Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

why make this recipe

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is thick, warm, and filling. It makes a good dinner for family or friends. The crust holds lots of cheese and sauce. It is different from thin crust pizza and feels like a special meal.

introduction

This recipe gives you a simple way to make a classic Chicago-style deep dish at home. The dough is slightly cornmeal-forward and the cheese goes under the sauce, so you get a rich bite each time. For a complete meal, serve it with easy side dishes that do not take too long to make.

how to make Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

1. Make the yeast mix and let it get frothy.
2. Mix the dry ingredients with melted butter, then add the yeast mix and oil.
3. Knead the dough, let it rise until doubled.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Press the dough into a deep dish pan so it covers the bottom and sides.
6. Layer shredded mozzarella on the dough first, add your toppings, then pour sauce over the top.
7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on the top.
8. Bake 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden.
9. Let the pizza rest a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Ingredients :

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 packet active dry yeast, 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Toppings of choice (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)

Directions :

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, then place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Roll out the dough and press it into a deep dish pizza pan, making sure it covers the sides.
6. Layer mozzarella cheese on the bottom, add desired toppings, then pour the pizza sauce over the top.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
9. Let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve.

how to serve Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Cut the pizza into wedges. Use a sharp knife and a wide spatula to lift slices. Serve warm. A simple salad or vegetables work well on the side. Let people add extra cheese or chili flakes if they like.

how to store Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Cool the pizza to room temperature. Put leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes so the crust gets crisp again.

tips to make Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

• Use a deep dish or a cake pan with high sides.
• Don’t overfill with toppings; keep a good cheese layer on the bottom.
• Let the dough rise fully for a lighter crust.
• If the crust browns too fast, cover the top with foil while baking.
• Shred your own mozzarella for better melt and texture.

variation (if any)

• Make a vegetarian version with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
• Add cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meat version.
• Try a white sauce version by skipping the tomato sauce and using garlic butter and ricotta.

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant yeast?
A: Yes. Use the same amount but mix it in with the dry ingredients and you can shorten the rise time slightly.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Make the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.

Q: Can I freeze the baked pizza?
A: You can freeze slices. Wrap well and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes.

Q: What if my crust is soggy?
A: Bake longer on a lower rack or pre-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes before adding cheese and toppings.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

• Author: bennacer-blogbrandinggmail-com
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza that’s thick, warm, and filled with cheese and sauce.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Toppings of choice (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and melted butter in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, then place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Roll out the dough and press it into a deep dish pizza pan, making sure it covers the sides.
6. Layer mozzarella cheese on the bottom, add desired toppings, then pour the pizza sauce over the top.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
9. Let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve.

---

Notes

Serve warm with a simple salad or vegetables on the side.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 40mg