Best Easy Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe

Chicago deep-dish pizza with its thick, buttery crust, layers of mozzarella, and chunky tomato sauce is a Windy City family icon. This hearty, protein-rich pizza is a meal unto itself.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 455 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 3 cups
  • cornmeal 0.5 cup
  • instant yeast 2.25 tsp
  • unsalted butter 0.5 cup
  • olive oil 0.25 cup
  • mozzarella cheese, shredded 3 cups
  • Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled 12 oz
  • Parmesan cheese, grated 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • garlic, minced 2 cloves
  • dried oregano 2 tsp
  • dried basil 1 tsp
  • salt 1.25 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • sugar 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 44 g 39%
Protein 21 g 19%
Fat 20 g 42%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Combine flour, cornmeal, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Add melted butter and olive oil, then slowly incorporate warm water to form a dough. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

  2. 2

    Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

  3. 3

    Press dough into a well-buttered 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan, stretching up the sides 2 inches high. Let rest for 15 minutes while you preheat oven to 425°F.

  4. 4

    Layer mozzarella cheese evenly over the crust, followed by cooked Italian sausage and grated Parmesan cheese.

  5. 5

    Mix crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spoon sauce over the toppings without flooding—leave a ½ inch border.

  6. 6

    Bake pizza for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles. If the crust browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through. Cool 10 minutes before slicing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredients that define Chicago deep-dish pizza are the thick, buttery crust (made from all-purpose flour, cornmeal, butter, and olive oil), layers of mozzarella cheese, and the chunky tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, and basil. Together, they create the signature hearty flavor and texture of this classic Windy City dish.
Q. What heat and timing tips ensure the crust cooks perfectly?
To achieve the signature crisp yet tender crust, bake at 425°F for 30–35 minutes. Let the dough rise for a full hour to develop flavor and stretch it up the pan's sides. If the crust browns too fast, cover with foil mid-bake to prevent over-drying.
Q. How do I prevent a soggy base or overcooked toppings?
Always layer mozzarella cheese directly over the dough followed by meats and sauce. This protects the crust from excess moisture in the tomato sauce. Let sauce rest on top without flooding to control moisture and avoid undercooked or soggy slices. Cooling the pizza after baking further helps set the structure for clean slices.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving contain?
Each serving delivers approximately 455 kcal with 21g of protein. The protein ratio is 19%, making this pizza relatively high in protein and ideal for hearty, well-balanced meals.
Q. What is the carbohydrate-to-protein ratio for this pizza?
Each serving provides 44g carbohydrates and 21g protein. Carbohydrates make up 39% of calories, while protein accounts for 19%. The nutritional balance offers a satisfying meal with both energy and protein.
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