Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

As a lifelong Chicagoan, the smell of a fresh deep dish pizza brings back childhood memories. Growing up, we’d all gather to enjoy this iconic dish. It was a tradition that brought us closer together. Now, I’m excited to share our family’s recipe with you, so you can make this legendary pizza at home.

This homemade version has a buttery, flaky crust and layers of melted cheese and tomato sauce. It might take a bit more work than regular pizza, but it’s worth it. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re in Chicago.

Key Takeaways

• Recreate the iconic flavors of Chicago-style deep dish pizza at home
• Enjoy a buttery, flaky crust with layers of melted cheese and rich tomato sauce
• Serve a family-sized 9-inch deep dish pizza, perfect for gatherings and leftovers
• Freeze extra pizza for up to 3 months and reheat for a convenient meal
• Savor the authentic taste of Chicago’s legendary deep dish pizza

The History and Legacy of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

The chicago pizza history started in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many Italian immigrants came to the United States for factory jobs. They brought their cooking traditions with them.

Over time, they mixed their recipes with local ingredients and tastes. This mix created the famous deep pan pizza recipe loved in Chicago.

Lou Malnati’s is a key player in the chicago deep dish pizza story. They’ve been making this special pizza since the 1940s. It’s different from traditional Italian pizza, with a thick crust, lots of toppings, and a special way of layering the ingredients.

Pizzeria	Year Established	Distinctive Features
Uno Chicago Grill	1943	More than 200 locations worldwide, known for its deep-dish pizza
Gino’s East	1966	Thick, lashings of sweet and chunky marinara sauce, oozing cheese, heavy dashes of oregano, crumbled Italian sausage, cornmeal-tinted crust
Granato’s Pizzeria Napolitana	Established around 1923	Perhaps the oldest dedicated pizzeria in Chicago

Chicago’s pizza scene isn’t just about deep dish. The city also loves thin-crust, artisanal, and wood-fired pizzas. From lou malnati’s pizza to Gino’s East, there’s something for everyone.

Essential Kitchen Tools and Ingredients

Making a delicious Chicago-style deep dish pizza needs the right tools and ingredients. You’ll need a perfect deep dish pizza pan and the best cheese blend. Each part is key to getting that classic deep dish pizza taste.

Required Baking Equipment

The base of a deep dish pizza is the baking pan. You’ll need a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet. These pans help the dough rise and bake into a thick crust. This crust can hold all the toppings.

Quality Ingredients List

• All-purpose flour
• Yellow cornmeal
• Active dry yeast
• Unsalted butter
• Crushed tomatoes

Cheese Selection Guide

The cheese is very important in a Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella cheese. It’s best if it’s sliced or shredded from a block. Stay away from pre-shredded cheese, as it can change the taste and texture.

Using a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan can make the cheese blend even better. This mix adds to the flavor of your pizza.

Cheese Type	Recommended Brands	Optimal Quantity
Mozzarella	Galbani, Polly-O, Belgioioso	16 oz, sliced or shredded
Cheddar	Cabot, Tillamook, Cracker Barrel	4 oz, shredded
Parmesan	Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grated Parmesan	2 oz, freshly grated

HOMEMADE CHICAGO STYLE DEEP DISH PIZZA

Get ready for a tasty adventure as we share how to make a real homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza at home. This recipe is a bit of work, but it’s all worth it. You’ll get a thick, buttery crust, a tangy tomato sauce, and plenty of toppings. This guide is for both pizza pros and kitchen newbies, helping you make a deep dish pizza that’s perfect.

To start, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the chicago pizza crust. Mix the dough, shape it into a 9×12-inch rectangle, and chill it for 45 minutes. This step is key for a crust that’s soft and flaky.

After chilling, it’s time to build the pizza. Use a 9×2-inch cake pan greased with oil. Press the dough into the pan to make a thick base for your toppings.

Now, make the sauce. Cook and stir it for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s just right. Cook the sausage until it’s done, then add it to the dough. Finally, add the sauce and get ready to bake.

Heat your oven to 425°F before baking the pizza. It’ll take about 25 minutes for it to come out golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This lets the flavors mix and the crust set.

Enjoy the ultimate homemade pizza dough with this Chicago-style deep dish pizza recipe. Every bite is a delight, with a buttery crust, rich sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a taste of Chicago in your own kitchen.

Mastering the Perfect Buttery Deep Dish Crust

Making the perfect pizza dough is key to a real Chicago-style deep dish pizza. It’s all about mixing all-purpose flour, golden cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and lots of butter.

Cornmeal and Flour Mixture

Adding cornmeal to the pizza dough gives the crust a nice crunch. This makes the pizza even better.

Lamination Technique

To make the crust flaky and tender, we use a special lamination method. It’s like making croissant dough. This method creates air pockets in the dough, making the crust irresistible.

Dough Rising Process

The dough needs two rising periods to get just right. First, it proofs at room temperature. Then, it chills in the fridge. This process makes the cornmeal pizza crust taste and feel amazing.

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose Flour	3 1/4 cups
Yellow Cornmeal	1/2 cup
Fine Sea Salt	1 1/4 teaspoons
Granulated Sugar	1 tablespoon
Active Dry Yeast	2 1/4 teaspoons
Warm Water	1 1/4 cups
Unsalted Butter, softened	4 tablespoons
Unsalted Butter, melted	4 tablespoons
Olive Oil	About 3 tablespoons

Creating the Signature Tomato Sauce

The secret to a true Chicago-style deep dish pizza is its signature tomato sauce. This sauce is not just crushed tomatoes and herbs. It’s a rich, flavorful sauce that’s the star of the dish.

