How many calories are in one slice of Chicago pizza?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

A typical slice of classic Chicago deep-dish pizza, known for its thick crust and generous layers of cheese and meat, can contain well over 600 calories. So, how many calories are in one slice of Chicago pizza? The definitive answer depends on numerous variables, including the specific pizzeria, the toppings chosen, and the slice size.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for one slice of Chicago deep dish pizza ranges from approximately 400 to over 700 calories, varying by size, crust thickness, amount of cheese, and toppings.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: One slice of Chicago deep dish pizza can contain anywhere from 400 to over 700 calories, depending on the restaurant, toppings, and portion size.
Crust is Key: The thick, buttery deep-dish crust is a major contributor to the high calorie count, far more than a standard thin crust.
Toppings Add Up: Meat toppings like sausage and pepperoni significantly increase the total calories and fat content compared to a cheese or vegetable pizza.
Slice Size Matters: How the pizza is divided makes a huge difference; a 1/6 slice has more calories than a 1/8 slice from the same pie.
Lighter Options Exist: For a lower-calorie alternative, opt for vegetable toppings, blot excess oil, or consider a lighter crust option if available.
Lou Malnati's Example: A large classic deep dish from Lou Malnati's contains approximately 730 calories per 1/8 slice.
Old Chicago Example: A large classic deep dish from Old Chicago contains approximately 498 calories per slice.

The Calorie Range for Chicago Deep Dish

Chicago deep-dish pizza is famous for its hearty, filling nature, which naturally translates to a higher calorie count per slice compared to its thinner-crust counterparts. A single slice is much more substantial, with a rich, buttery or oily crust and copious amounts of cheese and toppings. The total calories can vary dramatically depending on where you get your pizza and what you put on it.

For example, a large classic deep dish from Lou Malnati's can pack approximately 730 calories per slice, when cut into 8 portions. In contrast, a slice of a large classic deep dish from Old Chicago has been reported to contain around 498 calories. A cheese-only version of a large deep dish from Old Chicago comes in at about 411 calories per slice. These examples illustrate that even within the same general pizza style, there are significant differences based on the restaurant's specific recipe and preparation.

Factors Influencing Chicago Pizza Calories

Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza slice. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed choices.

Crust Composition

The foundation of a deep-dish pizza is its thick, bread-like crust. This crust is often made with a significant amount of butter or oil, contributing a substantial number of calories from fats and carbohydrates. The sheer volume of dough alone makes deep-dish crust a major caloric component when compared to thin-crust pizzas.

Generous Cheese

Unlike traditional pizza, Chicago deep dish features layers of full-fat mozzarella cheese. The amount of cheese used is far more generous, which significantly increases the saturated fat and calorie content per slice. The iconic "cheese pull" is visually appealing but also a major caloric factor.

Toppings Selection

Toppings have a huge impact. Consider the difference between a simple cheese and a meat-heavy pizza.

Meat Toppings: Ingredients like sausage and pepperoni are dense in calories and saturated fat. A deep dish slice with sausage can have significantly more calories than a vegetarian option.
Vegetable Toppings: While vegetables add some calories, they are far lighter and often provide more fiber, helping to fill you up without the heavy caloric load of meat. However, the vegetables are often baked into the pizza, sometimes under a blanket of cheese.

Portion Size Matters

For many deep-dish pizzas, the serving size itself is a key variable. A standard 12-inch deep-dish pizza can be cut into 6 or 8 slices. For the same pizza, a slice from a 6-slice cut will have substantially more calories than a slice from an 8-slice cut. Always pay attention to the cut size listed on nutritional guides.

Comparison: Chicago Deep Dish vs. Other Pizza Styles

To put the calorie count in perspective, here is a comparison between Chicago deep dish and other popular pizza styles. The calorie counts are approximate and will vary by specific recipes and ingredients.


Pizza Style	Approximate Calories per Slice	Key Caloric Source	Serving Size Note
Chicago Deep Dish (Loaded)	600-750+	Thick, buttery crust; heavy cheese; rich sausage	Slices are much larger and denser.
Standard Crust (Pepperoni)	300-400	Traditional dough; moderate cheese; pepperoni	Slices are standard, often smaller than deep-dish.
Thin Crust (Cheese)	200-250	Thin dough; minimal cheese and sauce	Light, crisp slices; multiple slices often consumed.

How to Enjoy Chicago Pizza with Fewer Calories

If you're looking to indulge in Chicago pizza without completely derailing your diet, here are some strategies:

Share a Slice: A single slice is very filling. Consider sharing one with a friend and supplementing your meal with a side salad.
Order a Smaller Pizza: Many pizzerias offer individual-sized deep dish pizzas, allowing for better portion control.
Choose Lighter Toppings: Opt for vegetable-based toppings like peppers, onions, and mushrooms instead of calorie-dense meats.
Blot the Oil: Use a napkin to blot excess oil from the top of the cheese to remove some of the fat and calories.
Embrace the Thinner Crust: While not traditional deep dish, some Chicago pizzerias offer thin-crust options that are significantly lower in calories. Some recipes also use cauliflower crust alternatives.

Conclusion

The question of how many calories are in one slice of Chicago pizza has a wide-ranging answer, largely dependent on the ingredients, slice size, and specific pizzeria recipe. While calorie counts for a deep dish slice typically range from 400 to over 700 calories, understanding the factors at play allows for smarter choices. The joy of deep-dish pizza is an experience, and by practicing portion control and being mindful of ingredients, you can enjoy this Chicago classic without compromising your dietary goals. For personalized tracking and fitness insights, consider using a tool like MyFitnessPal.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large classic deep dish from Lou Malnati's can have approximately 730 calories per slice, based on an 8-slice cut.

Yes, deep dish is generally less healthy per slice due to its thicker, richer crust and greater amount of cheese and toppings, which contribute more calories and fat.

For the same pizza, a slice from a larger cut (e.g., 8 slices) will have fewer calories than a slice from a smaller cut (e.g., 6 slices).

Yes, you can opt for vegetable-only toppings, ask for light cheese, share a slice, or seek out places offering healthier crust alternatives like cauliflower.

For a large cheese-only deep dish from Old Chicago, a single slice contains about 411 calories.

You can reduce calories by eating a smaller portion, choosing vegetable toppings over meat, and blotting excess oil from the top with a napkin.

The high calorie count is a result of the substantial, buttery crust, multiple layers of cheese, and the use of heavy, high-fat toppings like sausage.

A deep dish with sausage will have significantly more calories than a vegetable-only one, as meat toppings are very calorie-dense.