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Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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