Introduction to Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza
Ah, Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza! Just the thought of it makes my heart skip a beat. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends. If you’re looking for a quick solution for a busy day or a way to impress your loved ones, this recipe is your golden ticket. With its thick, buttery crust and layers of gooey cheese, it’s a slice of heaven that brings everyone together. Trust me, once you try making this pizza, you’ll never want to go back to takeout!
Why You’ll Love This Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza
This Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza is a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. The rich flavors and hearty texture will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this pizza is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!
Ingredients for Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse helps the dough rise, giving it that fluffy texture we all love.
- Warm water: The perfect temperature activates the yeast, making it come alive and work its magic.
- Sugar: Just a pinch helps feed the yeast, ensuring a nice rise and a hint of sweetness in the crust.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Fine cornmeal: Adds a delightful crunch to the crust and enhances the flavor.
- Unsalted butter: This gives the crust a rich, buttery flavor. You’ll also use some for greasing the pan.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, it balances the sweetness and enhances all the other ingredients.
- Low-moisture mozzarella: The star of the show! It melts beautifully and creates that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- Dried oregano and basil: These herbs bring a taste of Italy to your pizza, adding depth and aroma.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and drizzling, it adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics create a flavorful base for your sauce, making it irresistible.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of your sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
- Red chili flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, these add a spicy kick to your pizza.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, these seasonings round out the flavors in your sauce.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making your Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to pizza perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Next, add the flour, cornmeal, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s like giving your dough a little workout!
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. You want it to double in size. This is the dough’s time to shine!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that delicious sauce. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft, then add the minced garlic. The aroma will make your kitchen feel like a pizzeria!
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until it thickens. This sauce is the heart of your Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza!
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Once your sauce is ready, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). This ensures your pizza will bake evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Now comes the fun part! Roll out your dough on a floured surface. Press it into a greased 9-inch deep-dish pan, letting it climb up the sides. This creates a cozy little pocket for all that cheesy goodness!
Layer the mozzarella cheese evenly at the bottom, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan, oregano, and basil. Then, spoon that rich tomato sauce generously over the cheese. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Pop your assembled pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The smell will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once it’s out of the oven, let your pizza rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the cheese set, making it easier to slice without everything spilling out. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success
- Use warm water, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.
- Don’t rush the sauce; simmering enhances the flavors.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to keep the cheese intact.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A pot can work in a pinch.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough. A wine bottle can serve as a great alternative!
- 9-inch deep-dish pan: Essential for baking. A regular pie dish can also do the trick.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing. A spatula or your hands can work too!
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy. You can eyeball it if you’re feeling adventurous!
Variations
- Vegetable Delight: Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a colorful twist.
- Meat Lovers: Layer in cooked sausage, pepperoni, or bacon for a hearty, protein-packed pizza.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Salad: Pair your pizza with a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for an extra indulgent experience.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti or a light beer complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Presentation: Slice the pizza into generous wedges and serve on a wooden board for a rustic touch.
FAQs about Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza
As I’ve shared my love for Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza, I know you might have some questions. Here are a few common ones that pop up, along with my answers to help you on your pizza-making journey!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just let it rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven for a few minutes to get that crust crispy again!
Can I freeze Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
What’s the difference between Chicago-style and New York-style pizza?
Great question! Chicago-style is known for its thick, buttery crust and layers of cheese, while New York-style has a thinner, foldable crust. Both are delicious, but they offer different experiences!
Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Whether you want to add veggies, meats, or even different cheeses, the sky’s the limit with your Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza!
Final Thoughts
Making Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza is more than just cooking; it’s an experience filled with joy and warmth. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Each slice is a delightful combination of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and rich sauce that brings smiles to the table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a cozy night in, this pizza creates memories that linger long after the last bite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delicious adventure. You won’t regret it!
Print
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love!
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious recipe for Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza, featuring a thick crust, layers of cheese, and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (40–45°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fine cornmeal
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 500 g (1 lb) low-moisture mozzarella, shredded or sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, cornmeal, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth (about 8 minutes).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour (until doubled in size).
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–30 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pan with butter or oil.
- Roll out dough and press it into the pan, letting it climb up the sides.
- Layer mozzarella evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle Parmesan, oregano, and basil.
- Spoon the tomato sauce generously over the cheese layer. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing — this keeps the cheese from spilling out.
Notes
- For a spicier pizza, add more red chili flakes.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to maintain the cheese structure.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
