Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Introduction

Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a hearty, iconic dish known for its thick, buttery crust,
generous layers of gooey cheese, savory fillings, and rich tomato sauce. Unlike traditional flat pizzas,
this deep-dish version is baked in a pan, creating a satisfying, comforting meal that feels almost like
a casserole. Making it at home allows you to enjoy authentic Chicago flavor using fresh ingredients and
customized toppings.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling

• 3 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound Italian sausage (optional)
• ½ cup pepperoni slices or vegetables (optional)

For the Sauce

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and salt.
   Add warm water, melted butter, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
   Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Cook the Sausage (Optional):
   Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
   Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pan.
   Press dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides.
   Layer mozzarella cheese first, followed by sausage or toppings,
   and spread the tomato sauce on top.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
   Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Description

This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza features a rich, buttery crust with a slight crunch from
cornmeal. Inside, layers of melted mozzarella and hearty fillings create a satisfying bite, while the
thick tomato sauce on top adds bold, tangy flavor. Each slice is filling, indulgent, and unmistakably
Chicago-style.

Tips

• Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent a watery pizza
• Press the dough firmly into the pan to support heavy fillings
• Let the pizza rest before slicing to keep layers intact
• A cast-iron skillet can be used if a deep-dish pan is unavailable

Correction

• If the crust browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil
• If the center is undercooked, bake an additional 5–7 minutes
• Drain cooked meats thoroughly to reduce excess grease

Enjoy

Serve your Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza hot with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
Enjoy the comforting layers, rich flavors, and classic Chicago taste—right from your own kitchen!