Experience the indulgence of Chicago-style deep dish pizza, a culinary marvel that flips the conventional pizza on its head by transforming it into a robust, buttery, pie-like creation. With origins tracing back to the post-war pizzerias of Chicago, this dish is known for its thick layers of cheese and rich tomato sauce, offering a sumptuous symphony of textures and flavors.
1cancrushed tomatoes28-ounce / 794g can, preferably San Marzano
2teaspoonsdried oregano
1teaspoondried basil
Topping
½cupgrated Parmesan cheese50g
1tablespoonolive oilfor drizzling
Assembly
1tablespoonolive oil or butterfor greasing the pan
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, and yeast. Add in the cold, cubed butter and, using your fingertips, work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually pour in the warm water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Cover with a tea towel and let it rise for 60 minutes in a warm, draft-free space.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast, 1 cup warm water
Preheat the oven to 425°F / 220°C (200°C fan-forced). In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers until the onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into pieces, until browned through. Drain any excess grease and set aside. In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and dried basil.
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage, 1 large green bell pepper, 1 small onion, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil
Once the dough has risen, on a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a circle about 15-16 inches (38-40cm) in diameter. Grease a 14-inch (36cm) deep-dish pizza pan or a 12-inch (30cm) cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Note: a 12-inch skillet will produce a thicker pizza with a longer bake time — check for doneness at 35 minutes. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom corners and up the sides to create a 2-inch (5cm) rim. Spread all of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough base. Top with the cooked sausage, sautéed peppers, and onions in an even layer.
3 cups mozzarella cheese, 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage, 1 large green bell pepper, 1 small onion, 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the filling, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown, pulling slightly away from the sides of the pan, and the sauce is bubbling. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing — this rest is essential for the layers to set so the slices hold together.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F / 190°C oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbling again. Avoid the microwave — it makes the crust soggy.Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it in an oiled, covered bowl. Pull it out 30 minutes before assembling so it's pliable enough to press into the pan.Substitution: For a vegetarian version, replace the Italian sausage with 1 lb / 450g sliced cremini mushrooms sautéed until golden, plus a handful of sliced black olives for savory depth.Pro Tip: Use cold, cubed butter and stop mixing when the flour still has visible pea-sized butter pieces — this creates the flaky, layered crust texture that defines great deep dish.