Heavenly Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe for Home Chefs

Chicago culinary landscape boasts a legendary deep dish pizza that captures the heart of Midwestern comfort food.

This hearty pizza style with its robust deep dish pizza recipe promises a mouthwatering adventure for serious food enthusiasts.

Thick, buttery crusts cradle layers of melted cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and generous toppings that stack high above traditional pizza designs.

Each slice tells a story of rich flavors and robust ingredients carefully assembled to create a memorable dining experience.

Chefs and home cooks alike celebrate this iconic dish that originated in the Windy City’s bustling kitchens.

Prepare to savor every decadent bite of this classic pizza that transforms a simple meal into a culinary celebration.

The journey from dough to delicious masterpiece awaits your skilled hands and hungry appetite.

Deep Dish Chicago Pizza Homemade Reasons to Love This Classic

• Recreate the legendary Chicago deep dish pizza right in your own kitchen, delivering restaurant-quality taste without leaving home.
• Layer multiple proteins and cheeses for a hearty, indulgent meal that satisfies serious pizza lovers and fills hungry bellies.
• Follow easy instructions that make this traditionally complex dish approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring delicious results every time.
• Perfect for game days, family dinners, or weekend gatherings where everyone craves a substantial, flavor-packed pizza experience.

Ingredients for Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

• Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy foundation that creates the signature thick and crispy crust for the deep dish pizza.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and flavorful cheeses that provide rich, melty texture and classic pizza taste.

• Italian Sausage, Pepperoni: Savory and spicy meat options that add protein and bold flavor to the pizza.

• Pizza Sauce: A tangy, herbaceous tomato-based sauce that brings moisture and traditional pizza flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A light coating that helps prevent sticking and promotes a golden crust.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Standard seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile of the pizza.

Tools for Pizza Making at Home

• 9-inch cake pan: Essential for creating the signature deep dish pizza shape with high sides.
• Cheese grater: Perfect for shredding fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting board: Use for slicing pepperoni and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for dicing pepperoni and cutting the pizza after baking.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate cheese and sauce measurements.
• Pastry brush: Ideal for lightly oiling the pan's bottom.
• Oven mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot pizza and pan.

How to Bake Deep Dish Pizza the Chicago Way

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F.

Position the rack in the center to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare The Cooking Vessel

Grab a 9-inch cake pan and give the bottom a light coating of olive oil.

Skip the sides to help the crust develop perfectly.

Step 3: Shape The Dough Foundation

Gently press the pizza dough into the pan, creating a beautiful base that covers the bottom and climbs up the sides.

Ensure the dough is evenly distributed without any thin spots.

Step 4: Create The Flavor Base

• Mozzarella cheese (first layer)
• Raw Italian sausage
• Diced pepperoni

Spread these ingredients evenly across the dough to guarantee maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Crown With Sauce And Cheese

Generously spread pizza sauce over the meat and first cheese layer.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Ensure complete coverage for a decadent finish.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pizza into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust transforms into a deep golden brown masterpiece with crispy edges.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Slice into wedges and enjoy the authentic Chicago-style deep dish experience!

Deep Dish Pizza Tips for the Perfect Crust

• Roll out dough slightly thicker for authentic Chicago-style texture, ensuring a sturdy base that supports generous toppings.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal on pan bottom before adding dough to create a crispy, non-stick surface that absorbs excess moisture.
• Place cheese directly on dough to create a protective barrier, preventing sauce from making crust soggy and ensuring a perfectly crisp foundation.
• Use full-fat mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that reduce melting quality.

Deep Dish Pizza Flavor Variations

• Vegetarian Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace Italian sausage and pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts for a hearty plant-based pizza.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Option: Swap traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pre-made dough to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Substitute classic toppings with shredded chicken, black beans, jalapeños, and swap pizza sauce for salsa to create a zesty regional variation.
• Mediterranean Inspired Pizza: Replace standard ingredients with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired deep dish experience.

How to Serve Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Pizza Party Perfection: Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or oregano for a burst of aromatic flavor that complements the rich, cheesy pizza.
• Crisp Side Salad: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the pizza's heaviness and add a refreshing contrast.
• Dipping Delight: Serve with extra marinara sauce or garlic aioli on the side for those who love additional dipping options with their deep dish slice.
• Cool Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a cold craft beer or a crisp red wine that cuts through the pizza's richness and enhances the overall dining experience.

Deep Dish Pizza Storage Instructions

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each slice individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled pizza slices in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Separate slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove pizza from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Wrap in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore crispy crust and melty cheese.

FAQs

• How do I know when the deep dish pizza is fully cooked?

The pizza is ready when the crust turns a deep golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The edges should look crispy and the internal temperature should reach around 165°F for the meat.

• Can I use different meats in this deep dish pizza?

Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, chorizo, or even chicken. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before serving and matches the flavor profile you desire.

• What type of pizza dough works best for Chicago-style deep dish?

A thick, sturdy pizza dough works best. Homemade or store-bought pizza dough that can hold its shape and withstand heavy toppings is ideal. Avoid thin or delicate doughs that might become soggy.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this pizza?

Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicago-style deep dish pizza delights with its thick, buttery crust and generous layers of cheese and toppings. Savory ingredients meld together, creating a robust meal that satisfies serious pizza enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough and Proteins:

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1/3 pound Italian sausage
• 1/3 cup pepperoni, diced

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Oil:

• 2/3 cup pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F, ensuring a hot environment for perfect pizza baking.
2. Coat the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan with a thin layer of oil, avoiding the sides to prevent excessive sticking.
3. Carefully stretch and press the pizza dough into the pan, creating a thick, even layer that covers the bottom and climbs up the sides.
4. Create the first flavor foundation by distributing mozzarella cheese across the entire dough base.
5. Layer uncooked Italian sausage over the cheese, followed by a scattering of pepperoni pieces for additional texture and taste.
6. Generously spread pizza sauce across the meat and cheese layers, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Finish the pizza with a final sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, melty topping.
8. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a deep golden-brown crust that indicates perfect doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes, helping the layers set and making slicing easier.
10. Cut into wedges and serve immediately, enjoying the authentic Chicago-style deep dish experience.

Notes

• Cheese Placement Sprinkle cheese underneath meat to prevent soggy bottom and create a protective barrier for the crust.
• Sausage Technique Use raw sausage directly on cheese, allowing it to cook and release flavor throughout the pizza, creating a richer taste profile.
• Crust Protection Avoid oiling pan sides to help the crust climb and develop a crispy, sturdy texture that’s authentic to Chicago-style pizza.
• Cooking Time Flexibility Check pizza around 25 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary; golden brown crust indicates perfect doneness without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg