Here’s a homemade recipe that nails that buttery crust, hearty filling, and gooey cheese goodness. Ready to dive in?
Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza
Ingredients
For the crust:
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
1 tsp sugar
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil (for the pan)
For the filling:
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk recommended)
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) or ground beef
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or chunky tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling:
While dough is rising, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Break into crumbles.
Add diced onions, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Assemble the pizza:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Oil a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
Punch down the dough and press it into the pan, pushing it up the sides to create a 1–2 inch crust lip.
Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese first (this keeps the crust from getting soggy).
Spoon the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese.
Pour the tomato sauce on top of everything.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the sauce.
Bake:
Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until crust is golden brown and sauce is bubbly.
Let the pizza cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.