Creating a Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a delightful culinary journey that combines a rich, buttery crust with layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, and a robust tomato sauce. Originating in the Windy City, this iconic pizza style has captured the hearts (and appetites) of pizza lovers worldwide. Let’s dive into the details of how to craft this legendary dish step-by-step, ensuring every element—from the crust to the toppings—is perfected.
Introduction to Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza stands out for its unique characteristics: a thick, buttery crust that lines a deep pan, topped with generous layers of cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce. Unlike its thinner-crust counterparts, this pizza is baked in a deep pan, creating a pie-like structure that’s as hearty as it is delicious.
Ingredients Overview:
- Crust:
- All-purpose flour
- Yellow cornmeal
- Unsalted butter
- Corn oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Active dry yeast
- Water
- Cheese Layer:
- Whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Meat and Vegetable Toppings:
- Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- Pepperoni slices
- Bell peppers (sliced)
- Onion (sliced)
- Mushrooms (sliced)
- Tomato Sauce:
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Additional Toppings (optional):
- Additional vegetables (e.g., spinach, olives)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garnish (optional):
- Fresh basil leaves
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Part 1: Making the Deep Dish Pizza Crust
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine:
- 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Mix to combine.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Also add:
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of corn oil
Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. If kneading by hand, knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Deep Dish Pizza Pan
Coat a 9 or 10-inch deep dish pizza pan with:
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
Step 6: Shape the Crust
Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared pizza pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, making sure to create a thick edge.
Step 7: Par-Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the crust in the preheated oven and par-bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it starts to set and just begins to brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Part 2: Assembling the Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Step 8: Layer the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups) evenly over the par-baked crust.
Step 9: Add the Meat and Vegetable Toppings
Layer on your preferred toppings, such as:
- Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- Sliced pepperoni
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced onions
- Sliced mushrooms
Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or meats as desired.
Step 10: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together:
- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 11: Spread the Tomato Sauce
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the toppings, covering them completely. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out to the edges of the crust.
Step 12: Add Additional Toppings (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.
Step 13: Bake the Pizza
Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 14: Let it Rest
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 15: Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza!
Conclusion
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a labor of love that rewards you with a satisfyingly thick crust, a gooey cheese layer, savory toppings, and a robust tomato sauce. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this pizza is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or get creative with your toppings, each bite transports you to the heart of Chicago’s pizza scene. Embrace the process, savor the flavors, and enjoy every delicious slice of this iconic dish.