Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

If you have a passion for rich, cheesy comfort food and crave something truly iconic, you need this Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe in your life. With its buttery, flaky crust, layers of gooey mozzarella, zesty homemade sauce, and hearty fillings like spicy Italian sausage and pepperoni, this pizza is a masterpiece that captures the soul of Chicago’s culinary heritage. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together with every delicious slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe, you’ll gather simple but essential ingredients that each play a pivotal role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the mix of flours that provide a tender yet sturdy crust to the luscious butter and olive oil that add richness, every item counts toward pizza perfection.

• Warm water (1¼ cups, 110-115˚F): Activates the yeast to bring your dough to life with a perfect rise.
• Active dry yeast (1 package/2¼ tsp): The magic agent for that airy, elastic dough.
• Granulated sugar (1 tbsp): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened and divided): Adds richness to the dough and enhances the crust’s flakiness.
• Olive oil (¼ cup, plus extra): Keeps the dough tender and prevents sticking while brushing the crust for shine.
• All-purpose flour (3¼ cups, plus extra as needed): Forms the sturdy base of the deep dish crust, providing the perfect chew.
• Yellow cornmeal (½ cup): Adds a slight crunch and authentic texture to the crust bottom.
• Salt (1½ tsp): Balances flavors throughout the dough.
• Garlic powder (½ tsp, optional): Infuses a subtle hint of savory goodness.
• Homemade Pizza Sauce (1 recipe): Thick, rich, and bursting with tomato flavor as the perfect topping layer.
• Mozzarella cheese (about 4 cups, sliced or shredded): The gooey, bubbly cheese that defines deep dish pizza.
• Provolone cheese (sliced): Adds an extra layer of melty creaminess and flavor.
• Pepperoni slices: Gives that classic spicy punch and delicious texture.
• Hot Italian sausage (2 pounds, uncooked): Torn into pieces, it adds savory, hearty bites throughout.
• Parmesan cheese (for topping): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, tangy finish.
• Optional toppings: Sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, chicken, sliced mushrooms, anchovies, cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced peppers provide customization and extra flair.

How to Make Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Activate and Mix the Dough

Start by melting a quarter cup of butter and letting it cool while you prepare the yeast mixture. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in your mixing bowl, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This step is absolutely key because it ensures your dough will rise beautifully. Add in the cooled melted butter and olive oil to this mixture before incorporating your dry ingredients to develop a rich, tender base.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Knead

Add the flour, cornmeal, salt, and optional garlic powder to the yeast mixture, stirring on a low setting or by hand until it begins to form a sticky dough. Then knead your dough on medium-low speed for about 7 to 10 minutes until it becomes elastic, smooth, and starts pulling away from the bowl. If your dough feels sticky, sprinkle in extra flour a tablespoon at a time—the dough should bounce back when you poke it.

Step 3: First Rise and Butter Folding

Place your shaped dough ball in a greased bowl, making sure it’s well coated in oil to prevent drying. Cover loosely and let it rise until doubled in size—this usually takes an hour to an hour and a half. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll out into a large rectangle, then spread softened butter across the top for layers of richness. Roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the edges to trap the buttery goodness inside.

Step 4: Divide, Rest, and Chill

Divide the dough log into two equal parts, folding each into thirds and pinching the seams to seal. You can wrap these dough balls to refrigerate overnight or freeze for future use, which makes this recipe very flexible. If you’re baking it immediately, let the dough balls rise in the refrigerator for an additional hour until they double again.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce and Oven

While the dough chills, make the homemade pizza sauce and simmer until it’s thick to prevent sogginess in your pizza. Preheat your oven to 425°F to get ready for the magic. A thick sauce ensures you’ll get that satisfying, hearty tomato flavor with each slice of the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe.

Step 6: Shape and Fill the Pans

Roll one dough ball into a 13-inch circle and carefully drape it over a greased 9-inch deep cake or springform pan. Press the dough firmly into the bottom and up the sides to create that classic deep crust. Brush the edges with olive oil for a gorgeous golden finish later. Layer the cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and then top everything with the thickened sauce. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top for that irresistible crust topping.

Step 7: Bake and Set

Bake your pizza on a baking sheet to catch drips for about 24 to 30 minutes. To deepen the crust’s color, move the pizza to the top rack in the last few minutes. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to let all the filling set up. This holding time is crucial for slicing perfect, hearty pieces without losing any cheesy, meaty goodness.

How to Serve Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your deep dish masterpiece with fresh basil leaves or a light sprinkle of oregano to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. For an extra kick, chili flakes or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil are perfect for guests who like a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness with some refreshing crunch. For a heartier meal, garlic breadsticks or roasted vegetables complement the flavors without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe on a wooden cutting board to showcase its rustic charm. Individual deep dish pans for each guest add a fun, personal touch, or cut the pizza into squares for a casual party-ready presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pizza tightly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The layers of cheese and sauce keep it moist, so you’ll find it tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors harmonize.

Freezing

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe freezes well. For best results, freeze fully baked pizza slices or the dough balls for future baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

Reheating

Reheat pizza slices in the microwave for a soft and fluffy crust or in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes if you prefer a crispier edge. Either way, the cheese melts beautifully, making the leftovers almost as delectable as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the great things about this Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe is that you can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate overnight, or freeze it for later use, which makes meal planning a breeze.

Is it necessary to use cornmeal in the crust?

Cornmeal adds a characteristic crunch and flavor to the crust that distinguishes it from other pizzas. While you can omit it, the texture won’t be quite the same, so it’s worth including for authenticity.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage for the filling?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage if you prefer. Just be sure to distribute it evenly and adjust cooking times slightly if needed, but the traditional method uses raw sausage to lock in juiciness as it bakes.

What can I substitute for provolone cheese?

If provolone isn’t available, you can use additional mozzarella or a mild white cheese like Monterey Jack. The aim is to have a creamy, melting cheese layer beneath the sauce.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough to about 13 inches in diameter so it fits snugly in your 9-inch pan with enough height on the sides. The dough should be thick enough to hold all the fillings but still tender and flaky after baking.

Final Thoughts

This Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe is a hands-down winner when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. It takes a little patience and love, but the payoff is worth every step with layers of bold flavors and comforting textures. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen, perfect for celebrations, cozy nights, or whenever you crave a slice of Chicago’s finest. Go ahead and dive in—you’re in for an unforgettable pizza adventure.

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