Deep Dish Pizza
There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Deep Dish Pizza. With its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, and a generous helping of toppings, it’s the perfect dish for gatherings, cozy nights in, or even a special treat just for yourself. This recipe is designed to bring that authentic Chicago-style deep dish experience right to your kitchen. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile meal that pleases every palate.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What truly makes this Deep Dish Pizza shine is not just the luxurious layers of cheese and toppings, but the dough itself. It’s soft yet sturdy, perfectly holding up the sauce and toppings without becoming soggy. The addition of cornmeal gives the crust a delightful texture and flavor, while the hint of honey in the dough adds a subtle sweetness. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a pizza that tastes as good as it looks, making it an ideal dish for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
The Essentials
To create this mouthwatering Deep Dish Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water – Activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast – The star ingredient that makes the dough rise.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor to the crust.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of our dough.
- 1/2 cup cornmeal – Provides texture and a unique flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall taste of the pizza.
- Olive oil – For coating the pans and adding extra flavor.
- 1 cup homemade marinara sauce – The perfect complement to the cheese and toppings.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The gooey cheese that makes pizza so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – For a fresh crunch.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – Adds a savory depth to the pizza.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni – A classic pizza topping that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup sausage, cooked and crumbled – Adds heartiness to the dish.
- Fresh basil – For garnish and a burst of freshness.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
To whip up this delicious Deep Dish Pizza, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowl – For combining the dough ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Rolling pin – To roll out the dough evenly.
- 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet – Ideal for creating the deep dish shape.
- Spatula – For spreading the marinara sauce and toppings.
- Oven mitts – To safely handle hot pans.
From Start to Finish: Deep Dish Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of instant yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add 3 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Coat a bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure a perfectly baked crust.
Step 5: Prepare the Pan
Grease your 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and add a nice flavor to the crust.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle, about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to the greased pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
Step 7: Layer the Ingredients
Begin by spreading 1 cup of homemade marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the crust. Next, layer 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the diced green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, and crumbled sausage. Finish with a sprinkle of 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese on top.
Step 8: Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-bake.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice and serve warm.
Better-for-You Options
If you’re looking to make this Deep Dish Pizza a bit healthier, consider these options:
- Whole wheat flour – Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Low-fat cheese – Use low-fat mozzarella and parmesan cheese to cut down on calories.
- Vegetable toppings – Load up on vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or onions for extra nutrients.
- Lean sausage – Opt for turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage.
Cook’s Notes
- This Deep Dish Pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking – the possibilities are endless!
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
This Deep Dish Pizza can be easily stored and reheated:
- To store: Cover the pizza with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Ask the Chef
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, place it in an oiled bowl, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.
What can I substitute for the marinara sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can use store-bought pizza sauce, crushed tomatoes, or even pesto for a different flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to mix up the cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese can be delicious alternatives.
How can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Simply omit the meat toppings and load up on more vegetables like spinach, eggplant, or artichokes for a hearty vegetarian Deep Dish Pizza.
Final Bite
There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade Deep Dish Pizza, with its buttery crust and layers of deliciousness. This recipe invites creativity, allowing you to make it your own with different toppings and flavors. Gather your friends and family, and let the aroma of baking pizza fill your kitchen. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, this Deep Dish Pizza is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the process, relish each bite, and remember: the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful culinary adventure today!
Deep Dish Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of instant yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add 3 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Coat a bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure a perfectly baked crust.
- Grease your 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and add a nice flavor to the crust.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle, about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to the greased pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Begin by spreading 1 cup of homemade marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the crust. Next, layer 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the diced green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, and crumbled sausage. Finish with a sprinkle of 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-bake.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- This Deep Dish Pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking – the possibilities are endless!
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
