The Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe: Chicago-Style Deliciousness in Your Home

Ever tasted a deep-dish pizza that makes you close your eyes with pleasure? This recipe, perfected over years of testing, delivers that exact experience. The perfect buttery crust, gooey cheese layer, and chunky tomato sauce create a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret technique.

I’ve spent years perfecting this deep-dish pizza recipe, testing countless variations until I found the magical combination. The secret? A splash of cornmeal in the dough that transforms this classic Chicago-style dish into something extraordinary. Trust me, this will become your new go-to recipe for impressive weekend dinners!

Recipe Overview

⏱️ Total time: 90 minutes
🔪 Prep time: 30 minutes
🍳 Cook time: 40 minutes
👥 Servings: 8 people
🔥 Difficulty: Moderate
💰 Cost: Budget-friendly

What Our Readers Are Saying

“I’ve made this deep-dish pizza recipe 5 times now and it’s always a hit! My family requests it weekly. Louisa’s instructions are so clear and the results are restaurant-quality every time.”
— Jennifer from Michigan

“As a Chicago native, I was skeptical about making authentic deep-dish pizza at home, but this recipe nailed it! The buttery crust and layering technique are spot on!”
— Mike from Illinois

Contents

• Why you’ll love this recipe
• Ingredients you’ll need
• Step-by-step instructions
• Pro tips for best results
• Best ways to serve
• Nutritional information
• Storage and leftovers
• Frequently asked questions

Why You’ll Love This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

✅ Quick and easy – The best way to make deep-dish pizza at home in just 90 minutes! Perfect for weekend family dinners!

✅ Family-approved – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this authentic Chicago-style pizza recipe!

✅ Foolproof results – Follow my simple method for perfect deep-dish pizza every single time!

✅ Versatile recipe – Easily customizable with ingredients you already have in your pantry!

✅ Budget-friendly – Save money with this homemade deep-dish pizza that tastes better than restaurant quality!

Ready in just 90 minutes! This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. With Louisa’s detailed tips below, you’ll get professional results from the very first try.

Ingredients for Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

For the Crust:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Must-have ingredients for Deep-Dish Pizza:

Quality ingredients: For the best deep-dish pizza, always use fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, as they significantly affect the final flavor. However, if you can’t find premium quality, a standard version will still produce good results.

Best spices for deep-dish pizza: The perfect blend includes oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that authentic Chicago flavor.

Dietary alternatives: For gluten-free deep-dish pizza, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make a dairy-free version by replacing mozzarella with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.

How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie – Step by Step

Preparing the Dough

Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active!

Step 2
Mix in 1 cup of flour, cornmeal, salt, and oil. Stir until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms. The cornmeal gives that distinctive Chicago-style texture – don’t skip it!

🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Use lukewarm water (around 110°F) for activating yeast – too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it properly!

Step 2: Adding cornmeal to the dough gives authentic Chicago-style texture

Kneading and Rising

Step 3
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, turn to coat, and cover. Let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size!

Step 4
While the dough rises, prepare your sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally!

🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Don’t rush the sauce simmering time – this concentrates the flavors for an incredible taste boost that will make everyone ask for your secret!

Assembling the Pizza

Step 5
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a circle about 3 inches larger than your deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet (12-14 inches is ideal).

Step 6
Brush the pan with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan and press it up the sides, creating a 1-inch rim. Brush the dough with remaining melted butter for that signature rich flavor!

Step 7
Layer the sliced mozzarella on the bottom of the crust. This unique layering is critical – cheese first, then toppings, then sauce on top – the opposite of traditional pizza!

Step 8
Add your toppings – sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and garlic – over the cheese layer. Drizzle with olive oil for flavor enhancement.

Step 9
Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for the finishing touch!

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Pro Tips for the Best Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

🌡️ Perfect temperature – The secret to amazing deep-dish pizza is baking at exactly 425°F. Too hot and it burns before cooking through; too cool and it won’t get that gorgeous golden crust.

