HOMEMADE CHICAGO STYLE DEEP DISH PIZZA

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Bring the flavors of Chicago right into your kitchen with this hearty and authentic deep dish pizza. With layers of melty cheese, robust tomato sauce, and savory meats all baked inside a rich, cornmeal-infused crust, this recipe delivers on everything you’d expect from a true Windy City pie.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a weekend splurge, this homemade version is sure to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly achievable at home with pantry-friendly ingredients and a bit of patience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Chicago-style deep dish crust with crispy edges and a soft, flavorful center
• Generously layered with meats, cheese, and aromatic vegetables
• Perfect for entertaining or special family dinners
• Freezer-friendly for future meals
• Totally customizable with your favorite toppings

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, divided
• ½ cup yellow cornmeal
• 1½ teaspoons salt

For the Filling

• 9 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup diced pepperoni
• ¼ pound spicy Italian sausage, browned, drained, and crumbled
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ⅛ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced

For the Sauce and Topping

• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Yeast Mixture

• In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in 1 cup of warm water.
• In a separate small bowl, mix yeast, ½ cup flour, and ½ cup warm water. Let it rest for 20 minutes, or until frothy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

• In a medium bowl, mix 2½ cups flour with cornmeal and salt.
• Remove half of the flour mixture and stir the sugar water into the remaining half.
• Once mixed, return the reserved flour mixture and stir again.
• Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
• Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in size.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Filling

• Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
• In a large bowl, combine sausage, mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, oregano, and garlic. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

• Lightly grease a deep dish pizza pan.
• Press half of the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
• Bake the crust for 4 minutes.
• Add the prepared filling evenly over the parbaked crust.
• Roll out the second half of the dough and place over the filling.
• Seal the edges and trim excess dough. Cut a slit in the center for steam to escape.
• Spread the tomato sauce over the top crust and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

• Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
• Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve hot and enjoy your slice of Chicago!

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality mozzarella for that gooey, pull-apart effect.
• Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
• A cast iron or heavy-bottom deep dish pan works best for even baking.
• Allow the pizza to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so the layers can settle.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F until hot.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but making the homemade cornmeal crust gives this dish its signature flavor and texture.

Can I skip the top crust?
Absolutely. Traditional deep dish sometimes uses only a bottom crust. Just top the filling directly with sauce and bake.

What’s the best pan to use?
A 9-inch or 10-inch deep dish pizza pan, cast iron skillet, or cake pan all work well.

Final Thoughts

Making Chicago-style deep dish pizza at home might seem ambitious, but it’s totally doable—and totally worth it. From its golden crust to its layered savory goodness, this dish brings a slice of city-style magic to your table. Customize it, perfect it, and most importantly, enjoy it with the people you love.

It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—because once you go deep dish, there’s no going back.

Share Your Creations

Tried this deep dish pizza at home? I’d love to see how it turned out! Tag your pizza pics with #HomemadeDeepDish or #ChicagoPizzaVibes on Instagram or Pinterest to show off your cheesy masterpiece.