Deep Dish Pizza

If you want a comforting tasty dinnertime meal then you have to make this Deep Dish Pizza. Homemade from start to finish, this recipe is a keeper!

 

If you are new around here, HEY! I’m a northern southerner… I know, confusing.

But, what I mean is I have spent the majority of my life now in the south, currently living in Florida but I grew up in the north. Chicago suburbs to be exact.

So… I like to think I know a thing or two about Chicago deep dish pizza.

Deep dish pizza is easier to make then you think! This recipe for homemade deep dish pizza includes recipes for pizza dough, pizza sauce, and Italian sausage.

What is Deep Dish Pizza?

Deep Dish Pizza is a thick crust pizza made in a baking dish or cast iron skillet. It is layered first with cheese, then meat (optional), then sauce, and baked until golden brown deliciousness.

This style of pizza is known for being famous from Chicago, although I DO have to point out we have some kick-butt thin crust too… just sayin’!

Why this recipe works:

• Everything in this recipe is made from scratch!
• This makes two pizzas, you can easily halve to make one or double to make more!
• You can add any topping that you want, it is a base recipe to build off of.

 

You must be asking yourself, “Why is deep dish pizza the best?” I personally think it is a very popular style of pizza because the crust gets crispy and caramelized in the pan.

Also, the way the toppings are layered ensure maximum flavor, cheesiness, and a general state of euphoria in every bite!

I might be a little biased but… Deep Dish Pizza is just plain GOOD. And, this recipe is tried and true and makes the best Chicago deep dish pizza!

We make this more often than not because in all honesty, who doesn’t love pizza? Growing up on it it brings me back home and I absolutely love it.

How to store:

Deep Dish Pizza will last up to 4 days when properly stored in an airtight container such as a Tupperware container or ziptop bag.

This pizza can also be frozen for later consumption. Store again in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil.

This should keep in the freezer for 1-2 months, you can defrost in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on a low oven setting.

I can’t take full credit for this recipe. My Dad loves to cook as well and he loves to perfect his recipes. This Deep Dish Pizza Recipe is a knockout thanks to him!

There are four parts to this recipe; the crust, the sauce, the sausage, and the assembly. I have listed below the different aspects of each part.

I know this might seem overwhelming but trust me, broken down into each recipe, this is really a super easy Chicago deep dish pizza recipe.

HOW TO MAKE DEEP DISH PIZZA, STEP BY STEP:

CRUST:

I highly suggest a stand mixer to make deep dish pizza dough, but a hand mixer will work too. If using a hand mixer, that arm is about to get a workout!

1. Place the yeast, sugar, water, butter, and oils in the bottom of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer.) stir to combine and let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbles form.
2. Gradually add the flour mixture (kosher salt, cornmeal, and all-purpose flour) a little at a time to the bowl with the hook attachment in place on low speed. Scrapping the sides as necessary.
3. When everything is mixed in, beat on high speed for 6 minutes. Turn off the mixer, cover with a clean towel, and place the bowl in a warm spot. Let rise for one hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, we will make the remaining recipes for the pizza sauce and Italian sausage.

SAUCE:

1. Crush canned tomatoes by hand, taking out the stems.
2. Mix with the remaining ingredients including dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge until ready to assemble the pizza.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE:

1. Mix ground pork with dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, crushed fennel seeds, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until ready to assemble the pizza.

ASSEMBLY:

1. Grease two 9-inch round baking dishes with butter. Place half of the dough into each dish (or, to make one large pizza use a 16-inch round baking dish).
2. Spray your hands with cooking spray and work the dough into the bottom of the pan(s) and slightly up the sides into an even layer.
3. Using sliced mozzarella, make an even layer. Press cheese into the creases of the pan corners.
4. Dollops the sausage evenly all over the cheese. Top evenly with sauce.
5. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil on top and sprinkle some parmesan.

BAKING:

1. Place pizza into a preheated 400 degree oven.
2. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and everything is bubbly.
3. Place pan directly on a wire rack. Let the pizza cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing, this is very important. If you do not allow it to cool slightly, cheese and juice and everything will run off the pizza.
4. Slice in the pan and serve.

 

Tips and Tricks:

• Raw sausage will cook while the pizza is cooking, there is no need to cook before hand.
• This Deep Dish Pizza can be frozen, see my tips above.
• If you don’t want to make your own dough, you can buy some dough balls from your local grocer.
• You can build on this pizza and add any toppings that you like.

If you want a deliciously easy pizza, yes I said easy! Then you need to make this homemade Deep Dish Pizza, you will fall in love!

If you like this recipe you might also like:

• BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Italian Sausage Pizza
• BBQ Chicken Pizza Crescent Rolls

If you’ve tried this DEEP DISH PIZZA let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
 

.