This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying recipe that captures the essence of the Windy City. With a buttery, flaky crust layered with rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, this pizza is perfect for family dinners or weekend indulgences.
Making it from scratch ensures you get an authentic experience, with every layer bursting with flavor and love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Authentic Taste: Captures the flavors of classic Chicago-style pizza.
• Rich and Cheesy: Packed with layers of mozzarella and a tangy, robust tomato sauce.
• Impressive but Simple: While it looks fancy, the step-by-step process makes it approachable.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup yellow cornmeal
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1¼ cups water (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon + 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup grated onion
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
For the Toppings:
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese (shredded, about 4 cups)
• Pepperoni or other toppings of choice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
2. Add water and melted butter. Mix until combined, then knead the dough by hand or using a dough hook until smooth and glossy (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, coat it with 1 teaspoon olive oil, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes until nearly doubled.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add grated onion, oregano, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in crushed tomatoes and sugar.
3. Simmer for 25–30 minutes until thickened (about 2½ cups). Remove from heat and stir in basil, olive oil, and black pepper.
Step 3: Laminate the Dough
1. Roll the risen dough into a 15×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border.
2. Roll the dough into a tight cylinder, flatten into an 18×4-inch rectangle, and cut in half.
3. Fold each half into thirds (like a letter), form into balls, and refrigerate for 40–50 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Pans and Dough
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with 2 tablespoons olive oil each.
2. Roll each dough ball into a 13-inch circle. Transfer to the pans, pressing the dough into the corners and 1 inch up the sides. Let rest if it resists stretching.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizzas
1. Divide 2 cups of shredded mozzarella between the two pizzas, layering it evenly over the dough.
2. Add your desired toppings, then spread 1¼ cups of sauce over each pizza.
3. Sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
2. Let the pizzas cool for 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Tips
• Stretch the Dough: Allow the dough to rest if it resists stretching during shaping.
• Layer Cheese First: Placing the cheese directly on the dough prevents sogginess.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, good-quality tomatoes, and flavorful toppings make all the difference.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: Wrap fully cooled slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a rich, cheesy masterpiece that will wow your family and guests. With its buttery crust, flavorful sauce, and layers of melted cheese, this pizza is a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite of this homemade classic!
