Description
This Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza recipe delivers a thick, buttery crust loaded with melted mozzarella cheese, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and flavorful Italian sausage or pepperoni. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this classic American comfort food is hearty and satisfying, ideal for dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cheese & Toppings
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional)
Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: In the same bowl, add flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix well and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and place it in a warm spot. Allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt to the pan. Stir and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a 9 to 10-inch deep dish pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Dough: Press the risen dough into the prepared pan, pushing it up the sides to create a thick crust around edges.
- Add Cheese and Meat: Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. If using, distribute the cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Top with Sauce: Pour the thickened tomato sauce evenly over the cheese and meat layers.
- Sprinkle Parmesan: Finish by sprinkling grated parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the deep dish pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. If the top starts to brown too much, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
- Let Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Using warm water (about 110°F) is essential for activating the yeast properly.
- Letting the dough rise fully ensures a light and airy crust despite its thickness.
- Simmering the sauce long enough concentrates flavors and reduces excess liquid for a rich topping.
- Use a heavy deep dish pan or cast iron skillet for even baking.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with pepperoni or omit meat for a vegetarian option.
- Covering with foil halfway during baking prevents over-browning on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicago deep dish pizza, deep dish pizza recipe, homemade deep dish pizza, Italian sausage pizza, thick crust pizza, Chicago style pizza
