🍕 What makes a pizza "Tavern-Style"?

Tavern-Style Pizza is defined by its ultra-thin, crispy crust , light use of sauce and cheese, and square “party cut” slices. Unlike deep-dish or pan pizza, it’s rolled thin and baked directly on the oven deck or a stone, resulting in a crackery texture . It originated in Chicago taverns, where it was served as an easy-to-share snack with drinks.

🍕 How is Tavern-Style Pizza different from bar pizza?

Both styles are thin crust and built for sharing, but there are key differences: Bar pizza (popular in New England) is often baked in greased pans , giving it an oilier, crispier edge. Tavern-Style Pizza is rolled thin and baked directly on a stone or deck — yielding a more cracker-like, shatteringly crisp crust .

🍕 Who serves the best Tavern-Style Pizza in Chicago?

There’s a lot of debate, but a few beloved spots include: Vito & Nick’s Marie’s Pizza & Liquors Pat’s Pizza Aurelio’s Pizza Each has its own take, but all deliver that signature thin, crisp, square-sliced pie Chicagoans love.

🍕 What is the Tavern-Style crust option at Pizza Hut?

Pizza Hut’s Tavern-Style crust is a thin, crisp pizza option inspired by the classic Midwest style. It’s rolled thinner than their traditional pizzas and cut into smaller squares, echoing the party-style presentation of true Chicago Tavern-Style Pizza — though purists would argue nothing beats a homemade or local tavern version!

7 Game-Changing Tips For The Best Tavern-Style Pizza Ever

Description

A hot, crispy thin-crust tavern-style pizza on a wooden board, cut into squares, with melted cheese and pepperoni, rustic kitchen background, high detail, natural lighting

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup cornmeal (for dusting)
1 cup tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings: Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms

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Instructions

Preparing the Dough

Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
Add olive oil and warm water, mix until dough forms.
Knead dough until smooth (8-10 mins).

Shaping the Crust

Preheat oven with pizza stone to 500°F.
Roll dough very thin (about 1/8 inch).
Dust pizza peel or pan with cornmeal.

Assembling & Baking

Spread tomato sauce evenly.
Top with mozzarella and desired toppings.
Bake 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American, Chicago-Style