Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love! Recipe
If you’re craving a pizza experience that’s rich, gooey, and loaded with flavors, then this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love! is exactly what you need. Picture a buttery, thick crust packed to the brim with melty low-moisture mozzarella, sprinkled with sharp Parmesan, and crowned with a robust, herby tomato sauce that fills every bite with classic Italian-American charm. Whether you’re a pizza novice or a seasoned pie enthusiast, this recipe invites you to savor the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, satisfying, and downright unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love! means bringing together a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the tender dough to the rich tomato sauce and irresistible cheeses, creating the perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp, 1 packet): The secret to getting that light, airy dough with a slight tang.
- Warm water (1 ½ cups, 40–45°C): Helps activate the yeast for a perfect dough rise.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Feeds the yeast and balances acidity in the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (3 ¼ cups): Builds the dough’s sturdy yet tender structure.
- Fine cornmeal (½ cup): Adds a subtle crunch and authentic texture to the crust.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted + extra for greasing): Provides richness and a flaky crust.
- Salt (1 ½ tsp): Enhances all the savory flavors in the dough and sauce.
- Low-moisture mozzarella (500 g / 1 lb, shredded or sliced): Melts beautifully to create that iconic gooey cheese layer.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Delivers a sharp, savory contrast that elevates the cheese blend.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Brings aromatic earthiness to both the cheese layer and sauce.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Adds sweet herbal notes throughout the pizza.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
- Medium onion (1, finely chopped): Provides a subtly sweet base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses deep, savory flavor into the tomato sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz / 800 g): The rich, acidic heart of the classic sauce.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Softens the tomatoes’ acidity for a balanced sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Reinforces that signature Italian aroma.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Complements the oregano with fresh herbal tones.
- Red chili flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a subtle heat kick for those who like it spicy.
- Salt & black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the sauce flavors together.
How to Make Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love!
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Begin by mixing the warm water with yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This is a clear sign that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic on the dough, ensuring a light and airy texture in your crust.
Step 2: Prepare and Knead the Dough
Next, combine the flour, fine cornmeal, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the melted butter and activated yeast mixture. Knead the dough vigorously for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. This may require some elbow grease, but trust me, it’s worth it when that perfect crust comes out of the oven.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rest period develops flavor and gives you that classic deep-dish thickness.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
While your dough is rising, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it’s soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and if you like, a pinch of red chili flakes. Let this sauce simmer gently for 20–30 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Set your oven to 220°C (425°F). Generously grease a 9-inch deep-dish pan with butter or olive oil to ensure your crust won’t stick and acquires that signature golden hue.
Step 6: Shape the Dough in the Pan
Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s large enough to neatly fit inside the pan and climb up the sides. Press the dough gently into the pan, creating a sturdy cradle that will hold all your delicious layers.
Step 7: Layer the Cheese
Now comes the fun part: layer the shredded or sliced low-moisture mozzarella evenly over the dough base. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, followed by dried oregano and basil to infuse each bite with earthy, fragrant goodness.
Step 8: Add the Tomato Sauce
Spoon the thickened tomato sauce generously over the cheese. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil, which helps keep the sauce luscious during baking and adds depth to every slice.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 25–30 minutes or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside bubbles invitingly. Keep an eye on it towards the end—this final step seals all those flavors into a delectable, unforgettable pizza.
Step 10: Rest Before Slicing
Once out of the oven, let your pizza rest for 5–10 minutes. This crucial pause helps the cheese firm up slightly so each slice holds together without spilling out, making serving and eating much cleaner and more enjoyable.
How to Serve Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love!
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a pinch of cracked black pepper can elevate the flavors and add a fresh contrast to the rich cheese and sauce. Some freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving adds an extra delightful cheesy punch.
Side Dishes
This hearty pizza pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or an antipasto platter with olives and cured meats are also fantastic choices that complement the deep dish’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the deep dish pizza on a wooden board for a rustic vibe or on brightly colored plates to add visual contrast. You can also cut it into small squares for parties to let guests enjoy bite-sized indulgences with a variety of toppings on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. Because of its dense layers, this pizza keeps well for up to 3 days while maintaining its moist, cheesy appeal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the whole pizza or individual slices in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. To preserve texture and flavor, consume frozen pizza within 1–2 months.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melty and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of low-moisture mozzarella?
While fresh mozzarella is delicious, it contains more moisture, which might make the deep dish pizza soggy. Low-moisture mozzarella is preferred for its better melting properties and less water content, helping maintain that perfect texture.
Do I need a special deep-dish pizza pan?
Though a dedicated deep-dish pan is ideal to achieve the signature thick crust sides, a regular round cake or springform pan with high edges can work in a pinch. Just make sure the pan is well-greased.
Is it okay to prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance, store it wrapped in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before shaping. This can enhance the flavor and help with managing prep time.
Can I add toppings to this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love!?
Definitely! While this recipe highlights the cheese and sauce, feel free to add your favorite meats, vegetables, or even different cheeses to personalize your deep dish pizza experience.
How thick should the crust be?
The dough should be rolled out to fit snugly into the pan with about 1 to 1 ½ inches rising up the sides. This thickness creates the iconic deep dish look and ensures that the crust bakes through while holding all your delicious layers.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love!, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic across kitchens big and small. Its comforting layers of buttery crust, melty cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce make for an indulgence you can enjoy any day of the week. So gather your ingredients, get your hands doughy, and dive into this unforgettable slice of pizza heaven.
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Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza recipe you’ll love! Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Chicago-Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza features a buttery cornmeal crust loaded with layers of gooey mozzarella, fragrant Parmesan, and a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this pizza offers a decadent, satisfying experience reminiscent of the Windy City’s famous pizzerias.
Ingredients
Dough 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
Cheese Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) low-moisture mozzarella, shredded or sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 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
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, fine cornmeal, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Cook Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and soft, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20–30 minutes until it thickens and flavors meld.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pan generously with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the risen dough and press it evenly into the prepared deep-dish pan, making sure the dough climbs up the sides to form a thick crust.
- Layer Cheese: Spread the shredded or sliced mozzarella evenly over the dough base. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, followed by a pinch of dried oregano and basil for added flavor.
- Add Sauce: Generously spoon the prepared tomato sauce over the cheese layer. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top to enhance richness.
- Bake Pizza: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from spilling out when cut.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is between 40–45°C to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the red chili flakes according to taste.
- Low-moisture mozzarella is preferred for better melting and less water content, preventing sogginess.
- Letting the pizza rest before slicing helps maintain the structure and keeps the cheese contained.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil for a different flavor profile in the dough.
- Use a heavy deep-dish pan or cast iron skillet for best crust texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Chicago-style deep dish pizza, cheese pizza, deep dish pizza, homemade pizza, Italian-American pizza, mozzarella pizza, slow-simmered tomato sauce
