HOMEMADE CHICAGO STYLE DEEP DISH PIZZA

Absolutely! Here’s a mouthwatering article about making Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza:

Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza: A Slice of Comfort Right at Home

If you’re craving a pizza that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor, look no further than Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza. Famous for its thick, buttery crust and generous fillings, this iconic pizza is more than just a meal — it’s an experience.

Making deep dish pizza at home may sound intimidating, but with the right recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality pie that will wow your family and friends. Get ready to dig into gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and a golden crust that’s crispy on the edges and tender inside.

What Makes Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Special?

Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, Chicago deep dish pizza is baked in a deep pan, creating a thick crust that acts like a delicious pie shell. The layers typically start with cheese directly on the dough, followed by hearty toppings, and finished with a chunky tomato sauce. This order helps keep the crust crisp and prevents the cheese from burning during the longer baking time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup melted butter

For the Filling:

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 cups chunky crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

1. Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or a round cake pan generously with butter.

3. Shape the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and press it into the pan, making sure to push it up the sides to create a thick crust edge.

4. Add the Cheese and Toppings

Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese directly on the dough. Then add cooked sausage, bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms evenly over the cheese.

5. Add the Tomato Sauce

Spread the chunky crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce over the toppings. Sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.