Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is a delicious treat that brings the best of classic flavors right to your kitchen. This thick, hearty pizza features a buttery crust filled with gooey cheese, savory sausage, and vibrant veggies, all topped with a rich marinara sauce. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a game night with friends, this deep dish pizza will impress everyone at your table.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Making Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is a fun and rewarding cooking experience. The unique layers of flavor and texture are unlike any regular pizza. The crispy, buttery crust cradles generous amounts of cheese and toppings, making each slice an indulgent delight. This recipe not only delivers satisfying portions but also allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Perfect for sharing, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite!

How to Make Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

## Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

## Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and yeast.

• Step 2: Mixing

  Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

• Step 3: Letting the Dough Rise

  Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

• Step 4: Preheating the Oven

  Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Step 5: Assembling the Pizza

  Roll out the dough and press it into a deep dish pizza pan, making sure the dough covers the bottom and comes up the sides. Sprinkle half of the cheese on the bottom, then layer the cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

• Step 6: Adding Sauce and Cheese

  Pour the marinara sauce over the toppings and top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.

• Step 7: Baking

  Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

• Step 8: Cooling and Slicing

  Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Serve your deep dish pizza hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or any casual celebration, this pizza is sure to be the star of the show!

How to Store Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

If you have leftovers, store the pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place slices back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This helps retain the crust’s crispy texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

1. Cornmeal for Crunch: The addition of cornmeal in the crust gives it a delightful texture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
2. Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to mix in some provolone or parmesan for more depth of flavor.
3. Veggie Variations: Customize your pizza by adding your favorite veggies; spinach or zucchini can add fresh flavors.
4. Dough Consistency: Be cautious with the amount of flour; too much can make the dough tough. Adjust based on humidity and dough feel.
5. Baking Dish: A deep dish pizza pan works best, but if you don’t have one, a regular pie dish can work in a pinch!

Delicious Variations

1. Meat Lover’s Delight: Add pepperoni, ham, or other meats for a heartier meal.
2. Vegetarian Delight: Load up on vegetables like spinach, olives, and artichokes for a fresh twist.
3. Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or spicy sausage for a heat-packed version of this dish.
4. Cheesy Explosion: Increase the cheese to three layers for a truly gooey experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the pizza?
   Yes, you can freeze uncooked pizza dough or leftovers. Ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

2. What can I substitute for cornmeal?
   If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use additional all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

3. How can I make the crust crispier?
   Pre-baking the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding fillings can help achieve a crispier bottom.

4. Can I prepare the dough the night before?
   Absolutely! Knead the dough, place it in the fridge, and let it rise slowly overnight for great flavor.

5. Why is my dough not rising?
   Ensure the yeast is fresh and your warm water isn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast. A warm, cozy place is perfect for rising.

Conclusion

Making Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is an enjoyable way to bring a classic dish into your home. The layers of cheese, meat, and veggies create a delightful explosion of flavor with every bite. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, so don’t hesitate to try it. You’ll impress your friends and family, and they’ll be asking for seconds. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciousness of your very own deep dish pizza!

Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

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• Author: alicia
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A thick, hearty pizza featuring a buttery crust filled with gooey cheese, savory sausage, and vibrant veggies, topped with rich marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and yeast.

<liGradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Roll out the dough and press it into a deep dish pizza pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Sprinkle half of the cheese on the bottom, then layer with cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
5. Pour the marinara sauce over the toppings and top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store the pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.

• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg