Making Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at home is a rewarding experience, and here’s a recipe to guide you through the process. Keep in mind that the key to a good deep-dish pizza is a sturdy, buttery crust, layers of cheese, and a rich, chunky tomato sauce. Enjoy making your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza:
- 1 1/2 pounds mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens. Allow it to cool.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out two-thirds of the dough to fit a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet.
- Press the dough into the pan, covering the bottom and sides.
- Layer mozzarella cheese over the dough, followed by the Italian sausage (if using), sliced bell peppers, and onions.
- Pour the cooled tomato sauce over the toppings.
- Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top. Seal the edges.
4. Bake:
- Brush the top of the pizza with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
5. Serve:
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!
Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. This recipe provides a classic deep-dish pizza experience with a buttery crust and layers of cheesy, saucy goodness.