Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Learn how to make authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza with buttery crust, gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and savory toppings.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt
For the Toppings:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and melted butter. Knead until smooth.
- Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Simmer for 20–30 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a 9–10 inch deep dish pan with butter or oil.
- Press the dough into the pan, forming a crust up the sides.
- Layer mozzarella cheese over the dough. Add sausage or pepperoni if using.
- Pour tomato sauce evenly over the toppings.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden and the edges are crispy.
- Cover with foil halfway if the cheese starts browning too fast.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let the pizza rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.
Notes
- Let pizza cool slightly before slicing.
- Dough can be made a day ahead.
- Full of rich flavors, ideal for dinner or game day.