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Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

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Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is a hearty, indulgent pie with a thick buttery crust, gooey layers of mozzarella, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce on top. Baked in a deep pan, it’s an iconic Windy City classic that eats like a meal in itself.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked (bulk or sliced)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, yeast, salt, warm water, olive oil, and melted butter. Knead until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise 1–2 hours, until doubled.
  2. Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer 20–30 minutes until thickened.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9- or 10-inch deep dish pan or cast iron skillet.
  4. Roll out dough and press into pan, covering bottom and sides.
  5. Layer mozzarella cheese over the crust.
  6. Add cooked sausage evenly over cheese. Add other toppings if desired.
  7. Spoon tomato sauce over sausage layer.
  8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  9. Bake 30–35 minutes until crust is golden and crisp.
  10. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Layering cheese directly on the crust prevents sogginess.
  • Use thick, reduced tomato sauce to avoid excess moisture.
  • Cast iron skillets make excellent deep-dish pans.
  • Let pizza rest before slicing so layers set properly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chicago-style-deep-dish-pizza/