Easy Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
This easy Chicago-style deep dish pizza recipe creates a hearty, cheesy pizza with a buttery crust and tangy sauce. Perfect for beginners, it uses simple ingredients and clear steps. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it serves 4-6 people.
Equipment
- 9-inch cake pan or cast-iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Pizza Cutter
- Skillet (optional, for cooking toppings)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal for that classic crust texture
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast one packet
- 1 ¼ cups warm water 110°F
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage cooked and crumbled, optional
- 1 green bell pepper sliced, optional
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms optional
- 1 small onion sliced, optional
For the Sauce:
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures your dough will rise properly.
Make the Dough
- Mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and ¼ cup melted butter in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. No cooking needed—this sauce is fresh and zesty. Set it aside for later.
Cook the Toppings (Optional)
- If using sausage, cook it in a skillet until browned, about 8 minutes. Sauté peppers, mushrooms, or onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 425°F. Place a rack in the lower third. This helps the crust cook evenly.
Shape the Crust
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12-inch circle. Press it into a greased 9-inch cake pan, letting it climb the sides. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter for extra flavor.
Layer the Cheese
- Spread 2 cups of mozzarella evenly over the dough. Add Parmesan for a nutty kick. This forms the cheesy base.
Add Toppings
- Sprinkle cooked sausage or veggies evenly over the cheese. Don’t overload—keep it balanced. You can skip toppings for a classic cheese pizza.
Top with Sauce
- Spoon the tomato sauce over the toppings, covering everything. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. This creates the signature Chicago look.
Bake the Pizza
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Rotate the pan halfway for even cooking. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.