Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is known for its deep, buttery crust and layers of cheese, meats, and a chunky tomato sauce. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, this pizza features a thicker, pie-like crust that holds all the savory ingredients, creating an irresistible, hearty meal. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that will take your pizza game to the next level!

Why You’ll Love Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

• Thick, Buttery Crust: The crust is rich and flaky, creating the perfect foundation for the layers of fillings.
• Savory Layers: With melted cheese, Italian sausage, and chunky tomato sauce, every bite is packed with flavor.
• Perfect for Sharing: This pizza is large, filling, and perfect for a pizza night with friends or family.
• Great for Make-Ahead: You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the filling:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (bulk, not in casings)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for greasing

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cornmeal. Add the melted butter and olive oil, then pour in the yeast mixture.
3. Mix everything together to form a dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through.
3. If using, add the bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 10-inch deep dish pizza pan or a similar round pan with olive oil.
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll out one half of the dough into a large circle, about 14 inches in diameter.
3. Carefully transfer the dough into the prepared pan, pressing it up the sides to form a thick crust.
4. Layer the mozzarella cheese and provolone cheese on the bottom of the dough.
5. Add the cooked sausage and sauce mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it out evenly.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
7. Roll out the second half of the dough into a smaller circle (about 12 inches in diameter) and place it on top of the pizza. Pinch the edges to seal the crust and trim any excess dough.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pizza into wedges and serve it hot. Enjoy the gooey cheese, savory sausage, and rich tomato sauce all encased in a flaky, buttery crust!

Notes

• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pizza. Simply assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake from frozen for 45-50 minutes.
• Meat Variations: Feel free to swap the Italian sausage for ground beef or a mixture of meats like pepperoni or Canadian bacon.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead of sausage.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 15g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient choices.)

Conclusion

Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is a decadent, hearty meal perfect for pizza nights or any special occasion. The combination of buttery, flaky crust, gooey cheese, savory sausage, and chunky tomato sauce makes this pizza a true comfort food favorite. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or hosting a pizza party, this deep dish pizza is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings!