Chicago’s culinary scene is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes that reflect the city’s diverse cultural influences. This collection of 15 Classic Chicago Recipes allows you to recreate some of the city’s most beloved foods at home. From deep dish pizza to Italian beef sandwiches, these recipes cover a range of iconic Chicago dishes. Whether you’re familiar with these foods or trying them for the first time, these home cooked versions offer a taste of Chicago’s culinary traditions. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can enjoy these Windy City favorites without leaving your kitchen.
Spicy Chicago Thin Crust Sausage and Pepperoncini Pizza
Craving a taste of the Windy City? This Spicy Chicago Thin Crust Pizza with Sausage and Pepperoncini may be just what you need. We’re bringing the bold flavors of a Chicago tavern right to your kitchen with a perfectly crisp, cracker-thin crust topped with zesty tomato sauce, gooey cheese, savory sausage, and tangy pepperoncini.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicago Thin Crust Sausage and Pepperoncini Pizza
Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwich
As a proud Chicago native, this Italian Beef Sandwich recipe holds a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to share it with you! It features succulent, thinly sliced beef slow-cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven with a fragrant Italian spice blend. Each bite is savory, juicy beef goodness, piled high on a crusty Italian roll and crowned with tangy giardiniera. And let’s not forget about the jus – a rich, flavorful broth that’s served alongside, perfect for dipping your sandwich and enhancing its already incredible taste. These sandwiches aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience—a celebration of bold flavors and deliciousness!
Get the Recipe: Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwich
Chicago Style Giardiniera
Ah, Chicago Style Giardiniera, the beloved Italian inspired condiment that took the Windy City by storm! This pickled veggie recipe is the perfect combo of tangy, spicy, and slightly sour flavors that can liven up so many dishes. As a Chicago native, I think it’s the ultimate culinary superhero that saves your sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more from being boring and bland. It even takes great on my mojo roasted pork shoulder!
Get the Recipe: Chicago Style Giardiniera
Maxwell Street Polish
You’ve likely heard of a Chicago Style Hot Dog, but have you heard of a Maxwell Street Polish? This Chicago classic consists of grilled or fried polish sausages topped with yellow mustard, sweet grilled onions, and spicy sport peppers on a bun.
Get the Recipe: Maxwell Street Polish
Deep Dish Skillet Pizza
Homemade Deep Dish Pizza is easier than you might think! All you need is a cast iron skillet and some basic ingredients and you’ll be whipping up a Chicago Style Deep Dish pizza in no time.
Get the Recipe: Deep Dish Skillet Pizza
Pigs in a Blanket (Chicago Inspired)
Elevate the classic Pigs In a Blanket with a Chicago inspired twist. This recipe combines the beloved mini hot dogs wrapped in flaky pastry with the iconic toppings of a Chicago-style hot dog for a fun and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket (Chicago Inspired)
Garrett Popcorn Chicago Mix
But then there is good news. With a bit of effort you can make your very own Garrett Chicago mix! So I’ll start with the basics about Garrett Popcorn’s Mix. Garrett’s sweet popcorn is called caramel crisp and it’s a delicious but simple recipe using brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt and popcorn. The key to the caramel crisp is that every kernel of corn is beautifully coated in caramel – not lightly coated but well coated.
Get the Recipe: Garrett Popcorn Chicago Mix
Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe
This is a copycat recipe for Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos with crispy fried wonton chips, a layer of pepperoni, Italian sausage crumbles, pepperoncini, and melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheese served with marinara dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe
Shrimp de Jonghe (Butter Garlic Shrimp Casserole)
Shrimp de Jonghe… This is a classic Chicago restaurant appetizer. Sizzling jumbo shrimp laced in butter, garlic and sherry, adorned with a crispy bread crumb topping.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp de Jonghe (Butter Garlic Shrimp Casserole)
Thin Crust Italian Beef Pizza
This Tavern Style Thin Crust Pizza with Italian Beef brings the bold flavors of Chicago right to your kitchen. We combine a perfectly crisp, cracker-thin crust with tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, savory Italian beef, and zesty giardiniera for the authentic experience that rivals any neighborhood tavern.
Get the Recipe: Thin Crust Italian Beef Pizza
Pecan Praline Cookies
If you love Southern praline candy and you’re a fan of chewy cookies, then you are going to love these, the 1986 winner’s recipe from the Chicago Tribune’s annual cookie contest. They received rave reviews when Little Black Skillet made them, so they have a feeling they’ll be making these for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Praline Cookies
Chicago Style Hot Dogs
If you’re from Chicago, I know you know how to make a Chicago dog so you can skip right over this post. Now if you’re not from Chicago, stick around! Carolyn’s Cooking is going to show you how to make a proper Chicago style hot dog!
Get the Recipe: Chicago Style Hot Dogs
Chicago Hot Dog Pasta Salad
This Pasta Salad has all the flavors of a classic Chicago style hot dog and a zesty dressing to tie it all together. The perfect pasta salad for a backyard barbecue!
Get the Recipe: Chicago Hot Dog Pasta Salad
Chicago Style Smoked Barbecue Rib Tips
Chicago may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think barbecue, but the Windy City boasts its own unique style – and Chicago Style Smoked Rib Tips are a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast. Forget the giant slabs of ribs you see in Kansas City or Memphis; these bite-sized wonders offer a distinct flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and are a flavorful twist on BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Chicago Style Smoked Barbecue Rib Tips
Chicken Vesuvio
Chicken Vesuvio is a true Italian-American classic, and one of the signature dishes from Chicago. Gypsy Plate loves simmering tender chicken thighs and potatoes in a luscious sauce infused with white wine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Vesuvio
