This Chicago-Style White Deep Dish Pizza is a rich, cheesy twist on the classic Chicago deep-dish pie. Instead of a traditional tomato-heavy topping, this white version layers a buttery deep-dish crust with creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, savory spinach, garlic, and Parmesan. The result is thick, hearty, and incredibly comforting, with a golden crust surrounding a warm, creamy filling.
Traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza is known for its deep crust and layered construction, often placing cheese beneath the other fillings.
Can This Chicago-Style White Deep Dish Pizza Support Weight Loss Goals?
It can be enjoyed as part of a balanced eating plan when portion size is considered. Cheese and the buttery crust make this an energy-dense meal, while spinach adds vegetables and ricotta and mozzarella contribute protein. Pairing one slice with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables can create a more balanced meal.
Does This Recipe Fit a High-Protein Lifestyle?
Yes, this pizza can be high-protein friendly because ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan all provide protein. However, the traditional crust makes it higher in carbohydrates, so it isn’t naturally low-carb. For a more protein-focused version, use part-skim cheeses and add grilled chicken; for a low-carb alternative, use a suitable low-carb crust.
Why This Recipe Is Special
- Creamy white pizza — No heavy tomato sauce is needed.
- Deep-dish comfort food — The thick crust creates a hearty, satisfying base.
- Cheese-packed — Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create layers of flavor.
- Spinach-filled — Wilted spinach adds freshness and color.
- Restaurant-style presentation — A deep golden crust makes this pizza a true centerpiece.
My Personal Experience
- The creamy filling is incredible.
Ricotta melts into the spinach and garlic for a soft, rich interior. - The crust gives it real deep-dish character.
Its crisp golden exterior contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. - Garlic brings everything together.
A small amount of fresh garlic makes the cheese taste even more savory. - Spinach keeps the pizza from feeling one-dimensional.
Its earthy flavor works beautifully with ricotta and mozzarella. - It slices best after resting.
A few minutes of cooling helps the layers settle so each slice holds together.
Perfect For
This pizza is perfect for pizza night, family dinners, weekend cooking, game-day gatherings, potlucks, vegetarian dinners, cozy nights, and special homemade meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra cheesy
Multiple cheeses create an irresistibly creamy and stretchy filling. - Deep-dish texture
The substantial crust makes each slice feel like a complete meal. - Vegetarian-friendly
Spinach and cheese provide a flavorful meat-free filling. - Comforting and filling
It’s rich enough to satisfy serious pizza cravings. - Make-ahead friendly
The filling and dough can be prepared in advance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wet spinach — Excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
- Overfilling the pan — Leave enough room for the pizza to bake without overflowing.
- Using watery ricotta — Drain very wet ricotta before assembling.
- Cutting immediately — Rest the pizza for several minutes before slicing.
- Adding too much cheese at once — Layering the cheese helps distribute it evenly.
Required Equipment
- 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan — Provides the characteristic tall sides.
- Large skillet — Perfect for wilting and draining the spinach.
- Rolling pin — Helps shape the dough evenly.
- Large mixing bowl — Useful for preparing the ricotta filling.
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife — Makes clean wedges after resting.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Individual slices can be frozen for approximately 1–2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through for the best crust texture.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Dough Rising Time: 1–2 hours
- Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Best Season: All-season
- Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving
Short 3-Line Description
A buttery deep-dish crust is filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan in this indulgent white pizza.
The thick golden crust and gooey cheese create the ultimate Chicago-inspired comfort food.
Serve it warm for a hearty vegetarian pizza night everyone will love.
📝 Ingredients
Deep-Dish Crust
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour — approximately 270 g
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal — approximately 80 g
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water — approximately 180 ml
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
White Pizza Filling
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella — approximately 200 g
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta — approximately 250 g
- ½ cup grated Parmesan — approximately 50 g
- 4 cups fresh spinach — approximately 120 g
- 3 cloves garlic — minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of nutmeg, optional
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra Parmesan
- Garlic-infused olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the dough.
Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes active. - Add dry ingredients.
Stir in flour, cornmeal, and salt. - Add the fats.
Mix in olive oil and melted butter until a soft dough forms. - Knead.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 3–5 minutes, until smooth. - Let the dough rise.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until noticeably expanded. - Prepare the spinach.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. - Wilt the spinach.
Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until wilted. - Remove excess moisture.
Transfer spinach to a colander and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is particularly important for deep-dish pizza because excess moisture can soften the crust. - Prepare the ricotta mixture.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and optional nutmeg. - Add spinach.
Fold the well-drained spinach into the ricotta mixture. - Preheat the oven.
Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). - Prepare the pan.
Generously butter or oil a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan. - Shape the dough.
Roll the dough into a large circle. Carefully transfer it to the pan and press it across the bottom and up the sides. - Create the cheese base.
Spread approximately half of the mozzarella over the bottom of the crust. A cheese-first construction is characteristic of Chicago-style deep dish. - Add the spinach filling.
Spread the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the mozzarella. - Add remaining cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the filling. - Finish with Parmesan.
Add the remaining Parmesan and a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning. - Bake.
Bake for approximately 35–40 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling. - Check the crust.
The bottom should be firm and golden. If necessary, return the pizza to the oven for another few minutes. - Rest.
Remove from the oven and allow the pizza to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set. - Garnish and serve.
Finish with fresh parsley, Parmesan, black pepper, or red pepper flakes.
High-Protein Tip
For a more high-protein version, add 6–8 oz cooked diced chicken breast to the spinach-ricotta filling. You can also use part-skim mozzarella and protein-enriched flour or crust ingredients where appropriate.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Estimated for 6 servings. Actual nutrition will vary depending on the crust, cheese, and ingredient brands.
- Calories: ~520
- Fat: ~27 g
- Saturated Fat: ~12 g
- Cholesterol: ~60 mg
- Sodium: ~720 mg
- Potassium: ~300 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~48 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Net Carbs: ~45 g
- Sugars: ~3 g
- Protein: ~24 g
- Calcium: ~400 mg
Notes
- Drain the spinach well: This is one of the most important steps for preventing a soggy pizza.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella: It melts beautifully without releasing excessive liquid.
- Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself for better flavor and melting.
- Ricotta: If your ricotta is watery, drain it before mixing.
- Crust: Don’t stretch the dough aggressively; gently press it into the pan.
- Extra garlic: Add another clove if you love a stronger garlic flavor.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Protein boost: Add chicken or turkey.
- Low-carb option: Use a low-carb deep-dish crust and reduce high-carb ingredients as appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes this a white pizza?
Unlike traditional deep-dish pizza, this version doesn’t rely on tomato sauce. The filling is based on ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and garlic.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze it extremely well to remove excess water.
3. Can I add chicken?
Absolutely. Cooked diced chicken breast makes an excellent high-protein addition.
4. Can I use a regular cake pan?
A deep 9- or 10-inch cake pan can work in a pinch, although a dedicated deep-dish pizza pan gives better shape and crust proportions.
5. Why does my deep-dish pizza have a soggy bottom?
The most common causes are excess moisture from spinach or ricotta, too much filling, or insufficient baking time.
6. Should I serve it immediately?
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes first. The cheese and filling will set slightly, making the pizza much easier to slice while remaining wonderfully warm.
