Dive into the heart of Chicago without leaving your kitchen with this authentic deep-dish pizza recipe. Renowned for its thick, buttery crust, layered with cheese, topped with a chunky tomato sauce, and your choice of toppings, this pizza is a meal in itself. Unlike its thin-crust counterparts, making a Chicago deep-dish pizza is like creating a masterpiece that requires patience, love, and the right ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe will guide you through crafting a pizza that’s bound to impress anyone who takes a bite. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bring a slice of Chicago into your home.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups water (lukewarm)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, slightly cooled)
- Additional melted butter for brushing
- Olive oil for the pan
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) or any toppings of your choice
- 2 cups chunky tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Directions & How to Prepare
- Dough Preparation:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add water and melted butter, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 7 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Assembly:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 12-inch round deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil.
- Roll out the dough to fit the pan, pushing it up the sides.
- Layer the mozzarella slices on the bottom, add your cooked sausage or other toppings, and then cover with tomato sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields 1 (12-inch) pizza, serving 4-6 people, depending on slice size.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but homemade dough offers a richer flavor.
- What if I don’t have a deep-dish pizza pan? A round cake pan or cast-iron skillet can be a good substitute.
- Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! Customize your pizza with toppings like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or pepperoni.
- How do I know when the pizza is done? The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.