A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, rich tomato sauce, and savory toppings, this Chicago-style deep dish pizza is the ultimate comfort food. Baked to perfection in a deep pan, it delivers a crispy yet tender crust that perfectly holds the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Chicago-Style Pizza: Features a deep, buttery crust with layers of cheese and a rich tomato sauce.
- Perfectly Cheesy and Savory: Loaded with mozzarella, sausage, and a thick, flavorful sauce.
- Homemade Goodness: Making deep dish pizza from scratch ensures a fresher and tastier result.
- Ideal for Gatherings: A hearty, filling dish perfect for family dinners and pizza nights.
- Customizable Toppings: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the melted butter, olive oil, and yeast mixture.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes, then set aside.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
- Roll out the dough and press it into the pan, covering the bottom and sides.
- Layer the mozzarella cheese first, followed by the cooked sausage and pepperoni.
- Pour the sauce over the top and spread evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus rising time)
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and pepperoni, and add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella or a mix of provolone and cheddar for a cheesier bite.
- Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes for added heat.
- Different Crust Flavor: Add grated Parmesan and garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- Thin Crust Alternative: Use half the dough and roll it thinner for a crispier texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze fully baked and cooled slices for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over low heat for a crispier crust.
FAQs
1. What makes Chicago deep dish pizza different from regular pizza?
Chicago deep dish pizza has a thicker, buttery crust and is assembled in reverse order—cheese first, then toppings, and finally sauce on top.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
3. What’s the best cheese for deep dish pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan for more depth.
4. Why is the sauce placed on top?
The sauce goes on top to prevent the cheese from burning during the longer baking time.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before using.
6. Do I need a special pan for deep dish pizza?
A deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet works best to hold the thick crust and layers.
7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but fresh tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and cooked down into a thick sauce.
8. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Press the dough firmly into the pan and pre-bake it for 5 minutes before adding the cheese and toppings.
9. Can I make this without cornmeal?
Yes, but cornmeal adds a slight crunch and enhances the crust’s texture. If omitting, replace with an equal amount of flour.
10. What can I serve with deep dish pizza?
A simple Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this hearty pizza.
Conclusion
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is a must-try for pizza lovers who enjoy a thick, buttery crust and layers of gooey cheese, savory toppings, and rich tomato sauce. Whether for a weekend dinner or a special occasion, this homemade deep dish pizza is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and bring the flavors of Chicago to your kitchen!
Print
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and savory toppings, baked to perfection in a deep pan.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add melted butter, olive oil, and yeast mixture. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes, then set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Roll out dough and press into the pan, covering the bottom and sides.
- Layer mozzarella cheese first, followed by cooked sausage and pepperoni. Pour sauce over the top and spread evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Substitute Italian sausage with mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives for a veggie version.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid in the pizza.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
