Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Introduction:
A true iconic dish from Chicago, Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a hearty, flavorful pizza with a thick, buttery crust, loads of melty cheese, a rich tomato sauce, and savory toppings. Known for its “pizza pie” appearance, this deep dish pizza is baked in a pan and typically served with a knife and fork. Whether you’re craving the rich, satisfying flavors of Chicago pizza or just want to try something new, this homemade version will transport you straight to the Windy City.
Ingredients
for Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:
For the pizza dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cornmeal (optional, for extra texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
For the pizza filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (preferably mild, but you can use spicy if preferred)
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, and cornmeal (if using). Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, olive oil, and oregano (if using). Mix until the dough starts to come together, then knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to save time.
Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. If you’re using bell peppers, add them now and cook until softened.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch or 10-inch round deep dish pizza pan or a similar-sized baking dish with olive oil. If you don’t have a deep dish pan, you can use a springform pan or even a cake pan.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large circle, about 14 inches in diameter, which will be large enough to fit your pan with some overhang. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, pressing it up the sides to form a crust. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to relax the dough.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on the bottom of the dough. This helps create a barrier to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
Add the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the cheese, followed by the tomato sauce. Make sure the sauce is spread evenly to the edges of the dough. Top with grated Parmesan and shredded provolone cheese (if using) for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You may need to rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on the pizza and cover it loosely with foil if the crust starts to brown too quickly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the cheese and sauce to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Slice into wedges, serve, and enjoy your Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza!
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:
- Don’t skip the mozzarella layer at the bottom: This acts as a barrier to keep the crust from getting soggy from the tomato sauce.
- Use good-quality sausage: Sausage is a key flavor in deep dish pizza, so choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best results.
- Dough consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a touch more water.
- Allow the pizza to cool slightly: This helps the cheese set and prevents the sauce from running when slicing.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the sauce and dough in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. Assemble and bake the pizza when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:
This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is the ultimate comfort food. The buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the rich, savory filling, and the generous layers of cheese, sausage, and tomato sauce create the perfect pizza experience. Whether you’re recreating a Chicago classic or trying it for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!
The deep dish pizza is hearty and filling, making it the perfect meal for a family dinner, pizza night with friends, or a special occasion. Plus, making it from scratch means you can control the quality of the ingredients and customize it to suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe? While homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor, you can use store-bought pizza dough in a pinch. Be sure to roll it out thin enough to fit your pan and create the deep dish crust. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
Can I freeze the pizza dough? Yes! You can freeze the dough after it has risen. Simply shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Can I add other toppings? Yes! Chicago-style deep dish pizza is highly customizable. You can add other toppings like mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, or green onions. Just be sure not to overload it with too many toppings, as it can affect the cooking time and texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover deep dish pizza? Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is warm and the cheese is bubbling. You can also reheat slices in a skillet on low heat, covered with foil, to prevent the crust from becoming too hard.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza recipe is the perfect way to enjoy an iconic Chicago classic from the comfort of your own home. With its buttery crust, cheesy filling, and hearty toppings, it’s sure to satisfy your pizza cravings. Whether you’re a Chicago native or a newcomer to this style of pizza, this recipe will impress and leave everyone asking for more! Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits