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Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 119 reviews

This Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza recipe features a buttery cornmeal crust filled with layers of gooey mozzarella, Italian sausage, and a thick, hearty tomato sauce. Baked in a deep dish pan or cast-iron skillet, this iconic pizza offers a rich and comforting experience with its crispy edges and flavorful filling.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/4 teaspoon instant dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) lukewarm water
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon yellow corn meal
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons (30g) butter, melted and slightly cold
  • 1 Tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the bowl only)

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, grated or minced
  • 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz/793g) crushed tomatoes with basil
  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste

For the Filling:

  • 6 oz (170g) mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 Italian sausages, sliced (optional)
  • 2–3 Tablespoons (30-45g) parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the dry yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Let sit for one minute to activate the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and canola oil to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough forms.
  2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until it becomes a smooth, elastic ball, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a large bowl greased with olive oil, turning to coat it fully. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 1 hour, allowing it to rise and double in size.
  4. Make the Tomato Sauce: While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add grated onion, salt, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the onion lightly browns, then add garlic, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (215°C), preparing for baking the pizza.
  6. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle to fit the bottom and sides of your 9×2-inch (23×5 cm) deep dish pan or cast-iron skillet.
  7. Fit Dough into Pan: Place the dough in the prepared pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom and sides to form a tight fit. Trim any excess dough from the edges with a knife. Brush the dough edges with olive oil for a glossy crust finish.
  8. Assemble the Pizza: Layer the ingredients starting with sliced mozzarella cheese, then add sliced Italian sausage if using, followed by the thick tomato sauce. Finish by sprinkling parmesan cheese on top.
  9. Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes. After 15 minutes, cover the pizza edges loosely with foil to prevent burning. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.

Notes

  • Drain the crushed tomatoes in a colander for about 10 minutes before use to reduce excess liquid and achieve a thicker sauce.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or a deep dish cake pan for the best authentic texture.
  • For a crispier crust, brush olive oil on the dough edges before baking.
  • Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to help the filling set and make serving easier.

Keywords: Chicago Style Pizza, Deep Dish Pizza, Italian Sausage Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Deep Dish Crust, Comfort Food, Classic Chicago Pizza

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/chicago-style-deep-dish-pizza-recipe/