Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: Deep dish pizza is a legendary dish that hails from Chicago, known for its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and a variety of delicious toppings.
Unlike traditional pizza, this one is baked in a deep pan, giving it a pie-like structure with an incredibly rich flavor. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this masterpiece at home, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process.
Ingredients Needed
Before we start, gather all the necessary ingredients.
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal (for texture)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling and Toppings:
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ pound Italian sausage (cooked)
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup green bell peppers (chopped)
- ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
Making the Dough
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is active. Then, add olive oil, melted butter, salt, and cornmeal. Gradually mix in the flour and stir until a dough forms.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour, but avoid over-flouring, as this can make the dough tough.
Step 3: Letting the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Preparing the Pizza Sauce
Homemade Sauce Recipe
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add tomato paste and stir for another minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes until it thickens.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza sauce, but homemade sauce provides a fresher, richer taste.
Assembling the Deep Dish Pizza
Step 1: Preparing the Pan
Grease a 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet with butter or oil. Roll out the risen dough into a large circle and press it into the pan, making sure it covers the bottom and goes up the sides.
Step 2: Layering the Cheese, Toppings, and Sauce
- First layer: Spread a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on the dough. This prevents the crust from getting soggy.
- Second layer: Add the cooked sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Third layer: Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the toppings.
- Final touch: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Baking the Pizza
Temperature and Time Settings
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the pizza for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Checking for Doneness
To ensure it’s cooked perfectly, check that the edges are crispy and the cheese is fully melted. If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Deep dish pizza is best served hot with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Side Dishes: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or coleslaw.
- Beverages: A cold soda, a glass of red wine, or a light beer pairs well with the richness of the pizza.
Tips for Perfect Deep Dish Pizza
- Prevent a soggy crust: Always layer cheese before the sauce.
- For extra crispiness: Brush the edges of the dough with melted butter before baking.
- Use a cast-iron pan: It distributes heat evenly for a perfectly cooked crust.
Variations of Deep Dish Pizza
- Classic Chicago-Style: Traditional deep dish with sausage and chunky tomato sauce.
- Stuffed Deep Dish: Two layers of dough with cheese and toppings in between.
- Vegetarian: Use spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers instead of meat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
FAQs about Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
What kind of pan is best for making deep dish pizza?
For authentic deep dish pizza, a round, deep-sided, steel or cast-iron pan is ideal. These materials help achieve a crispy crust while evenly cooking the thick layers of toppings and cheese.
Do I need to pre-bake the crust for deep dish pizza?
Yes, pre-baking the crust is crucial for deep dish pizza. This step prevents the crust from becoming soggy due to the generous amount of sauce and toppings. Typically, pre-baking for 10-15 minutes at a high temperature will set the crust perfectly.
What type of cheese should I use for deep dish pizza?
Mozzarella is the most popular choice due to its excellent melting properties and mild flavor, which complements the rich tomato sauce. For a more robust flavor, consider blending it with some provolone or parmesan.
How much sauce do I need for a deep dish pizza?
Deep dish pizza requires more sauce than a traditional thin crust. Generally, you’ll need about 1 to 1.5 cups of sauce for a 12-inch pizza. Spread the sauce evenly, ensuring it covers the layer of cheese and toppings.
Can I prepare deep dish pizza dough in advance?
Absolutely! Deep dish pizza dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before stretching it into your pan.
How long does it take to cook a deep dish pizza?
Cooking times can vary, but typically, a deep dish pizza needs to bake for about 20-30 minutes in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C). The pizza is ready when the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
Is it necessary to layer the ingredients in a specific order?
Yes, the order of layering is important to achieve the characteristic taste and structure of a deep dish pizza. Start with cheese directly on the crust, then add your meats or vegetables, and finally, cover with a generous layer of sauce.
This section answers the most common questions about making a deep dish pizza at home, ensuring your culinary adventure is as enjoyable as it is delicious.
