Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage

Imagine biting into a pizza so rich, cheesy, and hearty that it feels like a hug in every slice. Chicago-style deep dish pizza is more than a meal; it’s an experience. This iconic dish, with its buttery crust, gooey cheese, savory sausage, and tangy tomato sauce, is a favorite for pizza lovers everywhere. Ready to make your own? Let’s dive in!

What Makes Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Special?

Unlike traditional pizza, where toppings sit atop a flat crust, Chicago-style deep dish pizza flips the script. The dough is pressed into a deep pan, creating tall edges that cradle layers of cheese, meat, and a thick tomato sauce. This pie is as much about its architecture as its flavor, delivering a filling, satisfying dish that feels indulgent with every bite.

Ingredients for Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

For the Dough

Ingredient	Measurement
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Yellow cornmeal	2 tablespoons
Salt	3/4 teaspoon
Instant yeast	1 1/4 teaspoons
Sugar	1 teaspoon
Olive oil	1 teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened)	2 tablespoons
Vegetable oil spray	For greasing the pan
Flour (for rolling)	As needed

For the Filling

Ingredient	Measurement
Italian sausage (sweet/hot)	1 pound
Mozzarella cheese (sliced)	8 ounces
Parmesan cheese (grated)	1/4 cup

For the Sauce

Ingredient	Measurement
Unsalted butter	1 tablespoon
Onion (finely chopped)	1/2 small
Garlic (finely chopped)	2 cloves
Dried oregano	1 1/2 teaspoons
Dried rosemary	1 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes	Pinch or two
Crushed tomatoes (canned)	28 ounces
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Sugar	1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Deep Dish Pizza

1. Mix the Dough

Combine flour, cornmeal, salt, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add water gradually while mixing at low speed until the dough forms a slightly sticky yet soft texture. If the dough feels dry, add a tablespoon or two of water.

2. Knead the Dough

Switch to a dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Coat a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for an hour.

3. Laminate the Dough

Roll the dough into a 9×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface. Roll the dough tightly, seam side up, and press it flat. Fold it into thirds like a business letter, shape it into a ball, and refrigerate for 45 minutes.

4. Prepare the Sausage

Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease.

5. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, oregano, rosemary, and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then set aside to cool.

6. Assemble the Pizza

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and grease a 9×2-inch cake pan with vegetable oil spray.
• Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle and press it into the greased pan, ensuring it reaches up the sides. Let it rest for 10 minutes before pressing again to secure the shape.
• Layer the Ingredients: Start with mozzarella slices, covering the base evenly. Add the cooked sausage, then spread the sauce generously over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake and Serve

Bake the pizza for about 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. Let it rest for 10 minutes to set before slicing or removing it from the pan.

Tips for Perfecting Your Deep Dish Pizza

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality tomatoes make a world of difference.
2. Don’t Skip the Lamination: This step creates the dough’s signature flaky texture.
3. Let It Rest: Allowing the dough and pizza to rest at various stages improves texture and flavor.
4. Experiment with Toppings: While traditional recipes call for sausage, you can add pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450-500 kcal
Protein	20-25g
Carbohydrates	30-35g
Fat	20-25g
Fiber	3-4g

FAQs About Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough provides a more authentic texture and flavor.

2. Is deep dish pizza the same as stuffed pizza?
No, stuffed pizza has an additional layer of dough and is often taller.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap slices in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven for best results.

4. Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute sausage with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.

5. Why is the cheese placed on the bottom?
Placing cheese on the bottom prevents it from burning during the longer baking time.

6. What’s the best pan for deep dish pizza?
A 9×2-inch cake pan works perfectly, but a cast-iron skillet is a great alternative.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the tools and tips, it’s time to channel your inner chef and create a Chicago-style deep dish pizza that will wow your family and friends. This recipe combines the perfect crust, gooey cheese, flavorful sausage, and rich tomato sauce, offering a taste of Chicago in your own kitchen. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start baking!

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