Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza”

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a slice of Chicago-style deep dish pizza. The thick, buttery crust forms the perfect foundation for layers of melty mozzarella, hearty Italian sausage, and a vibrant, garlicky tomato sauce. Each slice is a substantial meal in itself, packed with bold flavors and textures that define the iconic Chicago pizza experience. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging on your own, this deep-dish pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering all the richness and comfort that made it a beloved favorite.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

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

For the pizza sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the toppings:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Step 1: Make the dough

1. In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the melted butter and olive oil to the flour mixture. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture while stirring.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover it with a damp towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the pizza sauce

1. While the dough rises, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a clean surface. Roll the dough out into a large circle, about 12-14 inches in diameter.
3. Grease a 10-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Gently transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides. The dough should come up the sides of the pan to form a thick crust.
4. Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust. Add the crumbled cooked sausage, sliced pepperoni, and diced bell pepper.
5. Pour the thickened pizza sauce over the toppings, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan on top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.