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Chicago deep dish pizza

Homemade Chicago Deep Dish Pizza That Will Impress Everyone

This homemade Chicago deep dish pizza features a thick, buttery crust filled with layers of gooey cheese, savory sausage, and vibrant tomato sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free blend if needed.
  • 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal No substitutes necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for balance.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Honey or maple syrup can work as alternatives.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Make sure it's fresh.
  • 1 cup Warm Water (110°F) Could use warm milk for added richness.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Margarine can replace for dairy-free.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Any vegetable oil serves as a substitute.
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Opt for turkey sausage for a leaner twist.
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Substitute with red bell pepper.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be used for a milder alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced preferred.
For the Cheese and Sauce
  • 4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Provolone offers a different flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can replace for vegan.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Consider San Marzano for premium taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Using fresh herbs amplifies the taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh is preferable.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper White pepper can be used as a substitute.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • deep-dish pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, salt, melted unsalted butter, and olive oil until a dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5 hours.
  4. Cook crumbled Italian sausage in a skillet until browned, about 7-10 minutes, then set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté minced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. In a saucepan, warm olive oil and add crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, and black pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll out dough and transfer to greased deep-dish pan, pressing up the sides.
  8. Layer mozzarella cheese, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables, then sprinkle Parmesan and top with tomato sauce.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use a heavy steel or aluminum deep-dish pan for even cooking. Always place cheese at the bottom to prevent sogginess. Sautéing vegetables helps eliminate excess moisture.

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