🍕 Chicago Style Pizza Recipe – Deep-Dish Heaven from My Kitchen
Okay, let’s get serious for a minute. We’re not just making pizza here — we’re building a skyscraper of cheesy, saucy, buttery glory. This Chicago style pizza recipe? It’s thick. It’s unapologetically bold. And it’s the kind of pizza that makes you close your eyes after that first bite and go: “Mmm… yeah, this is the real deal.”
You know me — I’ve got a love affair with all kinds of pizza. But this one? This one’s my deep-dish soulmate. After years of tweaking, testing, and baking until midnight (with flour in my hair and cheese on my socks), I’ve finally nailed the version I’ll proudly serve to anyone who says, “I miss that Chicago pizza.”
So tie up your apron, crank up some jazz, and let’s make pizza magic. This isn’t fast food. This is slow, savory, soul-hugging food. Let’s go deep. 🧈🧀🍅
🧾 Ingredients That Matter (For One 9-Inch Deep Dish Pizza)
📍 For That Legendary Crust:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups (280g) |
| Cornmeal | 1/2 cup (60g) |
| Instant yeast | 1 tsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Warm water | 3/4 cup (180ml) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Melted butter (for dough) | 2 tbsp |
| Soft butter (for layering) | 2 tbsp |
📍 For the Fillings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Mozzarella (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Sausage or pepperoni (optional) | 1 to 1.5 cups |
| Sautéed veggies (bell pepper, onion, mushroom) | 1 cup total |
📍 For the Sauce (aka the crown jewel):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Crushed tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14–15 oz) |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Basil | 1 tsp |
| Chili flakes (optional) | A pinch |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Grated Parmesan | 2 tbsp |
🔥 Let’s Make Some Deep-Dish Magic
✅ Step 1: Dough, baby!
Start with the yeast. Warm water, sugar, yeast — mix it and let it sit 5 minutes. It should get foamy like a cappuccino. That’s when you know it’s alive.
Add in flour, cornmeal, salt, melted butter, olive oil. Mix and knead till the dough feels soft but not sticky. Grease a bowl, toss the dough in, cover it with love (or plastic wrap) and let it rise for 45–60 mins.
✅ Step 2: Sauce simmered with soul
In a hot pan, toss in the olive oil and garlic. Let it dance for 30 seconds. Then add tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, chili flakes. Let it simmer low and slow for 20–25 mins till thick and rich.
✅ Step 3: Roll & butter that dough
Roll out your risen dough into a thick circle — big enough to go up the sides of your pan. Butter the inside of your pan, then press that dough in. Spread softened butter inside the crust (this trick? Total game-changer).
✅ Step 4: It’s all about layers
- Cheese goes first – yes, UNDER the sauce! Mozzarella all over that base.
- Add toppings – sausage, veggies, whatever your heart desires (pre-cooked!).
- Sauce on top – spread it like a blanket.
- Sprinkle Parmesan – give it that golden kiss.
✅ Step 5: Bake like a boss
Oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake 25–30 mins till crust is golden and the top’s bubbling like lava. Let it sit 10–15 mins before slicing (I know it’s hard, but trust me).
💡 My Deep-Dish Tips (Learned the Delicious Way)
- Cornmeal is NOT optional – it gives that classic texture and taste.
- Low-moisture mozzarella = no soggy bottoms.
- Par-cook toppings. Don’t toss in raw veggies. Sauté them first.
- Butter inside the crust = rich, golden, crispy edges. Game. Changer.
- Let it rest. Slice it too early and your masterpiece turns into a cheesy puddle.
❓ Real FAQs from Fellow Pizza Addicts
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Heck yes. Pop it in the fridge overnight. Just bring to room temp before rolling.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions, bell peppers — go wild.
Can I freeze it?
Totally. Freeze baked slices, then reheat in a hot oven. Crispy, melty, just like new.
Why is the sauce on top?
Because this is Chicago, baby. Cheese protects the crust, sauce goes on top. That’s the law.
Do I need a special pan?
Not really. A deep cake pan or cast iron skillet works beautifully.
❤️ Final Words: This Pizza? It’s a Mood
This isn’t your “I’ll eat it in the car” kind of pizza. This is sit down, pour a glass of wine, take your time kind of pizza. It’s hearty. It’s indulgent. It’s messy in the best way.
It’s the kind of pizza that says, “You made something amazing.”
So whether you’re cooking for your friends, your family, or just you and Netflix — give this Chicago style pizza recipe a go. And don’t forget to tag me in your cheese-pull shots. I live for those.
Now go — make that crust golden, layer that cheese, and let your oven do the rest. 🍕🧡
See Also: Quick Pizza Base Recipe – Dough Ready in 30 Minutes!
