Introduction
Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a bold, hearty dish that delivers everything fans love about this iconic pizza style: a buttery, crisp crust, layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and satisfying toppings baked into a deep pan. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizza, this version is all about structure and indulgence, with each slice feeling like a complete meal. I first attempted this recipe after craving authentic deep dish without access to a Chicago pizzeria, and the results were far better than expected. The homemade crust develops a beautiful golden crunch while staying tender inside, and layering the ingredients correctly makes all the difference. This pizza does take more time than standard pizza, but the process is straightforward and rewarding. Whether you are recreating a Chicago favorite or trying deep dish for the first time, this recipe delivers classic flavor, impressive presentation, and true comfort food satisfaction.
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Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza That Brings Pizzeria Flavor Home
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a hearty, iconic pizza with a buttery thick crust, layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and classic Italian seasonings baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm water, melted butter, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a deep-dish pizza pan generously with butter.
- Press dough into the pan, pushing up the sides.
- Layer mozzarella cheese evenly over the crust.
- In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon tomato sauce over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Cheese goes under the sauce to prevent burning.
- Use whole-milk mozzarella for best texture.
- Let the pizza rest before cutting for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pizza is rich, filling, and deeply flavorful. It features a crisp yet buttery crust, generous layers of cheese, and a bold tomato sauce. It is perfect for weekends, gatherings, or when you want a truly satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour forms the structure of the dough, creating a sturdy crust that can support heavy toppings.
Cornmeal adds subtle crunch and classic deep-dish texture to the crust.
Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and develop flavor.
Warm water activates the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
Olive oil adds richness and contributes to the tender crumb of the crust.
Unsalted butter gives the crust its signature flaky, buttery quality.
Salt enhances flavor throughout the dough and toppings.
Mozzarella cheese is the primary cheese layer, creating a gooey, stretchy foundation.
Italian sausage or ground beef adds hearty, savory flavor to the pizza.
Crushed tomatoes form the rich top sauce that defines deep dish pizza.
Tomato paste thickens the sauce and intensifies flavor.
Garlic adds aromatic depth to the tomato sauce.
Dried oregano and basil provide classic Italian seasoning.
Black pepper balances the richness of the cheese and meat.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, salty depth to finish the pizza.
Directions
Begin by preparing the dough. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and allow it to become foamy. Mix in flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and melted butter until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly, then place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size. While the dough rises, prepare the sauce by simmering crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper until thickened slightly. Preheat the oven to 220°C and grease a deep dish pizza pan generously. Press the dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides to form a deep crust. Layer mozzarella cheese directly on the dough, followed by cooked sausage or beef. Spoon the tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Allow the pizza to rest before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves six people generously. Preparation and rising time take about 90 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover deep dish pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat slices in the oven to restore crispness or microwave for convenience.
Variations and Customizations
Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is easy to customize. I have added sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for extra texture and flavor, which work beautifully with the rich sauce. Pepperoni, bacon, or spinach can also be layered beneath the sauce. For a slightly lighter version, part-skim mozzarella can be used without sacrificing melt. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as provolone for added depth. Adjust seasoning in the sauce to suit your preference, keeping it thick to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This pizza is hearty and indulgent, providing carbohydrates, protein, and fats in generous portions. Enjoyed occasionally, it fits well into a balanced lifestyle. Portion size is key due to its richness.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Layer correctly
Always place cheese directly on the dough to protect the crust from moisture.
Thick sauce
Keep the sauce thick to avoid a watery pizza.
Rest before slicing
Let the pizza set for clean slices and better structure.
FAQs
What makes Chicago-style pizza different?
It uses a deep pan, thick crust, and sauce on top of the cheese.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate it overnight and bring to room temperature before using.
Do I need a special pan?
A deep dish pan is best, but a cast-iron skillet works well.
Why is the sauce on top?
It prevents the cheese from burning during longer baking.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough gives the best texture.
Is this pizza very filling?
Yes, one slice is usually enough.
Can I freeze deep dish pizza?
Yes, freeze baked slices and reheat in the oven.
What cheese works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip meat and add vegetables instead.
How do I keep the crust crispy?
Bake on the lower rack and avoid excess sauce.
Conclusion
Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a bold, comforting recipe that brings iconic pizzeria flavor straight to your kitchen. With its buttery crust, generous layers, and rich tomato sauce, it is a rewarding dish that turns pizza night into a memorable experience worth the extra time and care.
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