Discover the ultimate Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza recipe that brings the iconic flavors of Chicago right to your kitchen. This homemade deep dish pizza features a buttery, crispy crust, a rich tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Perfect for pizza lovers, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a authentic Chicago pizza experience.
I recently analyzed my blog’s stats and was thrilled to find that Chicago is my most popular city in the US. As a tribute to my favorite city, I’m wrapping up the year with this Chicago-inspired recipe.
Having enjoyed genuine Chicago-style pizza only a handful of times, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. What makes it so special? Everything—from the thick, buttery crust to the layered toppings and rich sauce. It’s a pizza like no other.
This pizza is baked in a deep dish pan, with cheese directly on the crust and sauce piled on top. It’s best enjoyed with a fork—trust me, it’s the only way to avoid a messy situation!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1¼ cups water, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon + 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup grated onion
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 4 cups)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Pepperoni
Preparation:
Make the Dough: Whisk flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Add water and melted butter, mixing until combined. Knead until smooth and shiny. Let rise until doubled.
Make the Sauce: Sauté onion, oregano, and salt in butter until golden. Add garlic, tomatoes, and sugar. Simmer until thickened. Stir in basil and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Pizza: Roll out dough, spread softened butter, and roll into a log. Flatten and fold. Let rise again. Press dough into oiled pans, add mozzarella, sauce, and Parmesan. Bake at 425°F for 20-30 minutes. Let rest before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Chicago deep dish pizza!
