Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: A Taste of the Windy City

Chicago deep dish pizza isn't just pizza; it's an experience. This iconic dish, with its thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous layers of cheese and toppings, is a culinary masterpiece. Forget your flimsy, thin-crust pizzas – this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Chicago. Let's dive into creating your own masterpiece!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes one 9-inch deep dish pizza. Adjust quantities as needed for larger pizzas.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

For the Sauce:

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

For the Cheese & Toppings:

• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, etc.)

Instructions: Let's Make Some Pizza!

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and softened butter to the flour mixture.
4. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Crafting the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Important: Use a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet for the best results.
2. Punch down the risen dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pan. Make sure the crust is evenly distributed.
3. Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly over the bottom of the crust.
4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add your desired toppings.
6. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the rest of the tomato sauce.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Let the pizza cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and prevents a messy, molten experience!

Tips for Chicago Deep Dish Success:

• Don't rush the rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for a light and airy crust.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your pizza will taste.
• Don't overload with toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
• Pre-cook sausage: Pre-cooking sausage prevents it from becoming raw in the middle.

Enjoy Your Chicago Deep Dish Pizza!

This recipe is your gateway to experiencing the authentic taste of Chicago. Experiment with different toppings, and remember: the best deep-dish pizza is the one you enjoy the most. Share your creations and tag us! #ChicagoDeepDish #PizzaPerfection #HomemadePizza #WindyCityEats