Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a rich, hearty pizza known for its thick, buttery crust, generous layers of cheese and fillings, and a robust tomato sauce on top. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizza, this version is baked in a deep pan, creating a pie-like structure that is filling and indulgent. Making it at home requires time and patience, but the result is a restaurant-quality deep dish pizza with incredible flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Deep Dish Dough

3¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup fine cornmeal
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1½ teaspoons sugar
1¼ teaspoons salt
1 cup warm water (about 43°C / 110°F)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese and Fillings

2½ to 3 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, or cooked vegetables (optional)

For the Pan

2 tablespoons softened butter or oil (for greasing the pan)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
Add melted butter and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.

Assembling the Deep Dish Pizza

Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Dough

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Generously grease a 9–10 inch deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with butter or oil.
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the pan.
Press the dough evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan, forming a thick crust that reaches the edges.
Ensure the dough is evenly distributed to support the heavy fillings.

Step 4: Layer the Pizza

Place a thick layer of mozzarella cheese directly on the dough. This protects the crust from moisture.
Add your chosen fillings such as cooked sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables evenly over the cheese.
Spoon the prepared tomato sauce generously over the fillings.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Baking Instructions

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

Place the pan on the lower rack of the preheated oven.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set.

Serving Suggestions

Slice carefully using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Serve hot with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables if desired.

Tips and Variations

Always use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent a watery pizza.
Cook meats fully before adding them to the pizza.
For a crispier crust, brush the dough with a thin layer of olive oil before adding cheese.
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a vegetable version.
This pizza is filling; smaller slices are recommended.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes for best texture.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.