How to Make Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Introduction

Craving that iconic, cheesy, saucy goodness of a Chicago-style deep dish pizza? Forget the plane ticket – you can recreate this Windy City classic right in your own kitchen! This guide will walk you through each step, from crafting the buttery crust to layering the toppings just right. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a homemade deep dish pizza experience that rivals the best pizzerias in Chicago.

Making the Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Preparing the Crust

The crust is the foundation of any great deep dish pizza. It’s thicker and more buttery than a typical pizza crust, providing the perfect vessel for all those delicious toppings. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: You’ll need all-purpose flour, semolina flour (for added texture), corn oil (the secret to that tender crumb!), butter, salt, sugar, active dry yeast, and warm water.
• Mixing the Dough: Combine the flours, salt, and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Then, add the water and the oil to the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Kneading: Knead the dough by hand for 5-7 minutes, or in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 3-4 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
• First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Second Rise (in the pan): Punch down the dough and divide it in half (for two pizzas) or use the entire portion for one large pizza. Press the dough into a well-oiled 9-inch or 12-inch deep dish pan, pressing it up the sides to create a high crust. Let it rest for another 30 minutes in the pan before adding toppings. This second rise in the pan is crucial for achieving the signature deep dish texture.

Assembling the Pizza

The layering process is key to creating a true Chicago deep dish. It’s the reverse of what you might expect!

1. Cheese First: Start with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, covering the entire bottom of the crust. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results.
2. Toppings: Add your desired toppings on top of the cheese. Popular choices include Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled), pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and black olives. Be generous with the toppings!
3. Sauce Last: Pour a thick, chunky tomato sauce over the toppings. Use a good quality canned crushed tomatoes and season it generously with oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Ensure the sauce covers all the toppings, leaving a small exposed edge of crust.

Baking the Pizza

Baking time is longer than a regular pizza due to the deep dish and abundance of toppings.

• Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Baking Time: Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the crust; if it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
• Rest and Serve: Let the pizza cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly, making it easier to cut and prevent a soupy mess.

Tips for the Perfect Deep Dish

• Don’t Skimp on the Oil: Corn oil is crucial for that signature texture.
• Use High-Sided Pan: A true deep dish pan is a must.
• Pre-Cook Sausage: Always cook your sausage before adding it to the pizza.
• Quality Ingredients: Using good quality ingredients will make a big difference in the overall taste.

Conclusion

Making Chicago-style deep dish pizza at home might seem daunting, but with this guide, you’ll be serving up slices of Windy City heaven in no time! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and find your perfect combination. Enjoy!