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Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: Experience Comfort Food Bliss at Home

Enjoy the comforting layers of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, a classic dish loaded with gooey cheese, savory sausage, and rich tomato sauce.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can be swapped with gluten-free flour
  • ½ cup Yellow Cornmeal Fine polenta is a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for taste
  • ¼ cup Sugar Honey or agave syrup can work as an alternative
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Use instant yeast to skip proofing
  • 1 cup Warm Water Aim for 110°F
  • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter Substitute with olive oil for dairy-free
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Any vegetable oil works too
Filling
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter For sautéing vegetables
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Crumbled raw for flavor
  • 1 large Green Bell Pepper Feel free to use any color bell pepper
  • 1 large Onion Shallots can offer a milder taste
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder is a substitute
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Try provolone for varied flavors
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Romano cheese is an acceptable substitute
Sauce
  • 1 can (28 ounces) Crushed Tomatoes San Marzano for best results
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances the acidity

Equipment

  • Deep-Dish Pizza Pan
  • skillet
  • Saucepan
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, salt, melted unsalted butter, and olive oil. Mix until rough dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Filling
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Transfer sausage to a plate. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter and sauté onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough into a large circle and press into a greased deep-dish pan.
  2. Layer shredded mozzarella cheese, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and spoon the sauce on top, leaving space for a crust.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
  4. Let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Pair with a fresh salad or garlic knots for a complete meal. Enjoy any leftovers reheated in the oven for best texture.

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