Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Introduction

Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a bold, hearty pizza famous for its thick, buttery crust and generous layers of cheese, meat, and rich tomato sauce. Unlike traditional flat pizza, this deep-dish version is baked in a pan, creating a pie-like structure that’s crispy on the outside and irresistibly cheesy inside—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Filling

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1½ cups cooked ground beef (seasoned with salt & pepper)
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced green bell peppers
• ½ cup sliced onions

For the Sauce

• 1½ cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and butter. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Make the Sauce
   In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pan generously. Press dough into the pan, covering the bottom and sides.
4. Layer the Filling
   Add mozzarella cheese directly on the dough, followed by ground beef, pepperoni, peppers, and onions. Spoon tomato sauce evenly over the top.
5. Bake
   Bake for 30–35 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Always put cheese first to prevent a soggy crust
• Use whole-milk mozzarella for authentic flavor
• Let the pizza rest before cutting for clean slices

FAQs

1. What makes Chicago deep dish different from regular pizza?
It has a thick crust, deep pan, and layered fillings instead of a flat base.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough gives the best buttery texture.

3. Is Chicago deep dish the same as stuffed pizza?
They’re similar, but stuffed pizza usually has an extra dough layer inside.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—skip meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or olives.

5. Why is sauce on top?
It prevents the cheese from burning during the longer bake time.