Description
A true Chicago-style deep dish pizza recipe made from scratch with a buttery cornmeal crust, layers of mozzarella, savory tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings. This deep dish pizza is thick, cheesy, hearty, and perfect for pizza lovers. Ideal for dinner, game day, or whenever you crave restaurant-style pizza at home.
Ingredients
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons sugar
1 ¼ cups warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional)
Instructions
1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix and knead until smooth.
3. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled.
4. In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer for 20–30 minutes until thickened.
6. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a 9–10 inch deep dish pan with butter or oil.
7. Press dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides to form a crust.
8. Layer in mozzarella cheese first, followed by sausage or pepperoni if using.
9. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the toppings.
10. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, covering with foil halfway if needed.
12. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Let the pizza cool before slicing to hold its shape.
Use whole milk mozzarella for better melt and flavor.
Dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Chicago-Style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 pizza)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg