Experience the magic of a true Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at home, complete with a buttery, flaky crust, layers of gooey cheese, and a rich, hearty tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or weekend indulgence, this recipe brings the pizzeria experience straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2¼ cups |
| Cornmeal | ¼ cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet (2¼ tsp) |
| Warm water (110°F) | ¾ cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ¼ cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 1 can (6 oz) |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Pizza Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage | 1 lb |
| Bell pepper, diced (optional) | 1 |
| Onion, diced (optional) | 1 small |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | ½ lb |
| Provolone cheese, shredded | ½ lb |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¼ cup |
| Olive oil | For greasing the pan |
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a small bowl, mix the yeast and sugar into warm water. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
Brown the sausage in a skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat. If using, sauté bell pepper and onion until tender. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9- or 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and roll into a 12-inch circle. Press dough into the pan, covering the bottom and forming high sides. Layer half the mozzarella on the bottom, followed by provolone and Parmesan. Add sausage and vegetables, then spread sauce evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 30–40 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. If edges brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the pizza cool 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy a restaurant-quality deep-dish pizza in your own home.
