Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

 

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Alright 😋🍕 get ready — this is a full, authentic Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza recipe. Thick buttery crust, layers of cheese, rich meat sauce on top… heavy, cheesy, and absolutely worth it.

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⏱️ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Dough Rest Time: 1 hour
• Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours
• Servings: 6–8 slices

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📝 Ingredients

🍞 For the Deep Dish Dough

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal (gives authentic texture)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1¼ cups warm water
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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🍅 For the Tomato Sauce (Top Layer)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (400g / 14 oz)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

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🧀 For the Filling

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture preferred)
• 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or chicken (optional)
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup capsicum (bell pepper)
• ¼ cup black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🍞 Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, cornmeal, salt, melted butter, and olive oil.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly firm.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.

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🍅 Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Add onion & garlic — cook until soft.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar.
4. Simmer 15 minutes until thick.
5. Cool slightly before using.

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🍕 Step 3: Prepare the Pan

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F)
• Grease a deep round pan or cast iron skillet with butter or oil.

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🧀 Step 4: Shape the Pizza

1. Roll dough into a large circle.
2. Press into the deep pan and push up the sides.
3. Trim excess dough from edges.

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🥓 Step 5: Layer Chicago Style (Important!)

1. First layer: Mozzarella cheese (directly on dough)
2. Second layer: Meat & vegetables
3. Top layer: Tomato sauce
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top

👉 Sauce goes on top — not under cheese (Chicago style rule 😄)

 Recipe: Strawberry Apple Cider Punch

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🔥 Step 6: Bake

• Bake for 35–40 minutes
• Crust should be golden and filling bubbly

If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.

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⏳ Step 7: Rest Before Cutting

Let pizza rest 10 minutes before slicing — helps layers set.

Heavenly Orange Raisin Scones

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread
• Add chili flakes & oregano
• Fresh basil on top for flavor

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💡 Pro Tips

✔ Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid soggy pizza
✔ Butter in dough = authentic Chicago flavor
✔ Don’t overload with watery veggies
✔ Resting time is very important

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🔄 Variations

• 🍗 Chicken BBQ deep dish
• 🌶️ Spicy jalapeño version
• 🧀 Extra cheese stuffed crust
• 🥬 Vegetarian loaded veggie pizza