Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
A classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza with a thick, buttery crust, layered with mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, and a chunky tomato sauce. This is the ultimate comfort food, baked to golden perfection in a deep pan.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pizza Dough (15 minutes active, 60-90 minutes rising)
- b.In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, 2 tsp sugar, instant yeast, and 1.5 tsp salt.
- c.Add the warm water and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Using the dough hook, mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- d.Increase speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- e.Form the dough into a ball. Place it in a large bowl greased with 1 tbsp of olive oil, turning to coat.
- f.Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Chunky Tomato Sauce (20 minutes)
- b.While the dough rises, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- c.Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, remaining 1/2 tsp sugar, remaining 3/4 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- e.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
Step 3
- a.Cook the Italian Sausage (10 minutes)
- b.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it into small pieces.
- c.Sauté for 8-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Deep Dish Pizza (10 minutes)
- b.Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 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.
- d.Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, press it into a 12-inch circle.
- e.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.
- f.Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly across the bottom of the crust, slightly overlapping the slices.
- g.Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the cheese.
- h.Pour the completely cooled tomato sauce over the sausage, spreading it to the edges of the crust.
- i.Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake and Rest the Pizza (30 minutes baking, 10 minutes resting)
- b.Place the pizza on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- c.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- d.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.
- e.Run a knife around the edge of the pizza to loosen it, then carefully lift it out of the pan, slice, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest, most flavorful crust, don't skimp on buttering the pan. It essentially fries the outside of the dough.
- 2Use low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella slices. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt, and fresh mozzarella is too watery.
- 3Ensure your tomato sauce is thick and completely cool before adding it to the pizza to prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy.
- 4The 10-minute rest after baking is not optional! It allows the molten cheese and sauce to set, ensuring clean slices that hold their shape.
- 5A well-seasoned 10-inch cast-iron skillet is an excellent alternative to a dedicated deep-dish pan and provides a fantastic crust.
- 6For a flakier crust, you can perform a lamination. After the first rise, roll the dough out, spread it with softened butter, fold it like a letter, and let it rest for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the Italian sausage with 1 lb of sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Sauté the vegetables to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pizza.
Spicy 'Diablo'Spicy 'Diablo'
Add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce and use hot Italian sausage instead of mild for an extra kick.
Four CheeseFour Cheese
In addition to mozzarella and Parmesan, add layers of sliced provolone and dollops of ricotta cheese for an even richer flavor.
Pesto ChickenPesto Chicken
Swap the Italian sausage for cooked, shredded chicken and the tomato sauce for a thick layer of basil pesto. Top with sun-dried tomatoes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and satiety.
Source of Lycopene
The cooked tomato sauce is a potent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Cooking tomatoes increases the body's ability to absorb this compound, which is linked to promoting heart health.
Provides Calcium
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are excellent sources of calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting proper nerve and muscle function.
Energy Boosting Carbohydrates
The thick crust, made from flour and cornmeal, provides complex carbohydrates that serve as a primary source of energy for the body.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two large slices contains approximately 850-1000 calories, primarily from the crust, cheese, and sausage. It is a very calorie-dense and satisfying meal.