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Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe Easy Homemade Sausage Pepperoni Deep Dish Pizza Guide

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A comforting Chicago deep dish pizza featuring a buttery flaky crust, savory sausage, pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce layered under gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) cornmeal
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp / 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz (800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz (340g) Italian sausage, casing removed, cooked and crumbled
  • 8 oz (225g) sliced pepperoni
  • 3 cups (340g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough starts to form.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 7-8 minutes. If too sticky, sprinkle a little flour but do not overdo it.
  4. Let dough rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  5. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  7. Assemble the pizza: Punch down dough and press it into a 10-inch deep dish pan, pushing dough up the sides about 1 inch thick. Layer mozzarella cheese directly on the dough. Add cooked sausage and pepperoni evenly over the cheese. Spoon the tomato sauce on top and sprinkle Parmesan cheese last.
  8. Bake the pizza: Place pan on the middle rack and bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
  9. Rest and serve: Let pizza cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Layer cheese directly on the dough first to prevent sogginess. Drain excess grease from cooked sausage to avoid a greasy pizza. Tent with foil if crust edges brown too fast. Pre-baking dough for 5 minutes before toppings can yield extra crispy crust. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicago deep dish pizza, sausage pizza, pepperoni pizza, homemade pizza, deep dish pizza recipe, easy pizza, comfort food

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