Is prior cooking experience required?

No, this class welcomes all skill levels and walks you through each step in detail.

Are vegetarian and gluten-free options available?

Yes, the class offers a variety of toppings to accommodate dietary preferences, including gluten-free crust options.

Can I take my pizza home?

Your pizza will be baked during the session and is yours to enjoy immediately or take home if preferred.

Is the class suitable for children?

This experience is designed for guests aged 18 and older.

Where is the class located?

The workshop takes place in downtown Chicago, easily accessible by public transport and near many hotels.

Can I book for a private group or event?

Please contact the organizers directly to inquire about private bookings or group rates.

Mastering Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza: A Hands-On Culinary Adventure in The Windy City | Events | Food Tour

Chicago is world-renowned for its bold flavors and hearty dishes, and nothing captures that culinary spirit quite like its iconic deep dish pizza. This immersive 2.5-hour workshop invites food lovers aged 18 and up to roll up their sleeves and learn the craft behind this beloved Chicago classic. Located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, this experience offers an authentic, hands-on approach where you not only create a pizza from scratch but also gain insider techniques that bring exceptional flavor and texture to life. The session begins with mastering the dough, a critical foundation for a perfect deep dish. You’ll learn how to mix, knead, and stretch the dough to form the distinctive thick, buttery crust that can hold a generous load of cheese, rich tomato sauce, and your choice of fresh toppings. The art of layering ingredients in a deep dish is an essential step, and instructors guide you through balancing the savory cheese blend with zesty tomato sauce and a customized selection of meats, vegetables, or vegetarian options — including gluten-free varieties to cater to dietary needs. What sets this class apart is the opportunity to engage directly with the culinary techniques behind the scenes, making it more than just a cooking lesson. It’s a window into Chicago’s food culture and culinary history, where recipes are handed down alongside stories from local chefs passionate about the city’s distinct style. They share how Chicago’s industrial growth and immigrant communities shaped the signature deep dish pizza, tying flavor to local heritage. Perfect for visitors staying in nearby downtown Chicago hotels, the workshop’s central location makes it an accessible and rewarding stop on any city exploration itinerary. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a devoted food enthusiast, this pizza-making adventure offers the perfect combination of education, hands-on fun, and delicious payoff. By the end of your class, you’ll walk away with not only a personal deep dish creation fresh from the oven but also the confidence and skills to impress family and friends back home. For anyone seeking a unique, interactive, and savory experience, this pizza workshop provides a flavorful peek into one of Chicago’s most treasured culinary traditions.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2.5 hours.

Fitness level

No specific fitness required; suitable for all skill levels

Wildlife

Urban squirrels in local parks
Bird species common to Chicago's lakefront

History

Chicago’s deep dish pizza originated in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno, blending Italian immigrant traditions with American ingredients to create a new iconic style.

Conservation

Chicago promotes sustainable practices in food sourcing; many local kitchens prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients to reduce environmental impact.

Bettie's Chicago is a hands-on bakery and cooking studio in Chicago led by head chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman. The studio offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and take-and-bake options for home bakers, food lovers, and groups. Participants learn techniques for breads, pastries, pies, and savory dishes with a focus on practical skills, approachable recipes, and small class sizes that enable personalized instruction. Classes include introductions to bread baking, sourdough intensives, focaccia art, French breads, artisan pizza, homemade pasta, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin cinnamon rolls and apple cider donuts. Specialty workshops cover cookie pickups, cupcake and cake decorating, macaron making, and multi-day sourdough courses for intermediate bakers. Private events and corporate team-building sessions are also available by request. Bettie's Chicago emphasizes hands-on learning: students mix, knead, shape, and bake during sessions and often take finished products home. The studio highlights ingredient quality, clear step-by-step guidance, and reproducible recipes so attendees can recreate results at home. Classes specify age recommendations and duration, and many allow dietary accommodations or vegan-friendly options. The business is suitable for beginners through experienced bakers seeking focused technique work or creative culinary experiences. Reviews and event listings on reputable city guides and The Adventure Collective spotlight consistent class offerings and seasonal specialties. Booking information, class schedules, and pre-order pickup options are available through the studio’s online listings and partner platforms. Gift certificates, group discounts, and private lesson packages make Bettie's Chicago a flexible option for celebrations, team building, and hands-on culinary education across skill levels.

Base locationChicago, Illinois

Tours offered36+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace