Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate homemade deep dish pizza, loaded with layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, and a golden, buttery crust. This Chicago-style pizza is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with a hearty and delicious meal.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, divided
½ cup yellow cornmeal
1½ teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
½ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)

For the Filling:

9 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup diced pepperoni
¼ pound spicy Italian sausage, browned and crumbled
¼ cup chopped onion
⅛ cup chopped green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Topping:

½ cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in 1 cup warm water. In a separate small bowl, mix yeast, ½ cup flour, and ½ cup warm water. Let sit for about 20 minutes until frothy.
In a medium bowl, combine 2½ cups flour, cornmeal, and salt.
Remove half of this dry mixture and stir in the sugar-water mixture.
Once well mixed, add back the remaining dry ingredients and mix everything together.
Stir in the yeast mixture and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in volume (about 1-2 hours).

2. Preheat & Prepare the Filling

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the sausage, mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, oregano, and garlic.

3. Assemble & Bake the Pizza

Shape the crust: Press half of the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a lightly greased deep dish pan.
Pre-bake the crust: Bake for 4 minutes to firm up the base.
Fill the pizza: Spread the prepared filling over the bottom crust.
Add the top crust: Roll out the remaining dough and cover the filling, sealing the edges by pinching them together. Trim any excess dough.
Create steam vents: Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Add sauce: Spread tomato sauce over the top crust.
Bake: Place on the bottom rack and bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm and enjoy your homemade deep dish pizza! 🍕

Tips for the Best Deep Dish Pizza

✔ Dough Flavor Boost: Let the dough rest overnight in the fridge for a richer flavor.
✔ Crispier Crust: Preheat a pizza stone or baking sheet on the bottom rack before placing the pizza in the oven.
✔ Customization: Add mushrooms, olives, or even a spicy marinara sauce for extra depth.

Enjoy your homemade deep dish pizza, loaded with melty cheese and bold flavors! Let me know how it turns out. 🍕🔥