Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a legendary dish known for its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, hearty toppings, and rich tomato sauce. Unlike traditional pizzas, this version features a deep, flaky crust that holds up to generous amounts of filling, making each slice a satisfying, indulgent experience. With origins dating back to the 1940s in Chicago, this dish continues to be a favorite among pizza lovers. The unique upside-down layering—cheese first, then toppings, followed by sauce—ensures a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups (400g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120ml) warm water
- ¾ cup (170g) cornmeal (adds signature texture)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage or pepperoni (or vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and olive oil.
- Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Cooking the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assembling the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan with butter.
- Roll out the dough and press it into the pan, making sure it covers the sides.
- Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or preferred toppings.
- Pour the thick tomato sauce over the top, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Step 4: Baking the Pizza
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
- Slice and serve hot, ideally with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy the layered goodness of cheese, toppings, and a buttery crust!
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Pizza
- Thick, crispy crust that perfectly holds up to fillings.
- Rich layers of cheese, sausage, and tomato sauce for a hearty bite.
- Authentic Chicago-style texture—buttery, flaky, and indulgent.
Would you like a variation with extra toppings or a stuffed crust version? Let me know how you’d love to customize it!