Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that takes you straight to the heart of Chicago. With its thick, buttery crust, generous layers of cheese, and rich, tangy tomato sauce, this pizza is a feast for the senses. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that captures the essence of comfort food.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup sliced olives
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe yields 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and cooking time is about 45 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 400 calories, 20g fat, 35g carbs, and 15g protein. This nutritional information is based on one slice from the entire pizza.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Stir in melted butter and warm water until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Roll out the dough to fit a deep dish pizza pan, pressing it up the sides.
7. Layer the bottom with mozzarella cheese.
8. Add cooked sausage, olives, and diced tomatoes.
9. Sprinkle with oregano and additional cheese if desired.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option. Additionally, use any preferred vegetables or meat toppings, such as bell peppers or pepperoni, to customize your pizza.

Serving and Pairings

Deep dish pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. For drinks, consider a light beer or a crisp iced tea to balance the richness of the pizza.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover deep dish pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Cooking Mistakes

• Not letting the dough rise long enough can lead to a dense crust.
• Using too much flour while kneading may make the dough tough.
• Overloading with toppings can cause the pizza to cook unevenly.
• Not preheating the oven can result in a soggy base.
• Forgetting to grease the pan may lead to sticking.

Helpful Tips

• Use a deep dish pan for the best results.
• Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
• Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
• Do not skip the layer of cheese at the bottom to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

What is deep dish pizza?

Deep dish pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Chicago, characterized by its thick crust that forms a deep dish, allowing for a hearty filling of cheese, toppings, and sauce.

How long does it take to make deep dish pizza?

The total time for making deep dish pizza is about 1.5 to 2 hours, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for later use.

What toppings can I use?

You can use a variety of toppings, including vegetables, meats, and different cheeses. Just be mindful of the moisture content to avoid a soggy crust.

Is deep dish pizza gluten-free?

Traditional deep dish pizza is not gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free flour and ingredients to make a suitable alternative.

Conclusion

Deep dish pizza is a delightful dish that combines comfort with creativity. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this pizza will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Enjoy every bite of this hearty classic!

Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza is a hearty and flavorful Chicago classic, featuring a thick, buttery crust loaded with cheese, savory toppings, and rich tomato sauce.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: deep dish pizza, Chicago pizza, comfort food

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup sliced olives
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast.
• Stir in melted butter and warm water until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Roll out the dough to fit a deep dish pizza pan, pressing it up the sides.
• Layer the bottom with mozzarella cheese.
• Add cooked sausage, olives, and diced tomatoes.
• Sprinkle with oregano and additional cheese if desired.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g