Master the Art of Pizza Making: Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza recipe! Originating from the Windy City, this iconic pizza is renowned for its thick, buttery crust, savory fillings, and hearty layers of cheese and sauce. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to create this classic dish right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a slice of pizza heaven!

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

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the water and melted butter. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Spread 4 tablespoons of softened butter on the bottom and sides of the pan.
Roll out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough into a circle slightly larger than the cake pan.
Line the Pan: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared cake pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Let it Rest: Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Assemble the Pizza: Layer your desired toppings over the dough, starting with cheese, followed by meats, vegetables, and sauce.
Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicago style deep dish pizza!

Cook Notes and Variations

Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizza with your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives.
Cheese Options: While mozzarella is the traditional cheese for Chicago style deep dish pizza, you can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or fontina for added flavor.
Sauce Variation: Traditional Chicago style deep dish pizza is known for its chunky tomato sauce. You can use canned crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for a classic sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

A: Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. However, you’ll need to activate the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the pizza.

Q: Can I freeze the pizza dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze the pizza dough for future use. After kneading the dough, divide it into individual portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it out and assembling the pizza.

Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this pizza?

A: Absolutely! Simply omit the meat toppings and load up your pizza with plenty of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.

Keto Version and Low Carb Version

Keto Version:

To make a keto-friendly version of this pizza, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dough. You can also use low-carb marinara sauce and top the pizza with keto-friendly toppings like cooked bacon, pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

Low Carb Version:

For a low-carb version, you can use a combination of almond flour and flaxseed meal for the dough. You can also use a sugar-free tomato sauce and top the pizza with low-carb toppings like grilled chicken, spinach, artichokes, and feta cheese.

In conclusion, Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress even the most discerning pizza connoisseurs. With its buttery crust, hearty fillings, and gooey cheese, this pizza is a true celebration of flavor and indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night with friends or simply craving a taste of Chicago, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a pizza-making adventure like no other!