Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: When it comes to pizza, Chicago’s deep-dish style is in a league of its own. Unlike the traditional thin crust, deep-dish pizza is thick, buttery, and loaded with layers of cheese, toppings, and rich tomato sauce.
It’s more than just pizza—it’s a hearty meal. If you’ve ever wanted to make this famous dish at home, you’re in luck!
This guide will take you through each step, from making the perfect dough to baking it to golden perfection. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients Required
Before we start, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ pound Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup green bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get started!
How to Make Deep Dish Pizza – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Making deep-dish pizza dough is different from regular pizza dough because it has a buttery, slightly flaky texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Activate the Yeast – In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry – Add the melted butter and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Slowly mix it into the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough – On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Making the Perfect Pizza Sauce
The sauce is a key component of deep-dish pizza. It should be rich, flavorful, and slightly chunky. Follow these steps:
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices – Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix well. Add sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for Flavor – Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Let the sauce cool slightly before using.
Step 3: Preparing the Toppings
To ensure your toppings cook evenly, follow these tips:
- Cheese Selection – Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Pre-cook Meats – Cook sausage, bacon, or any raw meat before adding them to the pizza.
- Drain Vegetables – If using watery vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, sauté them first to prevent a soggy crust.
Step 4: Assembling the Deep-Dish Pizza
Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!
- Preheat Your Oven – Set it to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Pan – Use a 9-inch or 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan. Grease it well with butter or oil.
- Roll Out the Dough – On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large circle. Carefully press it into the pan, making sure it goes up the sides.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Start with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add your cooked meats and veggies.
- Pour the thick tomato sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Step 5: Baking the Pizza to Perfection
- Bake in the Preheated Oven – Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Check for Doneness – The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be bubbly.
- Cool Before Slicing – Let the pizza rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
Step 6: Letting It Rest and Serving
Once your deep-dish pizza comes out of the oven, it might be tempting to slice right in—but don’t! Letting the pizza rest for about 10–15 minutes is crucial for a few reasons:
- It Allows the Cheese to Set – If you cut into it too soon, the cheese will ooze out, making the slices messy.
- It Helps the Flavors Meld – The resting period enhances the taste as all the flavors come together.
- It Makes Slicing Easier – A short wait prevents the crust from falling apart when cutting.
How to Slice Deep-Dish Pizza Properly
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to make clean slices. Since deep-dish pizza is thick and loaded with ingredients, a serrated knife can also work well.
Serving Suggestions
Deep-dish pizza is rich and hearty on its own, but it pairs well with:
- A simple green salad to balance the heaviness.
- Garlic bread for extra indulgence.
- A cold soda or beer to wash it all down.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Deep-Dish Pizza
To ensure your homemade deep-dish pizza turns out just like one from a Chicago pizzeria, keep these pro tips in mind:
Avoid a Soggy Crust
- Use a perforated pizza pan – This allows for even heat distribution and a crispier bottom.
- Pre-bake the crust for about 5 minutes before adding toppings to firm it up.
- Drain excess liquid from toppings like mushrooms or spinach to prevent sogginess.
Achieving the Perfect Cheese Pull
- Use whole milk mozzarella instead of part-skim for a stretchier, gooier cheese pull.
- Layer the cheese first before the sauce to protect the crust from moisture.
Making It Extra Crispy
- Brush the crust with butter before baking for extra flavor.
- Bake on the lower rack of the oven to help crisp up the bottom.
Variations of Deep-Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza is versatile, and you can tweak the recipe to fit different preferences:
Vegetarian Deep-Dish Pizza
Skip the meat and load up on fresh veggies like:
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Black olives
Meat Lovers’ Deep-Dish Pizza
For a protein-packed version, try:
- Italian sausage
- Pepperoni
- Bacon
- Ground beef
Gluten-Free Deep-Dish Pizza
For a gluten-free alternative:
- Use gluten-free flour to make the dough.
- Choose gluten-free toppings and sauces.
Pairing Suggestions
To elevate your deep-dish pizza experience, pair it with these:
Best Side Dishes
- Caesar salad – The crispness and tangy dressing complement the rich pizza.
- Mozzarella sticks – Double up on cheesy goodness.
- Bruschetta – A light, refreshing appetizer.
Drinks That Complement Deep-Dish Pizza
- Red wine (like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon) for a sophisticated touch.
- A cold beer (IPA or lager) for a classic pizza night.
- Sparkling water or soda for a non-alcoholic option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overloading with Toppings
Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and difficult to bake evenly. Stick to a balance of cheese, sauce, and toppings.
Using the Wrong Cheese
Mozzarella is the best choice for deep-dish pizza. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, like feta or goat cheese.
Skipping Preheating the Oven
A properly preheated oven ensures the crust cooks evenly and becomes golden brown.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
How to Store Deep-Dish Pizza
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Ways to Reheat
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Skillet: Heat slices in a covered pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
FAQs about Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
What is deep dish pizza?
Deep dish pizza, also known as Chicago-style pizza, features a thick crust that rises up high along the edges of a deep pie pan, creating a generous space for large amounts of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and various toppings.
What kind of pan do I need for a deep dish pizza?
For authentic deep dish pizza, you’ll need a round, deep pie pan or a cast-iron skillet. These pans provide the depth needed for the crust to rise and contain the hearty fillings typical of this style of pizza.
What ingredients are in the crust of a deep dish pizza?
The crust of a deep dish pizza typically includes flour, cornmeal, yeast, water, and oil. The cornmeal in the dough gives the crust its distinctive crunchy texture and golden color.
How long does it take to cook a deep dish pizza?
Cooking time for deep dish pizza can vary, but it generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes in an oven preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The high edges and dense fillings require a longer baking time to ensure everything is cooked thoroughly.
Can I prepare deep dish pizza dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare deep dish pizza dough in advance. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for longer storage. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before stretching it into the pan.
What are some popular toppings for deep dish pizza?
Popular toppings for deep dish pizza include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. However, you can customize your pizza with whatever toppings you prefer.
Is deep dish pizza served differently than other types of pizza?
Yes, due to its thickness and hearty fillings, deep dish pizza is often served in smaller portions. It’s typically cut into squares or rectangles rather than traditional triangular slices.
This homemade deep-dish pizza recipe brings the flavors of Chicago right to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy a classic sausage and cheese combo or a veggie-loaded version, this step-by-step guide ensures success. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of pizza heaven!
