Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza
Introduction:
Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is a rich, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for pizza lovers who enjoy a thick, buttery crust with layers of gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and flavorful toppings. This iconic pizza style, known for its deep crust and abundance of fillings, is surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 10-inch deep dish pizza pan with olive oil.
- Roll out the dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough into the prepared pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
- Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, followed by the cooked sausage. Pour the tomato mixture over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Serve the pizza hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy the rich, flavorful layers of this classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
Outro:
Making Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of a classic pizzeria right into your kitchen. With its buttery crust, cheesy layers, and robust tomato sauce, this pizza is a guaranteed hit for pizza lovers and a great way to bring the taste of Chicago home.