Chicago-style deep dish pizza is the ultimate comfort food—a buttery, golden crust layered with gooey mozzarella cheese, hearty tomato sauce, and savory toppings. This iconic pizza stands out for its thick, pie-like structure and bold flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Unlike traditional pizzas, this version is all about indulgence, featuring a rich, flaky dough and a generous amount of cheese and sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying it for the first time, this step-by-step recipe will guide you to creating the perfect homemade deep dish pizza.
Let’s dive in and master this irresistible classic!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure and elasticity needed for the dough.
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal – Adds a signature crunch and subtle flavor.
- 1½ teaspoons salt – Enhances the overall taste.
- 2 teaspoons sugar – Balances the flavors and activates the yeast.
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast – Helps the dough rise to perfection.
- 1¼ cups water, room temperature – Ensures proper hydration for a smooth dough.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness to the dough.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – Used for laminating the dough for extra flakiness.
- 1 teaspoon + 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided – Prevents sticking and ensures a golden crust.
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Gives the sauce a rich depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup grated onion – Adds sweetness and a savory base.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano – Enhances the classic Italian flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Seasons the sauce perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Adds a fragrant kick.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes – Provides the sauce’s rich, robust base.
- ¼ teaspoon sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Brings everything together and adds shine.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Adjusted to taste for depth.
For the Toppings
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 4 cups) – Provides a gooey, cheesy layer.
- (Optional) Pepperoni or other toppings – Customize with your favorite meats or veggies.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add the water and melted butter, then mix on low speed using a dough hook for 1-2 minutes. If mixing by hand, use a spatula to combine, then knead the dough.
- Knead on medium speed (or by hand) for 4-5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, glossy, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
2. First Rise
- Coat a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce
- While the dough rises, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the grated onion, oregano, and salt. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes until the onion turns golden and the liquid evaporates.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until thickened, about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil, olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Laminate the Dough
- Turn the risen dough onto a clean surface and roll it into a 15x12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Roll the dough tightly from the short end into a cylinder. Flatten it into an 18x4-inch rectangle.
- Cut the dough in half and fold each half into thirds, like folding a letter. Pinch the seams to form two balls of dough.
- Place the dough balls back into the oiled bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 40-50 minutes until nearly doubled.
5. Preheat and Prepare the Pans
- Adjust your oven rack to the lower position and preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with 2 tablespoons of olive oil each.
6. Shape the Dough
- Roll out one dough ball into a 13-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a cake pan by rolling it around a rolling pin and unrolling it into the pan.
- Lightly press the dough into the corners and 1-inch up the sides of the pan. If it resists, let it relax for a few minutes before retrying. Repeat for the second dough ball.
7. Assemble and Bake
- For each pizza, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. (Add any optional toppings like pepperoni or veggies now.)
- Spread 1¼ cups of the prepared sauce evenly over the cheese and toppings.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the sauce for a finishing touch.
- Bake the pizzas for 20-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve
- Allow the pizzas to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set perfectly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Deep Dish Pizza
- Don’t rush the dough rise – A good rise ensures a fluffy yet sturdy crust.
- Use high-quality mozzarella – For that classic gooey cheese pull, choose fresh or low-moisture mozzarella.
- Spread butter during lamination – Laminating the dough with butter creates a light, flaky texture that sets deep dish pizza apart.
- Rest before slicing – Letting the pizza cool ensures cleaner slices and allows the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza with:
- A crisp Caesar salad for balance.
- A side of garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
- A glass of robust red wine like a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a game-changer, combining a crispy, buttery crust with layers of melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite toppings. It’s a restaurant-quality pizza made entirely from scratch, perfect for impressing friends and family.
The step-by-step process ensures foolproof results every time, and the customizable toppings let you make it your own. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a household favorite.
Make this deep dish pizza today and savor the ultimate homemade comfort food experience! 🍕