Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

why make this recipe

Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is a great choice if you want to enjoy a hearty meal with friends and family. This pizza is famous for its thick, buttery crust and generous toppings. Making it at home allows you to customize it to your taste and ensure it’s fresh and delicious. It’s perfect for any occasion and will leave you feeling satisfied.

how to make Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 2 cups rich chunky tomato sauce

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
7. Once the dough has risen, roll it out and press it into a greased cast iron skillet, covering the bottom and sides.
8. Layer mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, and pepperoni on the crust.
9. Pour the chunky tomato sauce over the toppings.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot.

how to serve Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Serve your homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza hot and fresh from the oven. You can cut it into slices and enjoy it on its own or with a side salad. Some people also like to add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper on top for extra flavor.

how to store Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

To store your leftover pizza, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

tips to make Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

• To make the crust even tastier, you can brush it with melted butter before baking.
• Experiment with different toppings like vegetables, different types of cheese, or more meats according to your preferences.
• Ensure that you knead the dough well to get a good texture for the crust.
• If you want a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

variation

You can create a vegetarian version by omitting the Italian sausage and pepperoni. Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead. You can also try different sauce types, like a white sauce or pesto, for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you want to save time. Just follow the packaging instructions for rolling and baking.

2. How do I know when the pizza is done?

The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You should also check that the toppings are cooked through.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then cover and refrigerate it. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using.

Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Enjoy a hearty and satisfying homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza with a thick crust, plenty of cheese, and delicious toppings, customizable to your taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar

For the toppings

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Italian sausage (crumbled)
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 2 cups rich chunky tomato sauce

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour.

Baking

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Once the dough has risen, roll it out and press it into a greased cast iron skillet, covering the bottom and sides.
3. Layer mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, and pepperoni on the crust.
4. Pour the chunky tomato sauce over the toppings.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot.

Notes

Serve your homemade pizza hot and fresh with optional toppings like Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.