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classic-chicago-deep-dish-pizza-2026-03-04-104232-1

Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 205 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Experience the buttery, cornmeal-kissed crust and melty mozzarella of a true Chicago deep dish pizza, made at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 80 g (1/2 cup) fine yellow cornmeal
  • 7 g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 10 g (2 tsp) fine sea salt
  • 30 g (2 tbsp) granulated sugar
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) warm water
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk, room temperature
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
  • 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted (for coating pan)
  • 400 g (about 4 cups) low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
  • 200 g (7 oz) sliced pepperoni or other toppings
  • 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
  • 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil (for sauce)
  • 5 g (1 tsp) dried oregano
  • 5 g (1 tsp) dried basil
  • 5 g (1 tsp) kosher salt
  • 5 g (1 tsp) granulated sugar (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Mix and proof the dough: Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter; stir until shaggy.
  2. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or in a stand mixer for 6–7 minutes until smooth and tacky.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and let rise at room temperature for 60–90 minutes until doubled.
  4. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and generously butter a 9-inch deep-dish pan.
  5. Press dough into the pan, pushing up the sides, and chill for 15 minutes if too soft.
  6. Par-bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until firm and lightly colored. Cool for 5 minutes.
  7. Layer mozzarella evenly over crust and add toppings.
  8. Spoon seasoned crushed tomatoes over cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for 22–28 minutes.
  9. Let the pizza rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serve hot.

Notes

Par-bake the crust to avoid a soggy center. Pre-cook wet toppings to manage moisture.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg