Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Deep dish pizza, a beloved staple from Chicago, offers a mouthwatering combination of rich flavors and textures. With its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, savory Italian sausage, and a robust tomato sauce, this pizza variant is a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner, deep dish pizza is a crowd-pleaser that promises to deliver a comforting and delicious dining experience.

Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Ingredients (for 8 servings):

For the Pizza:

• ½ lb Italian sausage (225 g)
• 10 slices mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (55 g)

For the Dough:

• 1 ¼ cups water (300 mL), warm
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 3 ¼ cups flour (405 g)
• ¾ cup cornmeal (105 g)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 30 oz crushed tomatoes with basil (795 g), 1 can

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Sauté until the onion is golden brown.
3. Stir in the garlic, sugar, and crushed tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it thickens. Set aside.

2. Make the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for one minute to activate the yeast.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until it forms a smooth ball.
5. Place the dough in a large bowl drizzled with olive oil, turning it to coat in the oil. Cover and let rest for 1 hour.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (215°C).
2. After the dough has rested, transfer it to a floured surface. Cut the dough in half and roll out one half until it is at least 2 inches (5 cm) wider than your deep dish pan.
3. Oil and flour your deep dish pan. Place the rolled dough into the pan, pressing it into the sides and bottom to make an even crust.
4. Lay slices of mozzarella cheese across the bottom of the dough.
5. Crumble the uncased Italian sausage and distribute it evenly over the cheese.
6. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the sausage.

4. Bake and Serve:

1. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust starts to lightly brown and the cheese is melted.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Creating a homemade deep dish pizza is a labor of love that pays off in rich, satisfying flavors and textures. From the crisp, buttery crust to the melted cheese and savory toppings, each bite is a delight. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this deep dish pizza recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of making it and the delicious results that follow.