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HOMEMADE CHICAGO STYLE DEEP DISH PIZZA

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    Pizza lovers, rejoice! If you’re looking to elevate your pizza game, look no further than the iconic Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. Known for its thick, buttery crust, gooey cheese, and robust tomato sauce, this pizza is a true culinary experience. Perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or simply when you want to indulge in something truly decadent, this deep dish pizza will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a must-try for any pizza enthusiast. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, this deep dish variety is hearty and filling, making it an excellent choice for those who love a rich and flavorful pie. The combination of a crunchy, buttery crust, layers of melted cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the toppings to your liking, ensuring every bite is perfect.

    Ingredients
    Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:

    For the Dough:
    2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
    1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
    2 teaspoons sugar
    3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    1/2 cup cornmeal
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For the Filling:
    1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
    1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)
    1 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
    1 green bell pepper, diced
    1 small onion, diced
    1 cup sliced mushrooms
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For the Sauce:
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    1 teaspoon dried basil
    1/2 teaspoon sugar
    Salt and pepper to taste

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    Directions
    Step 1: Prepare the Dough
    Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
    Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
    Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
    Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
    Cook the Garlic: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
    Prepare the Pan: Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
    Form the Crust: Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
    Add the Cheese: Layer the bottom of the crust with the sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese.
    Add the Toppings: Add the cooked sausage, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, and any other desired toppings.
    Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
    Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce.
    Step 4: Bake the Pizza
    Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
    Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
    Kitchen Equipment Needed
    To make this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

    Mixing bowls
    Measuring cups and spoons
    Wooden spoon or dough hook
    Rolling pin
    12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
    Saucepan
    Knife and cutting board
    Tips and Variations
    Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
    Topping Variations: Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference. Try adding spinach, olives, or even pineapple for a unique twist.
    Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
    Healthier Option: For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour and add plenty of veggies as toppings.
    Storing Leftovers
    Leftover deep dish pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat slices in the microwave, but the crust will be less crispy.

    Perfect Pairings
    Pair your Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For drinks, a cold beer or a glass of red wine complements the rich flavors of the pizza perfectly. If you’re serving this pizza at a gathering, consider offering a selection of craft beers to enhance the dining experience.

    FAQs
    Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
    A: Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time. Just make sure it’s a high-quality dough suitable for deep dish pizza.

    Q: Can I make this pizza without a deep-dish pan?
    A: Yes, you can use a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet with high sides. A springform pan can also work in a pinch.

    Q: What if I don’t have cornmeal?
    A: If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute with additional flour, but the cornmeal does add a nice texture and flavor to the crust.

    Q: How can I make the crust extra crispy?
    A: For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for about 10 minutes before adding the cheese and toppings.

    Call to Action
    I hope you enjoy making and devouring this Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza as much as I do! It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress and become a favorite in your household. If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and culinary tips. Happy cooking!

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HOMEMADE CHICAGO STYLE DEEP DISH PIZZA

ADVERTISEMENT

Pizza lovers, rejoice! If you’re looking to elevate your pizza game, look no further than the iconic Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. Known for its thick, buttery crust, gooey cheese, and robust tomato sauce, this pizza is a true culinary experience. Perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or simply when you want to indulge in something truly decadent, this deep dish pizza will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a must-try for any pizza enthusiast. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, this deep dish variety is hearty and filling, making it an excellent choice for those who love a rich and flavorful pie. The combination of a crunchy, buttery crust, layers of melted cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the toppings to your liking, ensuring every bite is perfect.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza:

For the Dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 teaspoons sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

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