For the Dough:
3¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal
1½ teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
1¼ cups water, room temperature
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon + 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup grated onion
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
¼ teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
For the Toppings:
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 4 cups)
(Pepperoni)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to make it
Make the Dough: Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.
Add water and melted butter and mix on low speed, using a dough hook, until fully combined, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping sides and bottom of bowl occasionally. Increase speed to medium and knead until the dough is glossy and smooth and pulls away from sides of the bowl, 4 to 5 minutes. (You can easily make this by hand, mixing in the water and butter with a spatula and then kneading by hand.)
Coat a large bowl with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Using a greased spatula, transfer the dough to the bowl, turning to coat the dough in oil; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature until nearly doubled in volume, 45 to 60 minutes.
Make the Sauce: While dough rises, heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add onion, oregano, and salt; cook, stirring occasionally until liquid has evaporated and onion is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in tomatoes and sugar, increase heat to high, and bring to a simmer. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to about 2½ cups, 25 to 30 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the basil and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Laminate the Dough: Turn the dough out onto dry work surface and roll into a 15×12-inch rectangle. Using an offset spatula, spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along the edges. Starting at the short end, roll the dough into a tight cylinder. With seam side down, flatten the cylinder into an 18×4-inch rectangle.
Cut the rectangle in half crosswise. Working with one half, fold into thirds like a business letter; pinch seams together to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining half. Return balls to the oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in refrigerator until nearly doubled in volume, 40 to 50 minutes. Meanwhile, adjust oven rack to lower position and preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Bake the Pizzas: Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with 2 tablespoons of olive oil each.
Transfer 1 dough ball to dry work surface and roll out into a 13-inch circle. Transfer dough to the pan by rolling the dough loosely around a rolling pin and unrolling into the pan. Lightly press dough into the pan, working into corners and 1-inch upsides. If dough resists stretching, let it relax for 5 minutes before trying again. Repeat with remaining dough ball.
For each pizza, sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella evenly over the surface of the dough. (If you’re using any meat or veggie toppings, add them now, on top of the cheese.) Spread 1¼ cups tomato sauce over the cheese (or toppings) and sprinkle 2 tablespoons Parmesan over the sauce. Bake until crust is golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove pizza from the oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Why Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Is So Special
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is much more than a thick-crust pizza. It is a traditional American pizza style known for its tall buttery crust, generous layers of cheese, flavorful toppings, and rich tomato sauce. Unlike a classic thin pizza where ingredients are placed directly on a flat dough base, deep dish pizza is built in layers, creating a hearty meal that feels more like a savory pie.
One of the most unique characteristics of Chicago deep dish pizza is the way it is assembled. The crust is placed first, followed by a generous layer of cheese, toppings, and finally a thick layer of tomato sauce. This special order helps protect the cheese during the longer baking process and creates the classic deep dish experience.
The crust is another important part of this pizza style. A successful homemade deep dish crust should have a crispy golden exterior with a soft, tender interior. The buttery texture and rich flavor of the crust are what make Chicago-style pizza different from other varieties.
Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Deep Dish Pizza
Creating a restaurant-quality Chicago deep dish pizza at home requires attention to a few important details. These helpful tips can improve the texture, flavor, and overall result of your homemade pizza.
- Choose the right pan: A deep pizza pan or cast iron skillet is ideal because it helps create the traditional tall crust and allows the pizza to bake evenly.
- Give the dough enough time: Proper resting allows the dough to develop better flavor and a softer texture.
- Use quality ingredients: Since deep dish pizza contains generous amounts of cheese, sauce, and toppings, using fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference.
- Do not add too much moisture: Drain vegetables and cooked meats well before adding them to prevent a soggy crust.
- Let the pizza rest before slicing: A short resting period allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Deep Dish Pizza
Homemade deep dish pizza is simple to prepare, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Knowing what to avoid can help you achieve a better pizza every time.
- Using the wrong pan: A shallow pan will not create the classic deep dish shape and may cause the ingredients to overflow.