High-quality crushed tomatoes are at the sauce’s core, giving it a chunky texture. I sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re fragrant. This adds a sweet flavor and depth to the sauce.

I then add dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. These ingredients give the sauce an Italian taste and a hint of heat. A bit of sugar balances the tomatoes’ acidity, making the sauce smooth and flavorful.

The sauce is simmered on the stovetop for 30-35 minutes. This process thickens the sauce and intensifies its flavors. The result is a chunky sauce that’s perfect for the deep dish crust.

The final sauce is a pizza sauce recipe full of chunky tomato sauce flavors. It’s the essence of a Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Whether you’re a pizza lover or new to this dish, this garlic infused pizza sauce will take you to the heart of Chicago.

Layer-by-Layer Assembly Guide

Making the perfect Chicago-style deep dish pizza is all about layering. It starts with a thick layer of mozzarella cheese on the crust. This cheese base is where the magic begins.

Cheese Base Layer

Begin by placing slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on the pizza crust. Make sure to cover the whole crust, leaving no empty spots. This cheese will melt and blend with the crust, making a delicious base.

Meat and Vegetable Options

Now, add your favorite toppings. You can choose spicy Italian sausage, crispy pepperoni, or savory bacon. For those who prefer veggies, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts are great. Spread these toppings evenly over the cheese, so every bite is full of flavor.

Sauce Application Tips

Finally, add the thick tomato sauce. Pour it over the toppings, spreading it to the crust’s edges. Don’t forget to sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish. Then, your pizza is ready to bake.

With all the layers in place, your homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza is set to bake. It will bring a delicious taste of the Windy City right to your table.

Baking Techniques and Temperature Control

Baking the perfect deep dish pizza requires mastering certain techniques and controlling the temperature. To get that Chicago-style crust, preheat your oven to 425°F (215°C). This high heat helps the dough rise and gives it a golden-brown, buttery look.

When the oven is hot, place the pizza in the preheated pan or skillet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, watching it closely. After 15 minutes, cover the crust edges with foil to avoid burning. This lets the center bake while keeping the edges crisp.

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (215°C).
2. Bake the pizza for 20-30 minutes.
3. Cover the edges with foil after 15 minutes to prevent burning.
4. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
5. Allow the pizza to cool for 5 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set.

Getting the deep dish pizza baking time right is key. Every oven is different, so you might need to tweak the time. The pizza is perfect when the crust is golden and the filling is hot and set. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to solidify the cheese. This makes for easy, clean slices. With these pizza baking techniques, you’ll soon be a pro at deep dish pizza cooking time, making perfectly oven temperature slices every time.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Enjoying a delicious Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a treat. But what about leftover slices? Don’t worry, I’ve got expert tips on storage and reheating. These will keep your pizza crispy and flavorful.

Refrigerator Storage

Leftover deep dish pizza can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just put the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. This keeps the crust from drying out.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, freeze your pizza slices or a half-pizza. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Deep Dish Pizza

1. Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the pizza slices or half-pizza on the oven rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.
2. Skillet Reheating: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pizza slices and cook for 3-6 minutes, flipping occasionally. This will heat them through and crisp the crust.
3. Toaster Oven Reheating: For a quick option, reheat in a toaster oven set to 450°F (230°C) for 20-30 minutes.

Avoid microwaving deep dish pizza to avoid a soggy crust. The oven or skillet method is best for keeping the pizza’s texture and flavor.

With these tips, you can enjoy leftover Chicago-style deep dish pizza just as much as the first slice. Happy eating!

Conclusion

Making a homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a treat. It brings the taste of the Windy City to your table. The crust is buttery and flaky, the cheese is generous, and the sauce is chunky.

Follow this recipe and you’ll make a pizza just like Chicago’s famous spots. It’s easy to make and will impress everyone. It’s perfect for both pizza lovers and new cooks.

Enjoy the rich flavors of homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza. It’s a taste of the Midwest’s culinary tradition. With simple steps and quality ingredients, you can make a memorable meal at home.

FAQ

What makes Chicago-style deep dish pizza unique?

Chicago-style deep dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust. It’s filled with cheese and chunky tomato sauce. Baked in a deep pan, it has high edges and a unique layering.

Where did Chicago-style deep dish pizza originate?

It started in Chicago. Lou Malnati’s is famous for its authentic version.

What equipment is needed to make homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza?

You’ll need a 9-inch deep dish cake pan or cast-iron skillet. Also, a rolling pin, baking sheet, and mixing bowls and utensils.

What are the key ingredients for Chicago-style deep dish pizza?

Key ingredients are all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, yeast, and butter. Crushed tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are also important. A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan adds flavor.

How do you make the signature buttery deep dish crust?

The crust uses flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and butter. Some recipes add a lamination technique for flakiness. The dough needs two rising periods for the right texture.

How do you assemble a Chicago-style deep dish pizza?

Start with mozzarella on the crust. Add Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon. Then, spread thick tomato sauce on top. Finish with parmesan cheese before baking.

How do you store and reheat leftover deep dish pizza?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Don’t microwave to keep the crust crispy.

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