Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipes – The Ultimate Guide to Making Authentic Italian Pizza at Home

Pizza isn’t just food. It’s love on a plate. And when we talk about Chicago style deep dish pizza, we aren’t talking about your everyday slice — we’re talking about layers of rich flavors, a buttery crust, gooey cheese, and bold tomato sauce that takes you straight to the heart of Chicago.

I’ve spent years experimenting, testing, and perfecting my deep dish pizza recipe in my own kitchen. And today, I’m sharing it with you — so you can make an authentic Chicago experience right in your home.

Whether it’s a family night, a weekend indulgence, or your next dinner party, this recipe will become your go-to for the ultimate deep dish pizza experience.

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Why Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Is So Special

Unlike traditional thin-crust pizza, deep dish pizza is a whole different ball game. Think of it as pizza-meets-pie — thick, hearty, and loaded with flavor.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• A thick buttery crust that holds up under layers of cheese and toppings
• A generous layer of gooey mozzarella that stretches with every bite
• Rich tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes and Italian spices
• Toppings cooked right into the pizza so each slice bursts with flavor

And yes — it’s indulgent. But that’s exactly what makes it so irresistible.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the secret — using quality ingredients makes all the difference. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and real Italian spices will elevate this pizza to the next level.

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	3 ½ cups
Cornmeal	½ cup
Sugar	1 tbsp
Salt	1 tsp
Instant yeast	2 ¼ tsp
Warm water (110°F)	1 ½ cups
Olive oil	½ cup
Fresh mozzarella cheese	3 cups
Italian sausage (optional)	1 cup
Sliced mushrooms	1 cup
Green bell pepper	1 cup
Fresh basil leaves	½ cup
Crushed tomatoes	2 cups
Tomato paste	2 tbsp
Garlic cloves (minced)	2
Oregano	1 tsp
Red pepper flakes	½ tsp
Parmesan cheese (grated)	½ cup

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how I make my Chicago style deep dish pizza recipe. Follow along and you’ll have your own deep dish masterpiece in under 2 hours.

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

1. Mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
2. Add warm water and olive oil.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour.

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Step 2 — Prepare the Sauce

While the dough rises:

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

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Step 3 — Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll dough into a thick circle — enough to cover a deep-dish pizza pan (about 12 inches wide).
3. Press dough into the pan, creating a high edge for your toppings.
4. Layer mozzarella cheese evenly on the bottom — this creates a barrier so the crust doesn’t get soggy.
5. Add sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and any toppings of your choice.
6. Pour tomato sauce over the top.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

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Step 4 — Bake to Perfection

1. Place pizza in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

• Use a cast-iron skillet — it gives the crust a buttery crisp edge and cooks evenly.
• Don’t skimp on cheese — layer it generously for that ooey-gooey goodness.
• Cornmeal in the crust gives that authentic Chicago texture and flavor.
• Let the dough rest — patience pays off. The longer it rises, the more flavor and chewiness it develops.
• Customize toppings — deep dish is versatile. Try pepperoni, spinach, olives, or caramelized onions.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and let it come to room temperature before baking.

Q: Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
A: You can, but fresh tomato sauce with herbs will make your pizza taste authentically Italian.

Q: How do I prevent a soggy crust?
A: Layer cheese directly on the dough before adding toppings and sauce. This creates a moisture barrier.

Q: Can I freeze a deep dish pizza?
A: Yes — bake partially, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in the oven before serving.

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Final Thoughts

Making Chicago style deep dish pizza is more than just cooking — it’s a joyful process of layering love and flavors. The buttery crust, the melty mozzarella, the rich tomato sauce — all come together to create a dish that’s pure comfort and indulgence.

If you’ve never made this style of pizza at home, I promise this recipe will change the way you see pizza forever. It’s worth the time and effort, and the results will leave your family and friends asking for seconds.

So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and bring a slice of Chicago to your kitchen tonight.