Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe: Chicago-Style Delight with Homemade Dough and Rich Tomato Sauce

Craving a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying pizza? Look no further than this Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe! Inspired by the iconic Chicago-style pizza, this dish features a thick, buttery crust, a rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey mozzarella and savory toppings. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this deep-dish pizza is sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a pizzeria-quality masterpiece right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 1/4 tsp. dried baker’s yeast
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 120ml warm water
• 240g all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. corn flour
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. rapeseed oil (for bowl)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, grated or finely minced
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes with basil
• 2 tbsp. tomato purée

For the Garnish:

• 170g mozzarella, sliced into rounds
• 2 sausages, sliced (optional)
• 2–3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Start by preparing the dough: In a small bowl, combine the dried yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 1 minute until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, corn flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

While the dough rises, prepare the tomato sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the grated onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato purée. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat your oven to 215°C (425°F). Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a large circle, about 30cm in diameter. Carefully place the dough into a greased 23×5 cm deep-dish pan or cast-iron skillet, pressing it firmly against the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges.

Assemble the pizza: Layer the mozzarella slices evenly over the dough. Add the sliced sausages (if using) as the next layer. Spread the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, ensuring full coverage. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Bake the pizza for 20–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil after 15 minutes of baking. Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade deep-dish pizza with its flaky crust, rich sauce, and melted cheese perfection!