Chicago-style deep dish pizza is the perfect indulgence, with its thick crust that crisps to golden perfection and the gooey layers of mozzarella cheese. The Italian sausage adds a savory and satisfying bite, while the crushed tomatoes, with their fresh flavors, provide the perfect balance.
This hearty, rich pizza is ideal for cozy nights in or any gathering that calls for comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that gets better with each bite, making it perfect for pizza lovers who crave a filling and hearty meal. The crust’s buttery texture paired with the savory toppings creates a pizza experience like no other.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
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1 teaspoon sugar
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3/4 cup warm water
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons cornmeal
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 pound Italian sausage (bulk, not in casings)
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1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until frothy.
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In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. Knead dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
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Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease a 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan and sprinkle with cornmeal.
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Punch down the dough and transfer it to the pizza pan. Press the dough into the pan and up the sides, forming a crust.
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In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove from heat and drain excess fat.
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Spread mozzarella cheese on the dough, then layer with cooked sausage. Pour crushed tomatoes over the top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Dough: A Key Element to Success
The dough of a Chicago-style deep dish pizza is unlike regular pizza dough. To achieve that thick, buttery crust, the dough is laminated. This means alternating thin layers of dough and butter. The process might remind you of making puff pastry or croissants, but here, instead of multiple folds, you spread a layer of softened butter on the dough, roll it into a cylinder, and refrigerate it for a brief period. This process allows the dough to rise slightly, while keeping the butter firm. After refrigeration, the dough is rolled into a circle and pressed into a pan, forming the foundation for the delicious layers to come.
Perfecting the Assembly
Unlike traditional pizzas, where cheese is typically placed on top, Chicago-style pizza starts with cheese at the bottom. Slices of mozzarella are placed on the dough first. This technique ensures that the crust remains crisp while the cheese melts perfectly. The crumbled Italian sausage comes next, followed by a thick layer of sauce. Placing the sauce on top of the cheese and sausage prevents the crust from getting soggy. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a bit of sharpness to balance out the richness of the other ingredients. This layering method is crucial for the distinctive texture and flavor of deep-dish pizza.
The Sauce: A Sweet and Savory Delight
The pizza sauce is a crucial element, and for a traditional Chicago-style deep dish, it is a bit different from the usual tomato sauce you might find on other pizzas. The sauce is chunky, with a slight sweetness and a little spice. The base of the sauce is crushed tomatoes, which can be replaced with diced tomatoes if desired. The key to making the perfect sauce is letting it simmer for long enough to thicken, without being as thick as tomato paste. The sauce is flavored with garlic, onions, and a variety of Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and rosemary, which give it a deep, aromatic flavor. A touch of sugar is also added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring out the sweetness in the sauce.
Choosing the Right Pan
One of the great things about making Chicago-style deep dish pizza at home is that you don’t need to invest in a special deep-dish pizza pan. A 9-inch cake pan with 2-inch sides works perfectly for this recipe. You can also use a springform pan or even a cast-iron pan if you prefer. These pans help to create that signature high-sided crust that holds all the cheese, sausage, and sauce in place. After the pizza is baked, you can either serve it directly from the pan or remove it for a dramatic presentation. Just be sure to let the pizza cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it, as this helps the sauce set and prevents it from running.
Customizing Your Chicago-Style Pizza
While the classic version of Chicago-style deep dish pizza is made with Italian sausage, there’s plenty of room for customization. If sausage isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for other fillings like pepperoni, sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even spinach. The great thing about deep-dish pizza is that it can accommodate a variety of toppings. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as using shredded mozzarella instead of slices or adding provolone for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile option for any pizza lover.
Make-Ahead Tips and Freezing Options
This pizza might take a bit of time to prepare, but you can make the process easier by preparing some elements in advance. After laminating the dough, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out. If you want to freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing, and it will keep for up to two months. Similarly, the sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. By preparing ahead of time, you can enjoy the delicious deep dish pizza with minimal effort when it’s time to cook.
Baking Your Deep Dish Pizza
Once the pizza is assembled, it’s time to bake it. The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C), and the pizza should be baked for about 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. The result will be a pizza that is rich, indulgent, and sure to satisfy. After baking, let the pizza rest for about 10 minutes to allow the sauce to settle before slicing. This pizza is best served fresh, and you may find yourself going back for seconds because of how filling and satisfying it is.
Why You Should Try Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
If you’ve never experienced Chicago-style deep dish pizza before, you’re in for a treat. This pizza is a complete meal in itself, with its thick crust, flavorful sausage, gooey cheese, and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends or for a special occasion where you want to impress your guests. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or a home cook looking to try something new, this deep dish pizza is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a true masterpiece of comfort food. The layers of cheese, sausage, and sauce, along with the buttery crust, create a pizza that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. By following a few simple steps, you can create this iconic dish in your own kitchen. The key to success lies in getting the dough just right, layering the ingredients properly, and baking the pizza to perfection. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Chicago-style deep dish pizza has become a beloved dish for pizza lovers worldwide. Whether you’re following the traditional recipe or making your own adaptations, this pizza will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household.