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Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: Comfort in Every Bite

Experience the rich flavors of Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, a comforting dish filled with gooey cheese and hearty toppings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 3.5 cups All-Purpose Flour substitute with gluten-free blend if needed
  • 0.25 cups Yellow Cornmeal fine semolina can be used for a similar effect
  • 1 teaspoon Salt key for dough development
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar substitutes include honey or agave syrup
  • 2.25 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast instant yeast can be used as an alternative
  • 1.5 cups Warm Water aim for 110°F
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter substitute with margarine if necessary
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil any vegetable oil can work as a substitute
For the Filling
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter for sautéing vegetables; use olive oil for a lighter option
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage substitutes include ground turkey or vegetarian options
  • 1 piece Green Bell Pepper can substitute with any bell pepper color or omit
  • 1 piece Onion shallots can be a milder substitute
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh garlic is preferred
For the Sauce and Toppings
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese try mixing with provolone for more flavor
  • 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano replace with fresh herbs at roughly three times the amount
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil replace with fresh herbs at roughly three times the amount
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • deep-dish pizza pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and olive oil. Stir until dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes, then let rise in a greased bowl for 1.5 hours.
  4. Cook Italian sausage in a skillet until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
  6. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll out dough into a 14-inch circle. Press into a greased deep-dish pizza pan.
  8. Layer mozzarella cheese, the sautéed mixture, cooked sausage, and then pour sauce over. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Use a heavy deep-dish pan for even heat distribution. Let the pizza cool for easier slicing.

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