Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicago-style deep dish pizza is everything you could want in a pizza—thick, cheesy, and loaded with a savory sauce. The buttery crust is crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and holds up beautifully to the generous layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings. The rich, aromatic tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella create a delightful contrast with the crunchy crust, making it the ultimate pizza experience. Whether you’re a pizza lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe will not disappoint!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough

3 ¼ cups (410g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (120ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
½ cup (120ml) warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings

3 cups (300g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound (450g) Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional)
½ cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, melted butter, and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan with butter or oil.
Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle, about 1 inch larger than your pan. Press the dough into the pan, making sure it comes up the sides.
Assemble the pizza: Start by layering mozzarella cheese on the dough, covering the entire base. Add your choice of toppings, such as Italian sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Pour the pizza sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Cool and serve: Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Chewy Crust: For an extra chewy crust, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat toppings and load up on vegetables like zucchini, olives, or spinach.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a kick.
Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, like provolone or cheddar, for a unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for even better flavor. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough will work, though homemade dough gives a better flavor and texture.

3. Can I freeze the deep dish pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the pizza either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for about 40 minutes.

4. What if I don’t have a deep-dish pan?

You can use a regular round or square pizza pan, though the crust may not be as thick. Just make sure to adjust the baking time.

5. How do I know when the pizza is done?

The crust should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be bubbling and slightly browned on top. You can also check the internal temperature of the pizza—it should be around 190°F (88°C).

6. Can I make the pizza sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using.

7. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to load up on cheese, especially if you love a cheesy pizza. Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but other cheeses like cheddar or gouda can add more flavor.

8. Can I skip the meat?

Yes, this recipe is easily customizable. Skip the sausage or pepperoni for a vegetarian pizza, or add more vegetables.

9. How thick should the crust be?

For a traditional deep dish pizza, the crust should be thick enough to hold all the toppings and sauce, but not too thick that it becomes hard to cut. Aim for about 1/2 to 1 inch thickness.

10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them down longer to achieve the desired thickness for the sauce.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza is the perfect combination of a crispy crust, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this homemade Chicago-style pizza will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. With its customizable toppings and hearty flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any pizza lover!