Deep Dish Pizza

Classic deep-dish pizza recipe for you to try at home. This recipe makes a 12-inch deep-dish pizza.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pizza:

• 1 1/2 pounds mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Additional toppings of your choice (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers, onions)

Instructions:

For the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

For the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Press the dough into a deep-dish pizza pan, making sure it goes up the sides.
3. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese over the dough. Add the cooked sausage, followed by your desired toppings.
4. Pour the pizza sauce over the toppings and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade deep-dish pizza! Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences.