Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for health or dietary reasons. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating gluten free is a necessity, not a choice. This poses challenges when dining out or eating one’s favorite foods, especially for those who love deep dish pizza.
Chicago is famous for its deep dish style pizza, with Giordano’s being one of the most iconic and beloved deep dish pizza chains. Naturally, many gluten free eaters wonder if they can still enjoy the famous Giordano’s deep dish while adhering to a gluten free diet.
What is gluten and why do some people need to avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It gives elasticity to dough, helping it rise and keep its shape. For most people, consuming gluten is not an issue. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten can cause serious health problems.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder whereby the small intestine is damaged by exposure to gluten. This damage prevents proper absorption of nutrients from food. Symptoms of celiac disease may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and anemia. The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly adhering to a 100% gluten free diet.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes similar gastrointestinal symptoms when gluten is consumed, but does not damage the small intestine. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may be able to tolerate small amounts of gluten, while those with celiac disease must avoid it entirely.
Approximately 1% of the population has celiac disease, though many may be undiagnosed. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity may affect up to 6% of people. As awareness increases, more people are getting diagnosed and choosing to go gluten free for their health.
Gluten free diet basics
For people who need to avoid gluten, following a strict gluten free diet is essential. This means excluding foods and ingredients that contain wheat, barley, rye, and any derivatives of these grains. Common examples of foods containing gluten include:
- Breads, cereals, crackers, baked goods
- Pasta, couscous
- Beer and malt beverages
- Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce
- Seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt
Reading ingredient labels is crucial when gluten free. Derivatives like maltodextrin, dextrin, food starch, edible starch, hydrolyzed wheat protein, soy sauce solids, etc. may indicate the presence of gluten. Cross-contamination is also a concern, where gluten is unintentionally introduced during production or preparation.
A gluten free diet eliminates sources of gluten, substituting gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa, corn, buckwheat, amaranth, teff, and certified oats. Sticking to naturally gluten free whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, eggs, meat, fish, and dairy is key. There are many gluten-free specialty products as well, from breads and baked goods to pasta, cereal, and pizza crust.
Is Giordano’s gluten free?
Now, back to the original question: can you enjoy Giordano’s signature deep dish pizza while eating gluten free? The answer is yes…with modifications.
Giordano’s pizzerias across the country offer gluten free deep dish pizza. However, their kitchens are not entirely gluten free, so there is some risk of cross-contamination. Those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive should exercise caution.
Here is the scoop on ordering gluten free deep dish from Giordano’s:
- Gluten free crust is available for a $3 upcharge
- 10” and 14” size deep dish pizza can be ordered on gluten free crust
- Toppings will be gluten free, but processed in shared equipment
- The restaurants are not gluten free facilities; some cross-contamination risk exists
- Those with celiac or high sensitivity should advise their server for extra care
The gluten free crust used for the deep dish pizzas is produced by a gluten free bakery and delivered to the restaurants pre-made. It contains rice flour, tapioca flour, and enzymes. Giordano’s does not recommend the gluten free crust for severe gluten allergies, but states it is suitable for gluten intolerance or those avoiding gluten by choice.
How does it compare to the regular deep dish?
Fans rave that Giordano’s gluten free deep dish is quite close the original in taste and texture. The crust is crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy inside. It has a nice cornmeal texture and appearance.
Of course, being gluten free, it lacks the elasticity of traditional gluten-containing dough. It may be more fragile and prone to tearing when handling the slices. It may not rise quite as tall either. But the iconic, decadent deep dish taste and experience remain largely intact.
Other menu considerations
Beyond the gluten-free crust, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity will need to carefully select toppings and sides at Giordano’s.
Cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach, and pineapple make safe gluten free topping choices. Other meats like chicken, ham, bacon, and beef are fine too.
Sides like the house salad without croutons are naturally gluten free. Vinaigrettes and oil & vinegar make safe dressing choices, rather than creamy Caesar. Giordano’s famous chocolate cake is not gluten free. Beverage options including water, soft drinks, juices, and coffee are gluten free as well.
Dining in or taking out?
Patrons with celiac disease would be wise to only get Giordano’s deep dish pizza to go. The restaurants use shared kitchens and prep areas for both gluten free and regular gluten-containing pizzas. While staff will change gloves and take precautions for gluten free orders, the risk of cross-contamination from airborne flour remains quite high for celiac diners.
Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity or avoiding gluten by choice may be able to tolerate the minimal cross-contamination risk to dine in. However, taking the pizza to go would be the safest option for anyone strictly gluten free.
