Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
A hearty, cheesy, and indulgent pizza with a buttery, thick crust, layers of gooey mozzarella, savory sausage, and tangy tomato sauce. This iconic Chicago-style pizza is perfect for weekend dinners or special occasions.
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Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cake pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water 110°F / 45°C
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 lb 225 g Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar optional, to reduce acidity
Instructions
- Prepare Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add melted butter and yeast mixture. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble Pizza:
- Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pan. Press dough into the pan, pushing up the sides to form a thick crust. Layer mozzarella cheese on the bottom, followed by cooked sausage and Parmesan cheese. Pour tomato sauce over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until crust is golden and sauce is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow pizza to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot.
Servings: 6 servings