⏱️ Timing is everything – Can I prepare the dough ahead? Absolutely! Make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if using cold dough.

👁️ Visual doneness test – What makes deep-dish pizza extra special? Look for a golden-brown crust edge and slightly bubbling sauce – that’s when you know it’s perfectly done!

🔪 Quick flavor variations – Transform this recipe by adding: 1) pepperoni slices, 2) roasted red peppers, or 3) fresh spinach for an exciting twist!

🥣 Quality ingredients hack – Can’t find San Marzano tomatoes? Use regular crushed tomatoes with a splash of balsamic vinegar to recreate that signature flavor profile.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mistake: Putting sauce directly on the dough – Solution: Instead, layer cheese first to prevent soggy crust
• Mistake: Rushing the dough rising time – Solution: Rather, allow full rise for proper texture
• Mistake: Overloading with toppings – Solution: To prevent soggy pizza, use a moderate amount of well-drained toppings

Best Ways to Serve Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

The best way to serve deep-dish pizza is hot from the oven after a 5-minute rest, with a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top. This showcases the incredible flavors and textures at their peak!

Perfect pairings:

• Side dishes: Serve alongside garlic bread, Caesar salad, or fresh antipasto for a complete meal
• Drinks: This pairs beautifully with a robust red wine or craft beer to complement the rich flavors
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or gameday feasts

Serving suggestion: Deep-Dish Pizza with fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	385 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fat	17 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	890 mg

Approximate values per slice. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized information.

Dietary adaptations

• Low-carb version available! Replace regular dough with cauliflower crust, bringing the total down to just 18 g of carbs per serving.
• High-protein option: Add grilled chicken to boost protein content to 25 g per serving – perfect for fitness enthusiasts!
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust – works beautifully!

Storage & Leftovers

🧊 How to store Deep-Dish Pizza Pie leftovers?

After preparing this dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before doing so, make sure it has cooled completely to prevent condensation that could make it soggy.

❄️ Can I freeze Deep-Dish Pizza Pie?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. First, divide into individual portions for easier thawing. Then, wrap well in plastic wrap and subsequently in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Finally, freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

♨️ What’s the best way to reheat Deep-Dish Pizza Pie?

For that fresh-made taste, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This method preserves the moisture and texture. However, avoid microwaving because it can make your deep-dish pizza soggy and ruin the crisp crust.

4 FAQs About Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

Can I freeze Deep-Dish Pizza Pie?

Absolutely! You can freeze deep-dish pizza for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Just make sure it’s completely cooled first. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage in this recipe?

Don’t worry if you’re missing Italian sausage! You can easily use ground beef, cooked bacon, or plant-based meat alternatives instead. Just adjust the seasoning slightly by adding 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds to maintain the perfect flavor balance in your deep-dish pizza.

Can I make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie ahead of time for a party?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish! Prepare everything up to step 6, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When your guests arrive, just finish the final assembly steps and bake. This actually allows the flavors to develop even more for an extra-tasty deep-dish pizza!

Is this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie kid-friendly?

Kids absolutely love this deep-dish pizza! If you’re cooking for little ones with more sensitive palates, simply reduce the crushed red pepper flakes to a pinch or omit entirely and they’ll still clean their plates. My 9-year-old nephew asks for this dish every time he visits!

Have You Tried This Recipe?

If you’ve made this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie, I’d LOVE to see your creation! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @LouisaJannet with the hashtag #DeepDishDelights so I can feature your masterpiece!

Rate This Recipe

★★★★★ from 38 votes

Ready to Make the Best Deep-Dish Pizza Ever?

There you have it – all my secrets for making the perfect deep-dish pizza that will have everyone asking for your recipe! This dish truly brings together incredible flavors with minimal effort – the ideal combination for both special occasions and weekend family dinners.

Don’t forget to let me know in the comments when you try this recipe! What did your family think? Did you add your own special twist? I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!

Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade deep-dish pizza!

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