If you’re someone who loves indulgent comfort food but has had to step away from gluten, it’s time to rejoice. Gluten-Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is your answer to enjoying the rich, cheesy, and decadent dish that pizza lovers worldwide adore—without compromising your dietary needs. This recipe brings together the buttery crust, gooey cheese, flavorful toppings, and a savory tomato sauce that make Chicago-style pizza iconic.
Get ready to bring the taste of the Windy City to your home with a gluten-free twist that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Before diving into the process, gather your ingredients. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need for the dough, sauce, and toppings.
Deep Dish Pizza Dough
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
Caputo Fioreglut gluten-free flour | 225 g | Key to achieving a light, tender crust |
Cornmeal | 25 g | Adds texture and flavor |
Kosher salt | 8 g | For seasoning |
Instant yeast (Rapid Rise or Bread Machine) | 5 g | Helps the dough rise properly |
Water | 190 g (120–130°F) | Warm water activates the yeast |
Butter | 113 g (softened) | Gives the crust its signature richness |
Tomato Sauce
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
Crushed tomatoes | 28 ounces | Drained to avoid a soggy crust |
Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) | Adds depth and aroma |
Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the flavor profile |
Kosher salt | ¼ teaspoon | Balances the acidity of tomatoes |
Black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon | Adds a subtle kick |
Toppings
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
Provolone cheese | 4 ounces | Sliced or shredded |
Mozzarella cheese | 12 ounces | Shredded for easy melting |
Parmesan cheese | 2 ounces (divided) | Adds sharp, nutty flavor |
Desired toppings (optional) | As needed | Sausage, pepperoni, or veggies |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gluten-Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cornmeal, kosher salt, and instant yeast.
- Gradually add warm water (120–130°F) while mixing on medium speed. Continue until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the softened butter and mix for an additional 2 minutes, scraping the sides as needed.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- For easier handling, refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- Drain the crushed tomatoes using a fine mesh strainer. Press lightly to remove excess liquid.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 425°F.
- Position one rack in the center and ensure your deep-dish pan or cast-iron skillet is ready.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
- Generously grease the deep-dish pizza pan with softened butter.
- Sprinkle a light layer of cornmeal and a small amount of grated parmesan cheese to create a flavorful base.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Roll out the dough on a piece of parchment paper, creating a circle about 2 inches wider than your pan.
- Gently transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough that extends beyond the edges.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses
- Start with a layer of provolone cheese slices.
- Follow with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle half of the remaining parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy base.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Sauce
- Layer your desired toppings, such as Italian sausage, pepperoni, or sliced vegetables.
- Spoon the tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
- Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–60 minutes.
- The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese bubbly and slightly browned. Use a thermometer to ensure the center reaches 190°F.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese, slice, and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Deep Dish Pizza
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has fewer preservatives than pre-shredded options.
- Drain the Tomatoes Thoroughly: Excess moisture can lead to a soggy crust.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to work with and enhances flavor.
- Preheat the Pan: For a crispier crust, heat your pan before adding the dough.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 450 |
Protein | 18g |
Fat | 22g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Sodium | 700mg |
FAQs About Gluten-Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
1. Can I make this pizza dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based cheeses and butter for a dairy-free version.
2. What if I don’t have Caputo Fioreglut flour?
You can use another gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
4. How do I store leftover pizza?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best results.
5. Can I use a regular pizza pan?
A deep-dish pan or cast-iron skillet is recommended, but a springform pan can work in a pinch.
6. What’s the secret to a crispy crust?
Ensure the oven is preheated, and consider baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
Make Your Own Gluten-Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Today!
There’s no need to miss out on the rich, satisfying flavors of deep-dish pizza just because you’re avoiding gluten. With this detailed recipe and a little bit of effort, you can recreate the iconic Chicago-style pizza at home—complete with a buttery crust, gooey cheese, and tangy tomato sauce.
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this culinary masterpiece tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!
PrintGluten-Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: A Gourmet Delight for Everyone
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
Description
Enjoy a rich, buttery crust, gooey cheese, and a robust tomato sauce with this Gluten-Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. Perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings, this recipe delivers all the flavors of classic deep-dish pizza, reimagined for gluten-free lifestyles.
Ingredients
Deep Dish Pizza Dough:
- 225 g Caputo Fioreglut gluten-free flour
- 25 g cornmeal
- 8 g kosher salt
- 5 g instant yeast (Rapid Rise or Bread Machine)
- 190 g water, warmed to 120–130°F
- 113 g butter, softened
Tomato Sauce:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese, divided
- Desired toppings: Italian sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, cornmeal, kosher salt, and yeast.
- Gradually add warm water while mixing on medium speed until smooth.
- Add softened butter and mix for 2 more minutes, scraping the sides as needed.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour. For easier handling, refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- Drain crushed tomatoes in a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to remove excess liquid.
- Mix strained tomatoes with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
- Generously grease a deep-dish pizza pan with softened butter.
- Sprinkle a light layer of cornmeal and a small amount of parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Roll out dough on parchment paper, making it 2 inches larger than your pan.
- Transfer to the pan, pressing evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess.
Step 6: Layer the Cheese
- Add a layer of provolone cheese slices.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and half of the remaining parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Sauce
- Layer desired toppings such as sausage or vegetables.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the toppings and finish with parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Bake
- Bake in the oven for 40–60 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Let the pizza cool for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with additional parmesan, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- For Crispy Crust: Preheat the pan before adding the dough.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American