Attention all pizza lovers! If you’re craving a hearty slice of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, then this blog post is for you.
As one of the most famous and beloved styles of pizza in the world, there’s no denying that deep dish has captured our taste buds and hearts. Its thick crust, generous toppings, and mouth-watering layers of cheese make it a true indulgence for any foodie.
And while grabbing a slice from your local pizzeria is always an option, why not try making your own at home? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step delicious deep dish pizza recipe right in the comfort of your kitchen.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this ultimate comfort food favorite!
About Deep Dish Pizza
Deep Dish Pizza is a Chicago-style pizza that originated in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno. It is known for its thick crust, which is formed by a tall edge of dough that goes up the sides of a deep round pan.
The toppings are then added on top of the crust, followed by a layer of cheese and tomato sauce. This type of pizza is often referred to as a “pie” due to its appearance.
What Are The Ingredients Used In Deep Dish Pizza Recipe?
Let’s get straight to the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Deep Dish Pizza:
1. Pizza Dough
2. Tomato Sauce
3. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
4. Your Choice Of Toppings (Pepperoni, and Italian Sausage)
5. Cornmeal Or Semolina Flour
6. Instant-Dry Yeast
7. Olive Oil
The pizza dough is the foundation of a Deep Dish Pizza. You can either make it from scratch using flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil or you can buy pre-made dough from your local grocery store.
The tomato sauce is a crucial component in our easy deep dish pizza recipe. A rich, robust sauce acts as the perfect counterpoint to the cheese and dough, tying all the components of the pizza together in a symphony of flavors.
The next important ingredient is the shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese is the heart of a Deep Dish Pizza, giving it its distinctive gooey and creamy texture.
Opt for a part-skim mozzarella if you prefer a less fatty option, but do not compromise on quality. The better the cheese, the tastier your pizza will be.
Your choice of toppings completely depends on your preference. Traditionally, Italian sausage and pepperoni are used.
However, you can add pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or any other toppings of your choosing. Fresh vegetables give the pizza a delightful crunch and balance the richness of the cheese.
If using meat, make sure it’s cooked beforehand, as the baking may not be enough to fully cook it.
The cornmeal or semolina flour is used to dust the pizza pan. This not only prevents the dough from sticking but also gives the crust a nice, crispy texture. Semolina is more coarse than cornmeal, leading to a crust with more crunch. If you prefer a softer crust, go for cornmeal.
Instant-dry yeast is key for making homemade pizza dough. It helps the dough rise, leading to a fluffy, thick crust that is characteristic of Deep Dish Pizza. Make sure your yeast is fresh for best results – old yeast may not rise as well.
Lastly, olive oil is used in both the dough and to grease the pan. In the dough, it adds a subtle fruity note and makes the dough tender and easy to work with.
When used to grease the pan, it helps to achieve a crispy, golden crust. Extra virgin olive oil is preferable for its superior flavor and health benefits.
How To Make Deep Dish Pizza?
Are you ready with the ingredients? Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza:
Step 1: Preheat The Oven and Prepare The Dough
Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature, usually around 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius). A high temperature is critical for achieving that deliciously crispy crust and beautifully melted cheese.
While the oven is preheating, begin preparing your dough.
1. If you’re making dough from scratch: Combine the flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl. Knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. If you’re using store-bought dough: Let it sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Step 2: Roll Out The Dough and Prepare The Pan
Next, roll out your dough to about a 1/2-inch thickness. It should be large enough to fill your pizza pan and have some dough hanging over the edges.
Before placing the dough in the pan, dust the pan with cornmeal or semolina flour to prevent sticking and to give the crust an added crunch. Then, lay the dough in the pan, making sure it reaches up the sides.
Step 3: Add The Toppings
Now comes the fun part. Layer your choice of toppings on the dough. Remember, in a Deep Dish Pizza, the toppings go under the cheese.
– If you’re using sausage or pepperoni, add them first.
– If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions, chop them into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the dough.
Step 4: Sprinkle On The Cheese
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over your toppings. Don’t be shy with the cheese – the more the merrier.
Spread it out evenly so that every bite of your pizza has a good amount of cheese.
Step 5: Pour On The Sauce
Once you’ve added the cheese, pour your tomato sauce over the top.
Spread it around with the back of a spoon, making sure to cover all the cheese.
Step 6: Bake The Pizza
Finally, place your pizza in the preheated oven. Deep Dish Pizzas take longer to bake than traditional pizzas due to their thickness.
Expect to leave it in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Enjoy
After removing your pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set a bit and makes the pizza easier to slice.
Then, cut into it, serve up a slice, and enjoy the fruits of your labor – a delicious, homemade Deep Dish Pizza that’s sure to satisfy.
Common Mistakes When Baking a Deep Dish Pizza
Making a Deep Dish Pizza can seem intimidating, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making your Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza:
1. Not Preheating The Oven: As mentioned before, a high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crust and melted cheese. Make sure to preheat your oven to at least 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius).
2. Using Too Much Yeast: While yeast is essential for making the dough rise, using too much can result in an overpowering yeasty flavor. Stick to the recommended amount or use less if you prefer a lighter crust.
3. Overloading With Toppings: Deep Dish Pizzas are known for their thick, doughy crusts and generous amounts of cheese. However, it’s important not to go overboard with the toppings as too many can make your pizza soggy and difficult to eat.
4. Forgetting To Grease The Pan: This may seem like a small step, but greasing the pan is crucial for achieving that crispy crust we all know and love. Use olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
5. Not Letting The Pizza Cool Before Slicing: As tempting as it may be to dig into your fresh, hot pizza right away, it’s important to let it cool for a few minutes first. This allows the cheese to set and prevents a messy, melted cheese explosion when slicing.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious homemade Deep Dish Pizza that rivals any restaurant.
Conclusion
In short, now you know the homemade deep dish pizza recipe. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can make your own authentic Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza at home.
Remember to preheat your oven, use fresh yeast, and not overload with toppings. And don’t forget the most important ingredient – love for good food!
So next time you’re craving a slice of Deep Dish Pizza, skip the delivery and give this homemade version a try.
Bon appétit!
Deep Dish Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast (7 grams)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Cornmeal or semolina flour for dusting
- Your choice of toppings ( Italian sausage, and pepperoni)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Optional: extra olive oil and herbs for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, warm water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out your dough on a floured surface to fit your deep dish pan. Dust the pan with cornmeal or semolina flour and place the dough in it, making sure it reaches up the sides.
- Add your toppings of choice, starting with Italian sausage and then pepperoni.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Pour the mixture over the cheese.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving with optional extra olive oil and herbs on top.