Delicious Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

If you’ve ever visited Chicago, you know that the city’s iconic deep dish pizza is unlike any other. With its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a meal all on its own. The good news is that you don’t have to travel to the Windy City to enjoy this delicious pizza – you can make it right at home!

This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza that’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this pizza is sure to impress.

What Makes Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Unique?

Chicago-style deep dish pizza is distinct because of its structure. Unlike traditional pizzas with thin crusts, the deep dish version features a thick, buttery crust that is baked in a pan to create a tall edge that holds the generous layers of cheese and sauce. “The key to a great deep dish pizza is building it upside-down, with cheese directly on the crust and sauce on top,” explains a pizza enthusiast.

Ingredients for Deep Dish Pizza

To make a homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the pan)

For the Pizza Filling:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
• 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza:

1. Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Cook the Filling Ingredients

While the dough rises, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened. Set the filling ingredients aside to cool slightly.

3. Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large circle, about ¼-inch thick. Grease a deep dish pizza pan (or a 9-inch round cake pan) with olive oil, and press the dough into the pan, making sure it comes up the sides to form a crust.

Start layering the pizza by adding the shredded mozzarella cheese directly onto the dough. Next, add the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Finally, pour the prepared tomato sauce over the top of the pizza, spreading it evenly.

5. Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Let the Pizza Cool

Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to cut clean slices.

Serving Suggestions

Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a cold beer to complement the rich flavors of the pizza.

Tips for the Perfect Deep Dish Pizza

• Don’t Overstuff the Pizza: While deep dish pizza is known for its thick layers, it’s important not to overload the pizza with too many toppings. This can make the crust soggy and prevent the pizza from cooking evenly.
• Use a Heavy Pan: A deep dish pizza requires a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even baking. If you don’t have a deep dish pizza pan, a cast-iron skillet works well as a substitute.
• Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for a light, airy crust. Be patient and let it double in size before assembling the pizza.

Conclusion

With this homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza recipe, you can recreate a slice of Chicago’s iconic pizza in your own kitchen. The thick, buttery crust, layers of cheese, and rich tomato sauce make this pizza a truly indulgent experience. Whether you’re a deep dish pizza lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe will deliver that authentic taste you’ve been craving.

Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious slice of Chicago from the comfort of your home!