If you’ve ever tasted deep-dish pizza, you know it’s much more than a meal—it’s an experience. With its buttery, flaky crust, gooey layers of mozzarella, hearty toppings, and rich tomato sauce, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is the ultimate comfort food. This isn’t your typical pizza; it’s a slice of indulgence that’s worth every bite.
Whether you want to bring the flavors of Chicago into your kitchen or impress family and friends with an unforgettable homemade pizza, this deep-dish recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home with a little love and patience.
Let’s explore how you can make this iconic pizza from scratch, complete with step-by-step instructions and expert tips.
What Is Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza?
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is defined by its tall, buttery crust and layered construction. Unlike thin-crust pizzas, the toppings are built in reverse order: the cheese is placed at the bottom to protect the crust from moisture, followed by toppings like sausage or olives, and finally a thick layer of savory tomato sauce.
The pizza is baked in a deep, round pan that gives it its signature structure and ensures a rich, satisfying bite in every slice. First created in the 1940s, deep-dish pizza is now synonymous with Chicago and has become a beloved favorite worldwide.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavors: Perfectly recreates the flavors of classic Chicago deep-dish pizza.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or date nights at home.
- Customizable: Add or swap toppings to suit your preferences.
- Rich and Satisfying: A hearty meal that’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent evenings.
- Fun to Make: Crafting this pizza from scratch is a rewarding experience.
Ingredients for Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe – Chicago-Style
For the Pizza Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 3 ¼ cups |
| Yellow cornmeal | ½ cup |
| Rapid-rise yeast | 2 ¼ teaspoons |
| Granulated sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Water (room temperature) | 1 ¼ cups |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 3 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 4 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 teaspoon + 3 tablespoons |
For the Pizza Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Red onion (minced) | ½ |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning or oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Crushed tomatoes (no salt) | 1 (28-ounce can) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh basil leaves (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
For the Toppings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Italian sausage (casings removed) | 1 pound |
| Kalamata olives (sliced) | ½ cup |
| Shredded mozzarella (low moisture) | 1 pound |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ⅓ cup |
How to Make Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add water and melted butter. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl (use 1 teaspoon olive oil), cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce
- Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced red onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in granulated sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil and olive oil. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces.
- Once fully cooked and browned, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a 12-inch round deep-dish pizza pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Roll the dough into a large circle, about 13 inches in diameter. Press it into the greased pan, ensuring the dough reaches up the sides to create a tall crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
- Start by spreading shredded mozzarella evenly across the bottom of the crust.
- Add the cooked sausage and sliced kalamata olives.
- Pour the prepared pizza sauce over the toppings and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Let the pizza cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Deep-Dish Pizza
- Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: This prevents the pizza from becoming watery.
- Don’t Overfill: Too many toppings can make the pizza difficult to bake evenly.
- Preheat the Oven: A hot oven ensures a crispy crust and perfectly cooked layers.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing: Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes so the layers stay intact when cut.
- Experiment with Toppings: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or pepperoni for variety.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh Caesar or garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Beverages: Pair with a cold soda, beer, or a glass of red wine.
- Extras: Provide garlic butter or ranch dressing for dipping the crust.
FAQs About Deep-Dish Pizza
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before rolling.
Q2: Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Absolutely. Let the pizza cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F.
Q3: What other toppings can I use?
You can customize your pizza with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, or try adding pepperoni or ham.
Q4: Can I use a cast-iron skillet instead of a deep-dish pan?
Yes! A cast-iron skillet works well for deep-dish pizza. Just ensure it’s properly greased.
Q5: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Using low-moisture cheese and thickening the sauce by simmering it properly helps prevent a soggy crust.
Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Final Thoughts: Bring Chicago to Your Table
There’s something truly special about homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. The buttery crust, gooey cheese, and savory sauce combine into a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate deep-dish pizza experience. With this recipe, you’ll feel like you’ve brought a slice of Chicago into your own kitchen!
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Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe – Chicago-Style!
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Chicago-style deep-dish pizza recipe brings the iconic flavors of Chicago right into your home. Featuring a buttery crust, gooey mozzarella, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, this pizza is perfect for indulgent dinners or special gatherings. With its reverse-layering method and deep pan baking, each slice offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a slice of Chicago love in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Crust Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 ¼ teaspoons rapid-rise yeast (one 0.25-ounce package)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ¼ cups water (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil + 3 tablespoons olive oil for greasing
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ red onion, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (no salt)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella (low moisture preferred)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pizza Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add water and melted butter to the mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a bowl with 1 teaspoon olive oil, place the dough inside, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced red onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in granulated sugar. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in fresh basil and olive oil. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan with 3 tablespoons olive oil.
- Roll the dough into a 13-inch circle on a floured surface. Carefully transfer it into the prepared pan, pressing it into the corners and up the sides to create a tall crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the bottom of the crust.
- Add the cooked sausage and sliced kalamata olives, spreading them evenly.
- Pour the prepared pizza sauce over the toppings and spread it out with a spoon.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce as the final layer.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Let the pizza rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to ensure the layers hold together.
Notes
- Mozzarella: Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly to avoid making the crust soggy.
- Resting the Dough: Allow the dough to rest and rise fully for a tender, flaky crust.
- Alternative Toppings: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie-friendly twist.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
