Description
This deep dish pizza recipe delivers a thick, buttery crust loaded with melted mozzarella, savory toppings, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for an indulgent homemade Chicago-style pizza experience, it features a cornmeal-enriched dough that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside, baked in a deep pan for the ultimate cheesy and saucy delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Pizza Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, cooked chicken, etc.)
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar. Mix well to distribute evenly.
- Form the Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Knead everything together until a soft, elastic dough forms, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm environment. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, ensuring a light and airy crust.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pizza.
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly oil a deep dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking. Press the dough into the pan, spreading it evenly and up the sides to form a thick crust that will hold all the delicious toppings.
- Layer Cheese: Begin by spreading a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese directly onto the dough. This base layer prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Add Toppings: Arrange your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese layer, customizing your pizza to your preference.
- Spread Sauce: Spoon the crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce evenly over the toppings. Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and optional sugar atop the sauce to enhance flavor complexity.
- Bake Pizza: Place the pizza pan in the preheated oven, baking it for 25-30 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles enticingly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to allow the layers to set. Brush the crust edges with olive oil to add a flavorful shine and richness. Slice and enjoy your homemade deep dish masterpiece.
Notes
- Be patient while letting the dough rise to achieve a perfect crust.
- Layer cheese directly on the dough to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting to keep the layers intact.
- If you don’t have cornmeal, semolina flour can be used as a substitute for similar texture.
- Pre-cook watery or raw toppings like mushrooms or spinach to avoid excess moisture.
- Use fresh mozzarella and high-quality tomatoes for enhanced flavor.
