deep dish pizza recipe

The Best deep dish pizza recipe

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

4.6 from 766 votes

A rich and hearty deep dish pizza with a thick buttery crust, layered with gooey cheese, savory sausage, and chunky tomato sauce. Perfect for pizza lovers who crave a filling, indulgent meal.

🖨️ Print Recipe📌 Pin Recipe❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time1 hour 10 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/4 cup olive oil

For the Filling

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Layer

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2
   Add flour, cornmeal, salt, melted butter, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms (use a stand mixer with a dough hook if available).
3. 3
   Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or springform pan with olive oil.
5. 5
   Press the dough into the pan, covering the bottom and sides (about 1/2 inch thick). Let it rest for 10 minutes.
6. 6
   Make the filling: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
7. 7
   In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix with the cooked sausage.
8. 8
   Make the sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
9. 9
   Assemble the pizza: Layer half the mozzarella cheese on the dough, followed by the sausage mixture, then the remaining mozzarella. Pour the sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan.
10. 10
    Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or springform pan
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 30g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 950mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of garlic oil before serving. If using a springform pan, place it on a baking sheet to catch any leaks. For a crispier crust, bake the dough alone for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

1. What makes deep dish pizza different from regular pizza?

Deep dish pizza, also known as Chicago-style pizza, has a thick, buttery crust that lines a deep pan, creating a pie-like structure. Unlike thin-crust or Neapolitan pizza, the toppings are layered in reverse—cheese first, then toppings, and finally the sauce on top. This prevents the crust from getting soggy and gives it a hearty, casserole-like texture.

2. Can I use a regular pizza pan for deep dish pizza?

While you can use a standard pizza pan in a pinch, it’s not ideal. Deep dish pizza requires a deep, round pan (typically 2–3 inches deep) to achieve its signature thick crust and layered toppings. A cast-iron skillet or a dedicated deep dish pizza pan works best for even baking and a crispy, golden crust.

3. Do I need to pre-bake the crust before adding toppings?

Yes! Pre-baking the crust (also called “blind baking”) for about 10–15 minutes before adding toppings helps prevent a soggy bottom. This step ensures the crust stays crispy and sturdy enough to hold the generous layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce.

4. What type of cheese works best for deep dish pizza?

Mozzarella is the most common choice, but deep dish pizza often uses a mix of cheeses for better flavor and melt. Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal to avoid excess liquid, while shredded cheddar, provolone, or even Parmesan can add depth. Avoid fresh mozzarella, as it releases too much water.

5. How long should I bake a deep dish pizza, and at what temperature?

Bake deep dish pizza at a high temperature—usually 425°F (220°C)—for 25–35 minutes, depending on the pan size and toppings. The crust should be golden brown, the cheese bubbly, and the sauce slightly caramelized. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to avoid a runny filling.