Immerse yourself in the heart of Chicago’s pizza tradition with this Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza. This iconic dish is renowned for its deep, pie-like structure and indulgent layers, offering a unique twist on traditional pizza with its robust flavors and satisfying textures.
At the core of this pizza is the rich, buttery dough, which provides a sturdy foundation while remaining tender and flavorful. This dough is prepared with a thoughtful mix of ingredients to ensure it bakes up perfectly, offering a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, rich interior.
Layered generously within the dough is a decadent blend of cheese, meats, and vegetables. The cheese forms a luscious, gooey base that is complemented by a savory mix of Italian sausage and spicy pepperoni. Fresh vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions are added to enhance the flavor profile and provide a satisfying variety of textures.
The pizza is finished with a robust, tangy tomato sauce that is spread over the top. This sauce is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a zesty layer that ties together the rich cheese and savory toppings, adding depth and complexity to each bite.
Baking transforms the ingredients into a harmonious dish, where the flavors meld together beautifully. The result is a deeply satisfying pizza experience that captures the essence of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza—a perfect blend of indulgent textures and bold flavors.
This Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of one of Chicago’s most cherished culinary traditions. Ideal for a special occasion or a cozy night in, it brings a taste of Chicago’s pizza heritage right into your home.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk, not in casings)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup sliced green bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced onions
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the vegetables by slicing them thinly.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions. Roll out one portion on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit a deep-dish pizza pan (about 12 inches).
- Transfer the dough to a greased deep-dish pizza pan, pressing it up the sides.
- Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
- Add the cooked sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions.
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve hot.
Tips:
- Cornmeal: Using cornmeal in the dough gives the crust its distinctive texture. Don’t skip it!
- Cheese: For the best results, use high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Pan Choice: A deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet works best for this recipe. If using a different pan, adjust cooking times as needed.
- Preheat the Pan: For a crispier bottom crust, preheat the pizza pan in the oven before adding the dough.
Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!
