Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: A Delicious Guide to Windy City Perfection

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the heart of Chicago? This isn't your average pizza; we're diving headfirst into the legendary Chicago deep dish pizza, a culinary masterpiece known for its thick, buttery crust, vibrant tomato sauce, and generous layers of melted cheese and savory toppings.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your deep-dish pizza turns out perfectly cheesy, crisp, and utterly irresistible. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound pizza-making prowess!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields one 9-inch deep-dish pizza. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your appetite!

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (around 105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Sauce:

• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cheese & Toppings:

• 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (low-moisture is best!)
• Your favorite toppings! (Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers – the possibilities are endless!)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Crust:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Making the Sauce:

1. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Simmer Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

1. Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan (cast iron works great!).
2. Press the Dough: Press the risen dough into the prepared pan, forming a crust that comes up the sides.
3. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the crust.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the cheese.
5. Add Toppings: Arrange your desired toppings over the sauce.
6. Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
7. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Cool & Slice: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Deep Dish Perfection:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your pizza will taste!
• Don't overcrowd the pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
• Let the pizza cool slightly: This helps it set up and makes it easier to slice.
• Experiment with toppings: Get creative and try different combinations of your favorite toppings!

Enjoy your homemade Chicago deep dish pizza! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Remember to share your creations with us – we'd love to see your delicious results!