🧀🍕 Cheesy Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe 🍕🧀
📝 Introduction
Cheesy deep-dish pizza is an iconic comfort food, famous for its thick crust, layers of cheese, robust tomato sauce, and oven-baked perfection. Originating from Chicago, this pizza is a masterpiece of texture and flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving something indulgent, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (for classic texture)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup olive oil + extra for greasing
For the Cheese Layer:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup provolone cheese (optional)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Fillings:
- Sliced pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions
🧑🍳 Instructions & Method
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt.
- Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until soft dough forms (8-10 minutes).
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Grease a deep round pan (cast iron or cake tin) with olive oil.
- Roll out dough and press into the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Add a thick layer of shredded mozzarella, provolone, and optional toppings.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
📜 History of Deep-Dish Pizza
The deep-dish pizza was born in Chicago in 1943, credited to Ike Sewell of Pizzeria Uno. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas from Italy, Chicago’s version focused on hearty eating — thick buttery crust, lots of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce. Over time, it became a symbol of Chicago’s bold culinary style.
🌿 Benefits of Deep-Dish Pizza
- High in Protein: Thanks to cheese and optional meat.
- Calcium Rich: Loaded with dairy for strong bones.
- Customizable: Great way to sneak in veggies like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms.
- Energy Dense: A fulfilling meal for active individuals.
🏗️ Formation
The structure of deep-dish pizza starts with a thick base crust, pressed into a deep pan. Cheese is layered directly on the dough to prevent sogginess, followed by meats/veggies, and then finished with the tomato sauce on top. This reverse layering ensures that the crust remains firm and the cheese melts perfectly.
🍴 Nutrition (Per Slice, approx. 1/8 of pizza)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390–450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35–45 g |
| Protein | 18–22 g |
| Fats | 20–28 g |
| Calcium | 200 mg+ |
| Fiber | 3–5 g |
Note: Varies by toppings and cheese quantity.
❤️ Lovers of Deep-Dish Pizza
- Cheese Lovers: The gooey, stretchy layers are irresistible.
- Meat Lovers: Pepperoni, sausage, or bacon turn it into a feast.
- Veggie Fans: Add spinach, olives, artichokes for a gourmet twist.
- Kids & Families: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Chicagoans: A proud symbol of their local food culture.
✅ Conclusion
Deep-dish pizza is more than a dish—it’s a food experience. Its generous layers of cheese, sauce, and crust combine to create a warm, indulgent, and comforting meal. Whether made at home or enjoyed in a pizzeria, it always leaves a lasting impression.
❤️ Conclusion With Lovers
For those who adore hearty, cheesy dishes, deep-dish pizza is true love at first bite. It unites friends and families around the table and reminds us that the best meals are shared with those we care about—one slice at a time.