If you’ve ever craved the rich, gooey, and flavorful magic of a classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, this recipe is for you! With a buttery crust, layers of cheese, savory toppings, and tangy tomato sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I found this incredible recipe on 1st Recipes and couldn’t wait to recreate it. Now, I’m excited to share it with you!

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Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Chicago-style pizza is not just a meal—it’s an experience. This deep-dish variation is distinguished by its thick crust that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired with generous layers of melted cheese, flavorful toppings, and a robust tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special treat, this homemade version rivals anything you’ll find in the Windy City!

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Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup melted butter (plus extra for greasing)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pizza:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast.
   • Gradually add warm water and melted butter, mixing until the dough forms a ball.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with butter.
   • Roll out the dough into a large circle and press it into the pan, ensuring the edges are pressed up the sides.
   • Layer the mozzarella cheese evenly over the crust, followed by the cooked sausage and pepperoni.
   • Pour the prepared sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake:
   • Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
   • Let the pizza cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

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Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 6-8
• Calories: 480 kcal per slice
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

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Tips for the Perfect Deep-Dish Pizza:

• Flaky Crust: Add a little extra butter to the dough for an even richer flavor.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with veggies, mushrooms, or your favorite meats to make it your own.
• Make-Ahead Sauce: The tomato sauce can be prepared a day ahead for deeper flavors.
• Crispier Bottom: Sprinkle a little cornmeal in the pan before adding the dough for a textured crust.

This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza brings the iconic flavors of the Windy City straight to your kitchen. It’s rich, indulgent, and totally worth the effort. Try it out and check out 1st Recipes for even more delicious ideas!