In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.

Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza: A Slice of Heaven

If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to visit Chicago, you know that the city is famous for its iconic deep-dish pizza. This beloved dish features a buttery, flaky crust that cradles layers of gooey cheese, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce. While it may look intimidating to make at home, this Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza recipe will guide you through the process, ensuring that you create a delicious masterpiece that rivals any pizzeria. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 8 ounces Italian sausage (casing removed)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/3 cup minced sweet onion
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled plum tomatoes with basil (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 1 1/4 pounds pizza dough (at room temperature)

For the Toppings:

• 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chiffonade)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Filling

1. Cook the Sausage: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same saucepan, add the minced garlic and sweet onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until thickened, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough and Skillet

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and move the oven rack to the lowest position for optimal crust baking.

2. Prepare the Skillet: Lightly coat a 10-inch cast iron skillet with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the bottom of the skillet with cornmeal for added texture and flavor.

3. Roll Out the Dough: On a surface lightly sprinkled with cornmeal, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch diameter circle. Transfer the dough to the prepared cast iron skillet, carefully pressing it into the bottom and up the sides of the skillet. Make sure there are no holes in the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Layer the Cheese and Filling: Start by layering the sliced mozzarella evenly over the bottom of the crust. Next, add the cooked sausage, followed by the rich tomato sauce mixture. Finish by sprinkling the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

2. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice.

3. Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves. Slice it up and enjoy your homemade Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza!

Tips for Success

• Dough: If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought pizza dough. However, making your own can add an extra touch of authenticity.
• Cheese Options: While mozzarella is traditional, you can mix in provolone or even a bit of ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Vegetable Additions: Want to add some veggies? Consider incorporating bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into your filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Making Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, this pizza is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply treating yourself to something special. Whether you’re a Chicago native or just a pizza lover, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy a slice of this delicious, cheesy delight! Happy baking!

Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza

Indulge in the rich flavors of Chicago with this hearty deep dish pizza, loaded with savory sausage, fresh mozzarella, and a zesty tomato sauce.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 slices

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 30 ml olive oil divided
• 226 g Italian sausage casing removed
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 50 g sweet onion minced
• 794 g whole peeled plum tomatoes with basil cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• to taste Kosher salt
• to taste black pepper freshly ground
• 22.5 g cornmeal
• 567 g pizza dough at room temperature
• 226 g whole milk mozzarella sliced
• 30 g freshly grated Parmesan
• 30 g fresh basil leaves chiffonade

Equipment

• 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Method

 

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 10-12 minutes; set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Move oven rack to the lowest position.
5. Lightly coat a 10-inch cast iron skillet with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil; sprinkle skillet with cornmeal.
6. Working on a surface that has been sprinkled with cornmeal, roll out the pizza into a 12-inch-diameter round. Transfer to prepared cast iron skillet, carefully pressing the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the skillet.
7. Top with mozzarella, sausage and tomato mixture in an even layer; sprinkle with Parmesan.
8. Place into oven and bake until the crust is golden brown, about 20-24 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with basil, if desired.

Notes

This pizza is best served hot and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Enjoy with a salad for a complete meal.