Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe | Classic Thick-Crust Pizza with Layers of Cheese & Sauce

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe

A classic Chicago favorite featuring a thick, buttery crust, deep layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, and a rich tomato sauce—baked to perfection in a cast-iron pan.

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza is not your average pizza—it’s a cheesy, saucy, and hearty dish that’s baked in a deep pan, allowing for a thick crust that holds layers of deliciousness.

Ingredients (Makes One 12-inch Deep-Dish Pizza)

For the Dough:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal (for texture and slight sweetness)
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Cheese Layer:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) (or pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add yeast mixture, olive oil, and melted butter.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook onions for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Simmer: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
3. Roll Out Dough: Roll out dough slightly larger than the pan and press it into the pan, pushing up the sides.
4. Layer the Cheese First: Spread mozzarella cheese over the dough to prevent sogginess.
5. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle Italian sausage, pepperoni, or veggies over the cheese.
6. Spread the Sauce: Spoon the tomato sauce over the toppings evenly.
7. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the sauce for added flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
2. Cool & Slice: Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

🍕 Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
🧀 Add extra Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for more flavor.
🍷 Serve with a glass of red wine for the full Chicago experience.

Enjoy your homemade Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza—a true taste of the Windy City! 🍕🔥