Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a legendary pizza, known for its thick, buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and loads of cheese. This pizza is more like a pie and is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, filling meal. Here’s how to make an authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza at home!

Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

For the Filling:

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (preferably whole milk mozzarella)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef if preferred), crumbled and cooked
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano or any good-quality canned tomatoes)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cornmeal.
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce and Filling:

Cook the sausage: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the onion and bell pepper (if using) until softened, about 5 minutes.
Make the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Combine the filling: Stir the cooked sausage into the sauce mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Grease a 9-inch or 10-inch round deep-dish pizza pan (or a cake pan).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions—one slightly larger than the other. The larger portion will be used for the base, and the smaller portion will be for the top.
Roll out the larger portion of dough on a floured surface into a circle large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the pizza pan. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into the prepared pizza pan. Press the dough up the sides of the pan, allowing the edges to rise a bit higher than the rim of the pan.
Layer the cheese: Spread the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, followed by the Parmesan cheese.
Add the sausage sauce: Spoon the sausage and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the sauce, pressing the edges to seal the pizza. You can also fold the top dough over the sides of the bottom crust if necessary.
Brush the crust: Brush the top crust with the melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.

4. Bake the Pizza:

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the filling is bubbling.
After baking, let the pizza cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.

5. Serve:

Slice your Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza into wedges and enjoy the delicious, cheesy, and savory layers!
Optionally, serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Tips for the Perfect Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:

Use a good-quality mozzarella: Whole-milk mozzarella gives the best melt and texture. Try to avoid pre-shredded mozzarella, as it can be drier and not melt as well.
Cornmeal in the dough: The cornmeal gives the crust a unique texture and flavor that’s signature to Chicago-style deep dish.
Layering is key: The cheese goes first, followed by the meat, then the sauce. This helps to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
Let it rest: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This lets the cheese and sauce set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Variations You Can Try:

Vegetarian Deep Dish: Skip the sausage and use plenty of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Double Crust: For an even heartier pizza, you can add an additional layer of dough in between the cheese and sauce for a “double-crust” deep dish pizza.
Different Meat: You can swap Italian sausage for ground beef, pepperoni, or chicken sausage for variety.

Why Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is Amazing:

Hearty and Filling: It’s more than just a pizza—it’s an entire meal in a crust. The thick, buttery crust, hearty sauce, and rich filling make every bite a satisfying experience.
Unique Flavor: The combination of cheese on the bottom, followed by savory sausage and chunky tomato sauce, creates an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors.
Fun to Make: While it may take some time, the process of building this pizza is enjoyable and results in a true showstopper!

Enjoy your Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza! It’s the perfect way to experience a taste of Chicago right from your own kitchen.