Tips for ordering
To safely enjoy Giordano’s gluten free deep dish pizza, follow these tips when ordering:
- Clearly state that you need a gluten free pizza and crust
- Select meats, vegetables, and naturally gluten free toppings
- Ask for fresh gloves to be used in prep
- For takeout, request it be packaged separately from other pizzas
- Verify with the staff that they understand it must be 100% gluten free
- Check your pizza when served, to be sure proper precautions were taken
- Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and safety
With proper precautions, those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity can still enjoy Giordano’s gluten free deep dish pizza. While not 100% risk-free, it provides a safer way to get a taste of this Chicago classic.
Other Chicago-style gluten free pizzas
Beyond Giordano’s, more pizzerias in Chicago are now catering to the gluten free crowd. Here are a few other spots to grab deep dish and Chicago-style gluten free pizza in the Windy City and beyond:
Pizzeria Uno
Uno’s, the original Chicago deep dish creator, also offers gluten free deep dish at some locations. All ingredients are gluten free, though risk of cross-contamination exists.
Lou Malnati’s
This iconic chain was one of the first to offer gluten free deep dish in Chicago. The Lou Malnati’s Gluten Free Pizza has a sausage-based crust and ships frozen nationwide.
Pizano’s
Pizano’s prides itself on gluten free pizza and pasta, with careful protocols to avoid cross-contamination. Their thin crust gluten free has a cracker-like cornmeal crust.
Rosati’s Pizza
Rosati’s locations across the US, including many in Chicagoland, have gluten free pizza available with a 24-hour advanced order.
Pequod’s Pizza
This family-owned Chicago favorite uses meticulous practices for gluten free. Their caramellized crust pan pizza is a unique treat.
Dom’s Kitchen & Market
A fast casual spot offering both Chicago-style deep dish and thin crust gluten free pizzas, plus salads and meals.
Pizza Hut
National chain Pizza Hut has gluten free pans available for both Thin ‘N Crispy and Hand-Tossed styles. Caution is still advised for celiac disease.
Gluten free pizza chains
For maximum safety, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may prefer a dedicated gluten free restaurant. National pizza chains with gluten free menus include:
- Blaze Pizza
- MOD Pizza
- Pieology
- Papa Murphy’s
- California Pizza Kitchen
These brands avoid cross-contamination by having separate ingredients and prep for gluten free crusts. They’re experienced accommodating gluten free diners.
Making gluten free deep dish pizza at home
To fully control ingredients and avoid cross-contamination concerns, many opt to make gluten free deep dish pizza in the comfort of their own kitchens. This allows creatively customizing the crust and toppings to suit your tastes and diet.
Pre-made gluten free pizza crusts, doughs, and crust mixes make quick and easy weeknight dinners. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur, and Namaste Foods are available online and in most well-stocked grocery stores. You simply top and bake with your favorite sauces and toppings for Chicago-style flavor.
For a truly homemade deep dish experience, make my gluten free crust recipe below. It mimics the buttery cornmeal base of Giordano’s with a texture similar to traditional recipes.
Gluten Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Crust
Makes two 9-inch deep dish crusts.
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 cups (350g) King Arthur GF flour
- 3⁄4 cup (105g) fine cornmeal
- 2 1⁄2 tsp (8g) instant yeast
- 1 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 1⁄2 tsp sugar or honey
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 1⁄4 cup (295ml) warm water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add the oil and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add sprinkles of flour as needed to reduce sticking.
- Divide into 2 balls. Press each ball into a well-greased 9” round deep dish pan, coating the sides and bottom.
- Cover and let rise 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Use as the base for your favorite Chicago-inspired deep dish toppings.
- Bake at 425F for 15 minutes. Then, add toppings and bake 20-25 minutes more until bubbling and golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
This gluten free deep dish crust bakes up with a delicious cornmeal crunch. Top it with chunky tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, or your favorite pizza toppings.
Conclusion
While not fully gluten free facilities, Giordano’s and several other Chicago pizza icons do offer gluten free deep dish options today. With some adjustments and extra care in ordering, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can still partake in this famous Chicago tradition.
Making gluten free deep dish pizza fresh at home removes all risk of cross-contamination. With the classic cornmeal crust and signature fillings, you can create a truly authentic gluten free Chicago-style pizza experience in your own kitchen.
So go ahead and indulge – with proper precautions, almost anyone can enjoy delicious deep dish pizza and stay gluten free. The people of Chicago would surely approve!
