Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon oil
1 pound pizza dough
1 ½ cups mozzarella, shredded
⅓ pound Italian sausage
⅓ cup pepperoni, diced
⅔ cup pizza sauce
½ cup Parmesan, grated

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Pan:
Lightly oil the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan. Make sure to cover the bottom evenly but avoid oiling the sides.
Shape the Dough:
Press the pizza dough into the bottom of the pan, spreading it evenly and pushing it up the sides to form a thick crust.
Layer the Cheese:
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
Add the Sausage:
Crumble the raw Italian sausage over the cheese layer.
Add the Pepperoni:
Distribute the diced pepperoni evenly over the sausage.
Add the Sauce:
Spoon the pizza sauce over the pepperoni, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and then the Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Cool and Serve:
Let the pizza cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!

Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Introduction

Chicago style deep dish pizza is an iconic dish originating from the Windy City. Unlike traditional pizzas, this deep dish variant features a thick crust that forms a bowl to hold a bounty of cheese, a chunky tomato sauce, and various toppings. The rich and satisfying flavor of this pizza makes it a favorite among pizza lovers everywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this detailed guide will help you recreate an authentic Chicago style deep dish pizza right in your kitchen.

History

Chicago style deep dish pizza was invented in 1943 by Ike Sewell at his restaurant, Pizzeria Uno, in Chicago. Sewell’s innovative recipe featured a thicker crust, inverted layering (cheese on the bottom, sauce on top), and a deep, pie-like structure, which differentiated it from the more common thin-crust pizzas. Over the years, this style of pizza has become synonymous with Chicago, attracting pizza enthusiasts from all over the world to experience its unique taste and texture.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup olive oil

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Add melted butter and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
Add chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Assemble the Pizza:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Grease a 12-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle, about 14 inches in diameter.
Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to form a thick crust.
Sprinkle the bottom of the crust with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Spread the sausage and vegetable filling evenly over the cheese.
Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the filling, spreading it evenly with a spoon.
Sprinkle the top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Pizza:

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicago style deep dish pizza!

Benefits

Rich in Flavor: The combination of a buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.
Nutritious Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality ingredients can add nutritional value to your pizza.
Customizable: You can easily customize your pizza with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Family-Friendly: This hearty pizza is perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it a great option for gatherings and celebrations.

Conclusion

Creating a homemade Chicago style deep dish pizza is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a taste of Chicago in your own kitchen. With its rich history, delicious flavors, and customizable nature, this pizza is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every bite of this iconic dish.