Deep Dish Pizza – A Thick, Cheesy Slice of Heaven

Deep Dish Pizza is a Chicago-style favorite, known for its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, flavorful toppings, and rich tomato sauce on top.

This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. If you’re a fan of pizza but want to try something different, this recipe will make you fall in love with its cheesy, saucy goodness.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Ingredients Overview

• Pizza Dough: A rich, buttery dough is key to achieving the signature deep-dish crust.
• Cheese: A generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a gooey, cheesy base.
• Tomato Sauce: A chunky, seasoned tomato sauce adds depth of flavor.
• Toppings: Use your favorite vegetables, meats, or both to customize your pizza.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For the Pizza:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Your choice of toppings (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, cooked chicken, etc.)
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:
   • In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
   • Mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms.
   • Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Prepare the Pan:
   • Lightly oil a deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet. Press the dough into the pan, spreading it up the sides to create a thick crust.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Start with a layer of mozzarella cheese on the dough.
   • Add your favorite toppings over the cheese.
   • Spread the tomato sauce evenly on top and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and sugar (if using).
5. Bake the Pizza:
   • Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Brush the crust with olive oil for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Step 1: Be patient while letting the dough rise to achieve a perfect crust.
• Step 2: Layer cheese directly on the dough to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Step 3: Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting to keep the layers intact.

Recipe Tips

• Cornmeal Substitute: If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use semolina flour for a similar texture.
• Pre-Cook Toppings: Cook watery or raw toppings like mushrooms or spinach beforehand to prevent excess moisture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality tomatoes elevate the pizza’s flavor.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic breadsticks or a bowl of tomato basil soup for a comforting combo.
• Enjoy with a glass of red wine or your favorite soda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Q: Can I freeze the pizza?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked or baked pizza for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Q: Can I use a regular baking pan?
A: While a deep dish pan is ideal, you can use a regular baking pan with high sides or a springform pan as an alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Deep Dish Pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, or cheesy garlic bread. Finish the meal with a classic dessert like tiramisu or brownies for a perfect night in.

Enjoy your homemade slice of Chicago-style heaven!

eep Dish Pizza

Deep Dish Pizza is a Chicago-style favorite, known for its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, flavorful toppings, and rich tomato sauce on top. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. If you’re a fan of pizza but want to try something different, this recipe will make you fall in love with its cheesy, saucy goodness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling Pin
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water 110°F
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• For the Pizza:
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
• Your choice of toppings e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, cooked chicken, etc.
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

 

• Make the Dough:
• In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms.
• Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Prepare the Pan:
• Lightly oil a deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet. Press the dough into the pan, spreading it up the sides to create a thick crust.
• Layer the Ingredients:
• Start with a layer of mozzarella cheese on the dough.
• Add your favorite toppings over the cheese.
• Spread the tomato sauce evenly on top and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and sugar (if using).
• Bake the Pizza:
• Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
• Finish and Serve:
• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Brush the crust with olive oil for extra flavor.
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Step 1: Be patient while letting the dough rise to achieve a perfect crust.
• Step 2: Layer cheese directly on the dough to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Step 3: Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting to keep the layers intact.
• Recipe Tips
• Cornmeal Substitute: If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use semolina flour for a similar texture.
• Pre-Cook Toppings: Cook watery or raw toppings like mushrooms or spinach beforehand to prevent excess moisture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality tomatoes elevate the pizza’s flavor.
• What to Serve With This Recipe
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic breadsticks or a bowl of tomato basil soup for a comforting combo.
• Enjoy with a glass of red wine or your favorite soda.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
• A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using.
• Q: Can I freeze the pizza?
• A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked or baked pizza for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Q: Can I use a regular baking pan?
• A: While a deep dish pan is ideal, you can use a regular baking pan with high sides or a springform pan as an alternative.
• Serving Suggestions
• Deep Dish Pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, or cheesy garlic bread. Finish the meal with a classic dessert like tiramisu or brownies for a perfect night in.
• Enjoy your homemade slice of Chicago-style heaven!