Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a hearty and indulgent pizza known for its thick crust, generous layers of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and toppings baked in a deep dish pan. Here’s a recipe to make it:
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is an iconic culinary creation that originated in the Windy City and has since become a beloved favorite around the world. This hearty and indulgent pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust, generous layers of cheese, savory tomato sauce, and an abundance of toppings, all baked to golden perfection in a deep dish pan.
Creating an authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza requires attention to detail and a few key ingredients. To start, you’ll need a deep dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet, as well as high-quality pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.
Begin by pressing the pizza dough into the bottom and up the sides of the greased pan, creating a thick crust that will serve as the foundation for your pizza. Make sure to press the dough all the way to the edges of the pan to create a sturdy base that can support the weight of the toppings.
Next, layer the cheese over the crust, followed by your desired toppings. Traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizzas often feature Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives, but feel free to customize your pizza with your favorite ingredients.
Once the toppings are in place, carefully spread a generous layer of tomato sauce over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface of the pizza. The sauce adds moisture and flavor to the pizza, balancing the richness of the cheese and toppings.
Bake the pizza in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted, typically for about 30-35 minutes. The aroma of freshly baked pizza will fill your kitchen, signaling that your masterpiece is nearly ready to be enjoyed.
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing it into thick wedges. The first slice reveals layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings nestled within the buttery crust, creating a mouthwatering sight that’s sure to whet your appetite.
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven, with each bite delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning pizza lover. Whether shared with friends at a casual gathering or enjoyed as a special treat on a cozy night in, this iconic pizza is sure to leave a lasting impression and keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoons salt
– packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
– 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
For the pizza:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked (optional)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups chunky tomato sauce or pizza sauce
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 8-10 slices pepperoni (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil, for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.
4. Lightly grease a deep dish pizza pan (about 10-12 inches in diameter) with olive oil. Place the dough in the center of the pan and press it out evenly to cover the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Use your fingers to create a slight lip around the edge of the crust.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Layer the cooked Italian sausage (if using) evenly over the bottom of the crust.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the sausage.
8. Spread the chunky tomato sauce or pizza sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
9. Arrange the sliced bell pepper, onion, and pepperoni (if using) over the sauce.
10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pizza.
11. Cover the pizza loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
13. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
14. Serve the Chicago-style deep dish pizza hot, straight from the pan.
Enjoy this delicious and iconic pizza, filled with layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, for a taste of Chicago right in your own home!