- Adding too much sauce: Deep dish pizza needs a generous sauce layer, but excessive sauce can prevent the crust from cooking properly.
- Overloading the toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza heavy and difficult to bake evenly.
- Skipping the dough resting process: Properly rested dough produces a better texture and easier handling.
- Slicing immediately after baking: Waiting a few minutes helps the pizza hold its shape better.
Choosing the Best Ingredients for Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
The quality of ingredients plays an important role in creating an authentic homemade Chicago deep dish pizza. Because this pizza contains several layers, every ingredient contributes to the final flavor.
Cheese Selection
Mozzarella cheese is the traditional choice because it melts beautifully and creates the classic stretchy texture. Some home cooks also add small amounts of other cheeses for extra flavor and richness.
Tomato Sauce
A flavorful tomato sauce is essential because it is one of the most noticeable parts of the pizza. A good sauce should have a balanced taste with a combination of tomato flavor, herbs, and seasonings.
Toppings
Popular Chicago deep dish toppings include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and other vegetables. The best toppings are those that complement the rich crust and cheese without adding too much moisture.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Deep Dish Pizza
One of the great things about Chicago deep dish pizza is that leftovers can still taste delicious when stored and reheated properly.
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored pizza can usually be enjoyed for several days while maintaining good flavor and texture.
For the best reheating results, use an oven or skillet instead of a microwave. Heating the pizza slowly helps restore the crispy crust while keeping the cheese and toppings warm.
Deep dish pizza can also be frozen. Wrap individual slices carefully and store them in freezer-safe packaging. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat until warmed through.
Creative Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Variations
While the traditional version remains a favorite, homemade deep dish pizza can be customized with many different flavors and ingredients.
- Classic Meat Lovers: Add sausage, pepperoni, and other favorite meats for a hearty pizza experience.
- Vegetarian Deep Dish: Use mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions, and other vegetables for a flavorful meat-free option.
- Spicy Deep Dish Pizza: Add spicy sausage, hot peppers, or extra seasoning for more heat.
- Four Cheese Deep Dish: Combine different cheeses for an extra rich and creamy flavor.
- Chicken Deep Dish: Use cooked chicken with vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a unique variation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Is Chicago deep dish pizza really pizza?
Yes. Although it looks different from traditional pizza styles, Chicago deep dish pizza is a well-known pizza variety with its own preparation method, ingredients, and history.
Why is the sauce placed on top of Chicago deep dish pizza?
The sauce is placed on top because the pizza requires a longer baking time. This method helps protect the cheese and toppings while allowing the crust to cook properly.
Can I make Chicago deep dish pizza without a special pan?
Yes. While a deep dish pan works best, a cast iron skillet or another deep oven-safe pan can also produce excellent results.
How thick should deep dish pizza crust be?
The crust should be thick enough to support the fillings while still maintaining a pleasant balance between crispy edges and a soft interior.
Can I prepare deep dish pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes. Preparing the dough in advance can improve the flavor and make the cooking process easier when you are ready to bake.
What is the best way to reheat deep dish pizza?
An oven or skillet is usually the best option because it helps maintain the crispy crust better than a microwave.
Can I freeze homemade deep dish pizza?
Yes. Properly wrapped slices can be frozen and reheated later while still maintaining good taste and texture.
What makes Chicago deep dish different from other pizza styles?
Its thick buttery crust, layered ingredients, generous cheese, and rich tomato topping make it different from thin crust and other traditional pizza styles.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicago style deep dish pizza is a delicious way to bring a famous American pizza tradition into your own kitchen. With its golden buttery crust, layers of melted cheese, flavorful toppings, and rich tomato sauce, it offers a unique experience that is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and special occasions.
By following the right techniques, choosing quality ingredients, and avoiding common mistakes, anyone can create a satisfying deep dish pizza at home. Whether you prefer the classic version or enjoy experimenting with different toppings, this pizza style offers endless possibilities for homemade cooking.