Here’s how to make a deep-dish pizza that tastes just like the real thing from Chicago. Including a buttery crust, a generous amount of cheese, and a slightly sweet tomato sauce. Makes two 9-inch deep-dish pizzas using this recipe. Make them both if you are hosting guests or have a family of four or five people. In case you live in a smaller family, you can freeze half of the dough by following the instructions mentioned in the recipe notes.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cheese Layer:
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings:
- One pound of cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, chopped
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Dough Preparation:
- Dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water in a small basin. Allow it to sit until foamy, about ten minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
Sauce Preparation:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Assembling the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
- Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil. Press the dough into the pan, ensuring it comes up the sides.
- Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on the bottom of the dough. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add your desired toppings (sausage, pepperoni, green bell pepper, mushrooms, onions) over the cheese layer.
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the toppings, spreading it out with a spoon.
Baking:
- Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!