Why You’ll Love this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Comfort food aficionados, gather ’round. This Chicago-style deep dish pizza isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience.
That buttery, cornmeal-enhanced crust climbing up the sides of your pan? It’s creating the perfect vessel for layers of gooey mozzarella, tangy tomatoes, and whatever toppings make your heart sing.
I’m particularly fond of how this recipe puts cheese on the bottom, a brilliant move that prevents a soggy crust.
The long bake time allows flavors to meld into something transcendent.
And can we talk about that moment when you slice in and the steam rises? Pure magic.
Hard to believe something this impressive comes from your home kitchen, isn’t it?
What Ingredients are in Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza?
Creating authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza at home starts with gathering the right ingredients. This iconic dish requires a few more components than your typical pizza, but trust me, the extra effort pays off in that first bite—when the buttery crust gives way to layers of cheese and toppings swimming in rich tomato sauce.
The beauty of deep dish is in its architecture, and each ingredient plays a structural role.
- 2 packages quick-rising yeast (1/4 ounce each)
- 2 cups tepid water (about 90°F)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (for dough)
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 5 1/2 cups flour
- 1/3 pound sliced mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups canned plum tomatoes, drained and crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the tomatoes and cheese. San Marzano tomatoes make a noticeable difference in flavor, and using sliced rather than shredded mozzarella creates those distinct melty layers Chicago pizza is known for.
Don’t skip the cornmeal—it’s what gives the crust that signature yellow tint and slight crunch. And while the recipe doesn’t specify, I always add a pinch of sugar to feed the yeast and a bit of salt to enhance the dough’s flavor.
How to Make this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Making authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza starts with preparing that signature rich dough. Begin by dissolving 2 packages of quick-rising yeast in 2 cups of tepid water (about 90°F) in your electric mixer bowl. A KitchenAid stand mixer works perfectly here—trust me, you’ll want the mechanical help with this dough.
Add 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 cup cornmeal, and 3 cups of the flour. Beat this mixture for a full 10 minutes. The long mixing time might seem excessive, but it’s developing those gluten strands that will give your pizza that chewy-yet-tender texture.
Next comes the heavy lifting—or rather, letting the machine do it for you. Switch to your dough hook attachment and gradually incorporate the remaining 2½ cups of flour. Let the mixer knead the dough for several minutes. This dough is particularly wet and rich, making it nearly impossible to knead by hand, so don’t skip the machine work. Using a premium stand mixer provides consistent, powerful kneading that ensures perfect dough texture every time.
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface (plastic works well to prevent sticking), cover with a large metal bowl, and let it rise until doubled in size. The process isn’t over yet—punch down the dough, let it rise again, then punch down a second time. This double-rise method creates those airy pockets in the crust that Chicago pizza lovers crave.
For assembly, generously oil your round cake pans or deep dish pizza pans. Work portions of dough into each pan, pushing it out to the edges with your fingertips. The key here is extending the dough all the way up the sides of the pan, creating a bowl-like structure about 1/8-inch thick.
Layer 1/3 pound of sliced mozzarella (not shredded!) directly on the dough, followed by 2 cups of drained, crushed plum tomatoes. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon each of basil and oregano, 2 crushed garlic cloves, and any additional toppings you desire. Finish with 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and a generous drizzle of 3 tablespoons olive oil.
Bake in a scorching 475°F oven for 35-40 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly and caramelized. The wait is torture, but your patience will be rewarded with authentic deep dish perfection.
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Substitutions and Variations
While traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizza follows a specific formula, the beauty of homemade pizza lies in its adaptability to your personal taste preferences.
I’m all for getting creative with toppings—Italian sausage (hot or mild), thinly sliced onions, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, or even ham can transform your pie.
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping mozzarella for provolone, or mix in some fontina for extra creaminess.
Can’t handle wheat? A gluten-free crust works too, though the texture will differ slightly.
What to Serve with Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Since Chicago-style deep dish pizza delivers such a hearty, robust meal experience, I like to balance it with lighter side dishes that won’t compete with its rich flavors.
A crisp, tangy Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the pizza’s cheesy indulgence perfectly.
For beverages, nothing beats an ice-cold craft beer—maybe a hoppy IPA or malty amber ale. Not a beer person? A medium-bodied red wine works wonderfully too.
And dessert? Keep it simple. A scoop of vanilla gelato or fresh berries with whipped cream provides just enough sweetness without overwhelming your already-satisfied taste buds.
Final Thoughts
Chicago-style deep dish pizza deserves a special place in your cooking repertoire.
It’s comfort food at its finest—that thick, buttery crust cradling layers of gooey cheese and tangy tomato sauce.
While it takes a bit more effort than your standard pizza, the results are absolutely worth it.
Trust me, once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find yourself craving that distinctive cornmeal-enhanced crust and those caramelized edges.
The beauty of deep dish is how it becomes a canvas for your creativity.
Vegetarian or meat lover, you can customize to your heart’s content.
For a completely different comfort food experience, try a classic hearty meatloaf made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and vegetables for another satisfying homemade meal.
Or consider making a delicious Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy for a family-friendly dinner that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
Ready to embrace your inner Chicago pizzaiolo?
