’s something about the first slice of Chicago style that deserves a little pause. It’s not fast food, not something you tear open in the car on the drive home. It’s a slower kind of meal, the kind that warms your hands while you sit down and take a minute.
What makes it special is the way it keeps you at the table. Maybe it’s because of how filling it is or maybe it’s the fact that everyone stops and takes a moment before the first bite. It brings people together in a way that regular thin crust just doesn’t.
So if you’ve never tried it before, or if it’s been a while since your last one, give it a go next time you want pizza with a little more heart. It’s best when shared with good people, paired with a cozy evening, and eaten one fork-and-knife bite at a time.
Craving something warm and hearty this winter? Chicago style pizza offers the perfect pick for a relaxed evening at home whether you’re enjoying movie night with family or watching the playoffs. Understanding the differences in pizza styles can make your meal even more satisfying, and when you’re ready to order Chicago style pizza, we have all the layers waiting for you from cheese to sauce. At Sabino’s Pizza Pub, we keep the process easy and are happy to answer any questions or help with your order.