Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

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Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Craving a slice of iconic Chicago-style deep dish pizza? This thick, cheesy, and flavorful pizza is famous for its buttery crust, hearty tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese. Making it at home might seem intimidating, but with the right recipe, you can easily achieve that authentic deep dish flavor in your own kitchen. Follow this step-by-step guide to create the ultimate homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza that will transport your taste buds straight to the Windy City.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
  • 1 tsp olive oil (for coating the bowl)

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pizza:

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (or your choice of toppings)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Optional: Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or any other desired toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Let the Dough Rise: Coat a large bowl with 1 tsp of olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or deep dish pizza pan with melted butter. Make sure the sides are well coated to prevent sticking.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large circle, about 14 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough into the prepared skillet, pressing it against the bottom and sides to create a deep crust. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge.
  4. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle 2 ½ to 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. This thick layer of cheese is one of the hallmarks of Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
  5. Add the Sausage and Toppings: Spread the cooked sausage (or your choice of toppings) over the cheese layer. Feel free to add additional toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers at this stage.
  6. Top with Sauce: Spoon the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly. You’ll want to use a generous amount of sauce, but make sure to leave some room at the edges for the crust.
  7. Sprinkle Parmesan and Seasoning: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried oregano and basil over the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

  1. Bake the Pizza: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. Cool and Slice: Once baked, let the pizza cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese and sauce to set, making it easier to cut clean slices.

Tips for Perfect Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

  • Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A heavy cast-iron skillet helps create that signature crispy, buttery crust. If you don’t have one, a deep-dish pizza pan works as well.
  • Don’t Overdo the Toppings: While deep dish pizza is known for its hearty layers, avoid overloading it with toppings, as this can prevent the dough from cooking evenly.
  • Pre-Cook Watery Vegetables: If you’re using vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, pre-cook them to remove excess moisture. This prevents the pizza from becoming soggy.

Chicago-Style Deep Dish vs. Traditional Pizza: What’s the Difference?

Chicago-style deep dish pizza is distinct from traditional thin-crust pizza in several ways:

  1. Thicker Crust: Deep dish pizza features a thick, buttery crust that lines the bottom and sides of the pan. It’s more akin to a pie crust than a traditional pizza dough.
  2. Cheese on the Bottom: Unlike traditional pizza where the sauce goes directly on the dough, deep dish pizza starts with a layer of cheese directly on the crust, followed by toppings, and finished with sauce on top.
  3. Longer Bake Time: Because of its thickness, deep dish pizza requires a longer baking time to ensure the crust is fully cooked.
  4. Hearty Portions: Chicago-style pizza is typically served in wedges, and due to its rich ingredients and thick crust, one slice is much more filling than a traditional pizza slice.

Popular Variations of Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

  1. Spinach and Ricotta Deep Dish: Replace the sausage with a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with sautéed spinach for a vegetarian version.
  2. Pepperoni Deep Dish: A classic combination, add plenty of pepperoni slices for a flavorful twist.
  3. Supreme Deep Dish: Load up on a variety of toppings like sausage, pepperoni, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a supreme version of deep dish.

FAQs

Can I Freeze Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza?

Yes! You can freeze unbaked or baked deep dish pizza. For unbaked pizza, assemble it in the pan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. For baked pizza, freeze slices individually and reheat in the oven.

How Do I Reheat Leftover Deep Dish Pizza?

The best way to reheat deep dish pizza is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps preserve the crispiness of the crust.

Nutritional Information (per slice, depending on toppings):

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fiber: 3g

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