Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class

When it comes to iconic American cuisine, few dishes evoke the city of Chicago quite like its deep dish pizza. This private online cooking class offers an engaging way to learn the art of making this tall, cheesy, hearty pie from the comfort of your own home. Led by a knowledgeable Chicago native, Nancy, the class not only teaches you a beloved recipe but also gives you a taste of American culinary culture.

What we love about this experience is how personalized it feels—being one-on-one with Nancy ensures tailored guidance, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a total beginner. Plus, you get the chance to master a dish that’s often considered a staple of Chicago’s food scene.

A potential consideration is that the class requires some advance preparation—namely, making the pizza dough ahead of time since it needs to rise, which means planning a bit in advance. That said, this class suits anyone eager to connect with Chicago’s culinary roots, especially those wanting a hands-on, interactive experience without leaving home.

Key Points

• Authentic Recipe: Learn to make the iconic Chicago-style deep dish pizza from a local expert.
• Private & Personalized: One-on-one guidance from Nancy ensures your questions are answered and your skill level is accommodated.
• Cultural Insight: Gain a glimpse into American cuisine and culinary traditions, making this more than just a cooking class.
• Flexible Scheduling: The class can be scheduled at your convenience, ideal for different time zones or busy schedules.
• Ingredient List in Advance: You’ll receive a detailed ingredients and supplies list to prepare ahead.
• Additional Recipe: Besides pizza, Nancy guides you through making red velvet brownies, adding a sweet touch to your culinary lesson.

The Experience: What to Expect

This online class is designed to be as interactive and practical as possible. Over approximately 90 minutes, Nancy guides you through every step of creating a Chicago-style deep dish pizza—a dish famous for its thick crust, generous layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. The session is scheduled at a time that works best for you, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule.

Prior to the session, you’ll receive an ingredients and supplies list. It’s crucial to gather everything at least two days before, so nothing disrupts your cooking flow. The class begins with a brief introduction to American cuisine, setting the stage for why deep dish pizza has become a Chicago icon.

Nancy takes a hands-on approach—she encourages you to cook alongside her, asking questions and sharing tips along the way. This makes the experience feel more like a chat with a friend who just happens to be a pizza expert. You’ll learn not just the recipe but also some insider tricks, such as how to handle the dough and ensure your cheese and toppings are perfectly layered.

Once your pizza is assembled, Nancy offers guidance on baking techniques, optimal oven temperatures, and timing. As a bonus, she demonstrates how to make red velvet brownies, providing a sweet pairing to your savory creation.

The Authenticity and Personal Touch

Many reviewers highlight just how knowledgeable and friendly Nancy is. One reviewer mentioned how she took time to understand their cooking skill level and tailored the class accordingly, making the experience accessible for amateurs. Another appreciated her patience and clear instructions, describing her as “kind throughout” and “so fun”—which helps reduce the typical anxiety around trying a complex dish.

Practical Aspects and Customizations

Scheduling is flexible, with Nancy accommodating different time zones and preferences. If you have dietary restrictions or specific ingredient preferences, the class can be customized, making it more inclusive. The ingredients list is comprehensive but straightforward, and most items should be easily sourced from your local grocery store.

The class is entirely private, meaning it’s just you, your household, and Nancy—no crowds or distractions. This creates a relaxed environment where you can really focus on learning and having fun.

Value for Money

At $40 per person, this class offers excellent value, especially considering the personalized guidance you’ll receive. Compared to in-person classes that can be more expensive and less flexible, this option stands out for its convenience and intimacy. Plus, at the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a new skill and a delicious meal you made yourself.

The Breakdown: Step by Step

Preparation Phase:
Before the class, you’ll get instructions to make your pizza dough. This is essential because the dough needs ample time to rise, which adds to the authenticity and texture of your pizza.

Introduction:
Nancy kicks things off with a brief overview of Chicago’s pizza culture, helping you understand what makes this style unique—namely, the thick crust, deep layers of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce.

Dough Making:
You’ll learn how to prepare the dough, with Nancy sharing tips on kneading and handling it for the perfect base. Reviewers noted that she took time to explain how the dough should feel, which is helpful whether you’re a novice or experienced baker.

Layering and Assembling:
Nancy guides you through the process of layering cheese, toppings, and sauce—crucial steps that influence the final flavor and presentation. Her advice on how to prevent sogginess and achieve a crispy crust is invaluable.

Baking Tips:
Once assembled, you’ll receive instructions on baking times and temperatures. Many reviewers commented on how well the pizza baked, with some mentioning how the cheese bubbled and the crust turned a beautiful golden brown.

Dessert Time:
The class wraps up with Nancy demonstrating how to make red velvet brownies, a perfect addition to your pizza night or a treat to enjoy afterward.

Q&A and Customization:
Throughout the session, you’re encouraged to ask questions, making the experience highly interactive. If you have dietary needs, Nancy can suggest substitutions or adjustments.

The Authentic Touch: What Reviewers Say

Reviewers repeatedly mention Nancy’s friendly, helpful attitude. One shared how she “walked us through the whole process” despite their limited cooking experience, emphasizing her patience. Another appreciated her ability to make the class “not intimidating at all,” which is crucial for those unsure about their culinary skills.

The fact that this is a private class is a big plus—no distractions or rushing, just tailored attention. Many noted how this personalized approach made learning easier and more enjoyable, transforming the virtual session into a fun, memorable experience.

Who Would Love This Class?

This class shines brightest for those with a curiosity about American food, especially Chicago’s iconic cuisine. Home cooks eager to expand their repertoire will enjoy mastering a challenging but rewarding dish in a supportive environment.

It’s particularly suitable for families or couples wanting a shared activity, or solo travelers seeking a cultural connection through cooking. The ability to personalize the schedule makes it a flexible option for different time zones and busy lifestyles.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $40, this private online cooking class packs a punch—offering authentic skills, a personal touch, and a delicious result. You’re not just learning a recipe; you’re also gaining insight into Chicago’s culinary identity, all from your own kitchen.

The experience is well-suited for food lovers, curious cooks, or anyone wanting a fun, interactive, and memorable activity. The fact that many reviewers have expressed how much they enjoyed Nancy’s approachable style and the quality of the recipes speaks volumes about the value on offer.

If your goal is to cook something hearty, authentic, and wonderfully satisfying while connecting with a local expert, this class might be just what you need.

FAQ

Do I need to have cooking experience to take this class?
Not at all. Many reviewers mentioned that Nancy tailored the class to their skill level, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for experienced cooks alike.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this experience is booked about 53 days ahead, but it can be scheduled at your convenience, as Nancy is flexible with timing.

What ingredients do I need?
You’ll receive a detailed ingredients list in advance, and it’s recommended to have everything ready at least two days before the class.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private, one-on-one session, which allows for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Can I customize the recipes?
Yes, Nancy is open to dietary restrictions or preferences, making the experience more inclusive.

What kind of recipes are included?
You’ll learn how to make authentic Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza and red velvet brownies—a sweet bonus.

How long does the class last?
Around 1 hour 30 minutes, including hands-on cooking and Q&A.

Will I get support after the class?
While the main focus is the live session, the recipes and tips will be emailed afterward for your reference.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the class is private and interactive, so it could be suitable for older children or teens, especially if they enjoy cooking.

This private online cooking experience offers a delightful way to learn, laugh, and make something truly delicious—all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving an authentic Chicago pizza or simply want to improve your culinary skills, Nancy’s class delivers a genuine taste of American comfort food with a personal touch.