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Deep Dish Pizza: The Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s Iconic Pie

  • Total Time: 150 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Thick, chewy homemade deep-dish pizza with rich tomato sauce, Italian sausage, vegetables, pepperoni, and a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) instant or rapid-rise yeast
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) cornmeal, for dusting the pan
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
    2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
    3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
    4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Sauce:
    1. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
    2. Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds.
    3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  3. Prepare the Filling:
    1. Cook the Sausage: Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Crumble the sausage as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
    2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, chopped green bell pepper, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
    3. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and sliced pepperoni. Mix well.
  4. Assemble the Pizza:
    1. Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9-inch or 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan (or a cast iron skillet) with olive oil. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with cornmeal.
    2. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
    3. Place Dough in Pan: Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating a thick crust edge.
    4. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the provolone cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust.
    5. Add the Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the cheese layer.
    6. Top with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the filling, spreading it evenly.
    7. Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  5. Bake the Pizza:
    1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    2. Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizza for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    3. Let it Rest: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
    4. Slice and Serve: Carefully slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
  • A slightly tacky dough is ideal for the crust.
  • Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the sauce.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan.
  • Adjust baking time as needed.
  • Let the pizza rest before slicing.
  • Get creative with toppings!
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

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Find it online: https://butdelicious.com/deep-dish-pizza/