Discover fun ideas, delicious recipes, and exciting activities to celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day. From making your own pizza to visiting a pizzeria, explore ways to enjoy this beloved American dish.
National Deep Dish Pizza Day is a food holiday celebrated annually on April 5th in the United States. It is a day dedicated to celebrating one of America’s most beloved types of pizza – the deep-dish pizza. Deep-dish pizza is a type of pizza that is made with a thick, doughy crust and has a high edge that is usually filled with cheese and other toppings. On this day, people across the country enjoy deep-dish pizza and share their love for this delicious and hearty dish.
History of National Deep Dish Pizza Day
The exact origins of National Deep Dish Pizza Day are unclear, but it is believed to have been created by food enthusiasts and pizza lovers in the United States. The holiday has been celebrated annually on April 5th since at least 2009.
Deep-dish pizza has been a popular dish in Chicago since the early 1900s, and many credit the creation of the first deep-dish pizza to the restaurant Pizzeria Uno in Chicago in 1943. Over the years, deep-dish pizza has become a beloved dish not only in Chicago but throughout the United States and beyond.
National Deep Dish Pizza Day was likely created to celebrate the unique and delicious taste of deep-dish pizza and to recognize its place as a beloved American food. The holiday has gained popularity in recent years, and many pizza places and restaurants now offer special deals and promotions on April 5th to celebrate the occasion.
How to Celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day
There are many ways to celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day! Here are some ideas:
- Enjoy a deep-dish pizza: Head to your favorite pizza place and order a deep-dish pizza. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own deep-dish pizza at home.
- Host a pizza party: Invite some friends over and have a deep-dish pizza party! You can order pizzas from your favorite pizza place or have everyone bring their own homemade deep-dish pizza to share.
- Try new toppings: Experiment with different toppings on your deep-dish pizza. Some popular options include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
- Learn about the history of deep-dish pizza: Read up on the history of deep-dish pizza and learn about how it became a beloved American food.
- Share your love for deep-dish pizza on social media: Use the hashtag #NationalDeepDishPizzaDay on social media to share pictures of your deep-dish pizza and connect with other pizza lovers.
No matter how you choose to celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day, be sure to enjoy some delicious pizza and savor the unique and hearty flavors of this beloved American dish!
How to Make Deep Dish Pizza
Making deep-dish pizza can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is definitely worth it! Here’s a basic recipe for making deep-dish pizza:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings of your choice (such as sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
- Add the warm water and olive oil to the mixing bowl. Mix until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky.
- Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes on a floured surface, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Grease a 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil.
- Roll out the dough into a large circle and place it in the greased pan, making sure the dough comes up the sides of the pan.
- Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
- Add your desired toppings over the cheese.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Pour the mixture over the toppings.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pizza.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade deep-dish pizza!
National Deep Dish Pizza Day Activities
There are several fun activities you can do to celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit a pizzeria: Take a trip to your favorite pizzeria or try out a new one to celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day. Try different types of deep-dish pizza and enjoy the delicious flavors.
- Make your own pizza: Gather your family and friends and make your own deep-dish pizza at home. Set up a pizza-making station with toppings and sauces, and let everyone create their own personalized pizzas.
- Have a pizza party: Invite friends over for a pizza party and celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day together. Order a few different types of deep-dish pizza and enjoy them together.
- Learn about the history of deep-dish pizza: Do some research on the history of deep-dish pizza and share your findings with friends and family. You can also watch documentaries or cooking shows about deep-dish pizza.
- Have a pizza-themed game night: Play pizza-themed games, such as Pizza Party, Pizza Pile-Up, or Pizza Box Football. You can also play board games while enjoying slices of deep-dish pizza.
No matter how you choose to celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day, the important thing is to enjoy delicious pizza and have fun with friends and family.
