Name: Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C); 2 teaspoons sugar; 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Thick, buttery, and irresistibly satisfying, Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a culinary classic that delivers on every level. Characterized by its tall, golden crust and layers of gooey mozzarella, hearty sausage, and rich tomato sauce, this pizza is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Baked in a cast iron skillet to achieve its signature deep crust and robust flavor, this iconic dish is a must-try for any pizza enthusiast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a show-stopper for any gathering or weekend dinner. Its indulgent layers create a bold and comforting flavor profile, while the crispy, buttery cornmeal crust adds texture and depth. Whether you are a fan of hearty Italian sausage, love thick tomato sauce, or crave an ultra-cheesy bite, this homemade version rivals any restaurant favorite. Plus, making it from scratch allows for endless customization and the satisfaction of mastering a beloved classic.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 teaspoons sugar
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

For the filling:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

directions

In a large bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with warm water. Let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Add in the flour, cornmeal, melted butter, and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or deep dish pizza pan with olive oil.
Roll out the dough and press it into the prepared pan, working the dough up the sides to form a tall crust.
Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust. Add the cooked and crumbled sausage evenly over the cheese.
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly before stirring in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Spoon the sauce over the sausage layer. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Let the pizza cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving hot.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Calories: 560 kcal per slice

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and increase red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Cheese Lovers’ Twist: Add layers of provolone or ricotta in addition to mozzarella.
Meat Lover’s Option: Combine sausage with pepperoni or ground beef for a meatier pie.
Lighter Crust: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

storage/reheating

Leftover deep dish pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake slices on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

FAQs

What makes Chicago-style deep dish pizza different from regular pizza?

Chicago-style deep dish features a tall, buttery crust and is assembled with cheese on the bottom, toppings in the middle, and sauce on top.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, though homemade dough gives the most authentic flavor and texture, store-bought dough can be a convenient substitute.

What type of cheese is best for deep dish pizza?

Mozzarella is traditional, but blending it with provolone or adding Parmesan enhances the flavor.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Make sure the sausage is fully cooked and the sauce is thick to avoid excess moisture seeping into the crust.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using.

What’s the best pan for baking deep dish pizza?

A 12-inch cast iron skillet or a deep dish pizza pan provides the best results with even heat distribution.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure to cook them down well to achieve a thick, rich sauce.

Is cornmeal necessary in the dough?

Cornmeal adds texture and flavor to the crust, but it can be omitted or replaced with semolina if preferred.

How do I know when the pizza is done baking?

The crust should be golden brown and the sauce bubbling. Check the bottom of the crust for doneness if unsure.

Can I freeze the unbaked pizza?

Yes, assemble the pizza without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes.

Conclusion

Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a hearty, satisfying dish that captures the essence of comfort food. With its thick, buttery crust and layers of cheese, sausage, and rich tomato sauce, this pizza is perfect for special occasions or a decadent weekend meal. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try one of the suggested variations, the result will be a deliciously indulgent pizza that brings a slice of Chicago right to your kitchen.