Description
This Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza recipe features a thick, buttery crust loaded with melted mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and vibrant vegetables, all topped with a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this hearty pizza offers a satisfying and indulgent classic American comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Toppings
- 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready for dough making.
- Prepare Dough: Add the melted butter, olive oil, all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to form a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a deep dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and assist in creating the signature crispy crust.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the risen dough and press it firmly into the prepared pan, ensuring the dough covers the bottom and is pressed up the sides to form a deep crust to hold the toppings and sauce.
- Layer Cheese and Toppings: Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the base of the dough. Next, add the cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, thinly sliced onion, and green bell pepper evenly over the cheese layer.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Spread this flavorful sauce evenly over the layered toppings.
- Add Parmesan and Bake: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and hot.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the pizza set slightly for easier slicing and enhances flavor. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Layering the mozzarella cheese under the sauce helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Customize the toppings by adding mushrooms, spinach, or olives to suit your taste preferences.
- Using low-moisture mozzarella cheese is recommended for the best texture and melt quality.
