Making homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza can be a fun and delicious experience. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110Β°F/43Β°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked (or any toppings of your choice)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
- Olive oil for brushing
- Cornmeal for dusting
- Additional grated Parmesan for sprinkling
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
a. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. b. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. c. Mix until the dough comes together. Knead on a floured surface until smooth. d. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
a. In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. b. Precook the Italian sausage or any other toppings you prefer.
3. Assembly:
a. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). b. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to fit a deep-dish pizza pan, making sure to go up the sides. c. Brush the bottom of the crust with olive oil and sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal. d. Layer the bottom with half of the mozzarella cheese, followed by the cooked sausage or your chosen toppings. e. Pour the tomato mixture over the toppings. f. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan. g. Fold the excess dough over the top to form a thick crust.
4. Bake:
a. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. b. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza! Feel free to customize the toppings and quantities based on your preferences.
