Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe. The first time I tried Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe, I was hooked, and now I’m excited to share every detail with you.

From the perfectly golden crust to the gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce, this recipe will make you feel like you’re savoring an authentic deep-dish slice straight from Chicago. I’ll guide you through everything you need to create this masterpiece, from preparation and cooking time to handy tips, serving suggestions, and more.

Preparation and Cooking Time

One of the most critical parts of planning is knowing how much time you’ll need. For this deep-dish pizza, here’s a breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 2 hours (this includes 1 hour for the dough to rise)
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours and 35 minutes

While it may seem like a long process, trust me, every second is worth it. The dough is the star of this dish, and that extra rise time ensures a flaky crust that’s rich in flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking

Having the right tools makes all the difference when whipping up a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Here are the essentials:

1. Deep Dish Pizza Pan or Cast-Iron Skillet: A high-walled pan is necessary to achieve that signature deep crust. These pans distribute heat evenly for a crispy yet soft base.
2. Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Mixing and kneading dough by hand is an option, but a stand mixer saves you time and effort.
3. Rolling Pin: You’ll need this for rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness.
4. Mixing Bowls: For creating the dough, sauces, and organizing your ingredients.
5. Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts much better and enhances the flavor.
6. Rubber Spatula: A handy tool for spreading sauce and layering toppings.
7. Pastry Brush: Perfect for coating the crust edges with olive oil or butter before baking.

Make sure you’ve got your tools ready before starting. It helps keep your cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Ingredients

Here’s a carefully curated list of ingredients for a single Chicago-style deep dish pizza that serves 6 to 8 people:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal (for that authentic flaky texture)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni (or any protein or vegetables of your choice)

Optional garnishes include fresh basil leaves or a light sprinkle of red chili flakes.

Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this Chicago-style deep dish at home takes a bit of patience, but once you taste it, you’ll realize it’s so worth it. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• Activate the yeast by mixing it into warm water with sugar. Stir gently and set aside for about 5 minutes until frothy.
• Combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix well.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it aside in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Cook the Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Roll out the dough into a circle large enough to cover the bottom and sides of your deep-dish pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, ensuring it hugs the sides.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the crust with shredded mozzarella cheese. This keeps the crust from getting soggy.
• Layer your desired toppings such as sausage, pepperoni, or veggies.
• Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly across the top.
• Finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese over the sauce for that classic deep-dish pizza flavor.

Step 4: Bake

• Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese bubbles slightly on top.
• Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Perfecting Your Deep Dish Pizza

• Cornmeal in the Dough: Don’t skip it! Cornmeal gives the crust its distinct texture and flavor, making it authentic to Chicago-style pizza.
• Use Room-Temperature Cheese: Mozzarella straight from the fridge may not melt evenly, so take it out about 30 minutes before assembling your pizza.
• Don’t Overload the Toppings: While tempting, adding too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Stick to a balance of cheese, protein, and sauce.
• Grease the Pan Generously: This prevents the crust from sticking and creates a golden, crispy bottom.
• Pre-Cook Moist Toppings: Ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or onions can release water during baking. Pre-cook them slightly to avoid excess liquid.

Serving Suggestions

A Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a meal in itself, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate the dining experience:

• Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple side of arugula tossed with olive oil and lemon juice to cut through the richness.
• Serve alongside a glass of Chianti or your favorite craft beer for a classic pairing.
• Don’t forget to have extra napkins handy! This pizza is deliciously messy.

You can also plate smaller slices as appetizers for a gathering or enjoy it as the centerpiece of your dinner table. Leftovers? This pizza reheats beautifully in the oven.

Conclusion

Bringing the iconic taste of a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to your own kitchen is easier than you think. With this step-by-step recipe, the right tools, and a little patience, you’ll create a pizza that goes toe-to-toe with the best pizzerias. You’ve got all the details now—from cooking times to tips and serving suggestions. Go ahead and try this recipe for yourself, and don’t be shy about experimenting with your favorite toppings.

Trust me, when that cheesy goodness oozes out of the slice and the buttery crust melts in your mouth, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried this sooner. Happy baking!