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–+ servings

Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Enjoy a rich and buttery crust with generous layers of cheese and toppings in this classic Chicago deep dish pizza. Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Serving Size 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sauce

  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
  • In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it's frothy.
  • Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and olive oil into the flour mixture.
  • Stir until the dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

  • In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  • Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned.
  • Add the green bell pepper, onion, and garlic; sauté until softened.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Sauce

  • In a mixing bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and olive oil.
  • Stir well and set aside.

Assemble and Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
  • Grease a deep dish pizza pan (or a cast-iron skillet) with olive oil.
  • Roll out the dough into a large circle and press it into the edges of the pan, creating a thick crust.
  • Layer mozzarella cheese, followed by the sausage mixture, and then some Parmesan cheese.
  • Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring even coverage.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Rest the Dough: Ensuring the dough has ample rising time enhances the flavor and texture, resulting in a perfect crust. Layering is Key: Make sure to layer your ingredients in reverse order of traditional pizza (cheese first, then toppings, then sauce) to keep everything juicy and flavorful. Use Quality Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and high-quality sausages make a noticeable difference in flavor.