Ultimate Chicago‑Style Deep Dish Pizza

Bring the taste of Chicago right into your kitchen with this deep-dish pizza recipe. Featuring a buttery, golden crust, layers of gooey mozzarella, savory toppings, and a rich tomato sauce baked on top, every slice is a cheesy, flavorful masterpiece. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or whenever you’re craving restaurant‑style pizza at home.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Chicago‑style layers—cheese first, sauce on top.
• Buttery, crisp crust—holds up to all the toppings.
• Customizable—add sausage, pepperoni, or keep it vegetarian.
• Make-ahead friendly—dough can be chilled overnight.
• Crowd‑pleasing—hearty enough to feed a hungry table.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ tsp sugar
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 cups all‑purpose flour
• ½ cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp salt

For the Toppings

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and melted butter. Knead until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan, and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt.
3. Simmer 20–30 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a 9–10 inch deep dish pan.
2. Press dough into pan, forming a crust up the sides.
3. Layer mozzarella cheese over dough. Add sausage or pepperoni if using.
4. Pour tomato sauce evenly over toppings.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden and the edges are crisp.
• Cover with foil halfway if cheese browns too quickly.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

• Let the pizza rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to set the layers.

💡 Pro Tips

• Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt.
• Chill dough overnight for richer flavor and easier handling.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave, for crisp edges.

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese Swap – Try provolone or Fontina.
• Sauce Twist – Use fire‑roasted tomatoes for smoky flavor.
• Veggie Version – Add mushrooms, peppers, or spinach.
• Whole Wheat Crust – Substitute part of the flour for a nuttier taste.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Make‑Ahead – Refrigerate dough overnight.
• Storage—Keep slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating—Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezer Friendly – Wrap slices in foil and freeze up to 2 months.

🍴 Serving Ideas

• Fresh garden salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
• Roasted garlic broccoli or green beans
• Antipasto skewers with mozzarella and olives
• Garlic knots or warm breadsticks

📊 Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 570
• Carbs: 44g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 33g (14g saturated)
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 880mg

🏆 Final Thoughts

This Chicago‑style deep-dish pizza is indulgent, hearty, and absolutely unforgettable. With its buttery crust, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a recipe that brings restaurant‑quality flavor to your own kitchen. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a slice of Chicago at home.