Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Pizza Dough (15 minutes active, 60-90 minutes rising)

   • In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, 2 tsp sugar, instant yeast, and 1.5 tsp salt.
   • Add the warm water and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Using the dough hook, mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Increase speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
   • Form the dough into a ball. Place it in a large bowl greased with 1 tbsp of olive oil, turning to coat.
   • Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
2. 2

   Make the Chunky Tomato Sauce (20 minutes)

   • While the dough rises, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, remaining 1/2 tsp sugar, remaining 3/4 tsp salt, and black pepper.
   • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
3. 3

   Cook the Italian Sausage (10 minutes)

   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it into small pieces.
   • Sauté for 8-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
4. 4

   Assemble the Deep Dish Pizza (10 minutes)

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Generously grease a 9-inch round deep-dish pizza pan or a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with the 2 tbsp of softened butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are well-coated.
   • Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, press it into a 12-inch circle.
   • Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides, creating a rim about 1.5 inches high.
   • Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly across the bottom of the crust, slightly overlapping the slices.
   • Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the cheese.
   • Pour the completely cooled tomato sauce over the sausage, spreading it to the edges of the crust.
   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. 5

   Bake and Rest the Pizza (30 minutes baking, 10 minutes resting)

   • Place the pizza on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
   • Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This is crucial for the layers to set.
   • Run a knife around the edge of the pizza to loosen it, then carefully lift it out of the pan, slice, and serve hot.