Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at Home
Sink your teeth into this thick, cheesy, and buttery crusted pizza—just like you’d get in Chicago. This deep dish delight is layered with gooey cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings baked into a golden, flaky crust that holds everything in like a pie. Let’s bring the Windy City flavor to your kitchen!
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (drained slightly)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, etc.)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast:
💧 In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2️⃣ Make the Dough:
🥣 Add flour, cornmeal, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix in olive oil and softened butter. Knead until smooth (about 7–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook). The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky.
3️⃣ Let It Rise:
🕰️ Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
4️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
🍅 In a saucepan, heat a little olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes until thickened.
5️⃣ Shape the Dough:
🌀 Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 9- or 10-inch deep dish pan. Punch down the dough and press it into the pan and up the sides, creating a thick crust wall.
6️⃣ Layer the Pizza:
🧀 Start with a thick layer of mozzarella cheese on the bottom. Add toppings (like sausage or veggies), then spoon the tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7️⃣ Bake It Up:
🔥 Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at Home
- 🧂 Deep Dish Pizza Pan – Essential for achieving that classic tall crust.
- 🧀 Cheese Grater – Shred your mozzarella fresh for the best melt.
- 🍅 Crushed Tomatoes – For making that hearty, authentic tomato topping.
- 🌡️ Instant Read Thermometer – Helps you check if the crust is cooked through.
- 🍕 Pizza Cutter Rocker – Easily slice through thick, cheesy layers.
- 🧈 Dough Scraper – For working your dough cleanly and efficiently.
💡 Helpful Tip:
Want that true Chicago pizzeria taste? Use whole milk mozzarella and don’t skimp on the cornmeal in the crust—it gives that signature deep-dish crunch and flavor!