🍕 Chicago Style Pizza Recipe: The Ultimate Deep Dish Delight
If you’ve ever visited the Windy City, you know that Chicago-style pizza is more than just a meal — it’s a full experience. With its buttery, flaky crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese, this Chicago style pizza recipe brings the heart of Illinois straight into your kitchen. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or trying it for the first time, you’re about to fall in love with this deep-dish masterpiece.
In this guide, we’ll walk through every step — from making the perfect buttery crust to layering your pizza like a true Chicagoan. Let’s dive in!
What Is Chicago Style Pizza?
Before we get into the recipe, it’s important to understand what sets Chicago-style pizza apart from other types. Unlike the thin, foldable slices of New York, this deep-dish pizza is thick, hearty, and baked in a round pan with tall sides.
The crust is buttery and crisp on the outside but soft inside — almost like a flaky pie dough. Then comes a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, savory toppings (like Italian sausage, pepperoni, or veggies), and finally, a chunky tomato sauce on top. That’s right — the sauce goes on top of the cheese!
Why You’ll Love This Chicago Style Pizza Recipe
- 🧀 Cheesy Perfection: Layers of melty mozzarella fill every bite.
- 🍅 Rich Tomato Sauce: Sweet and tangy with herbs and spices.
- 🧈 Buttery, Flaky Crust: The golden foundation that holds it all together.
- 🍕 Authentic Taste: Just like the deep dish you’d get at a classic Chicago pizzeria.
- 👩🍳 Homemade Magic: Fresh, wholesome ingredients you can control.
Ingredients for Chicago Style Pizza
This recipe makes one large 12-inch deep-dish pizza, perfect for 4–6 people.
🫓 For the Crust:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter (for that signature buttery texture)
🧀 For the Filling:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk for best melt)
- ½ pound Italian sausage (crumbled and cooked)
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍅 For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicago Style Pizza
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add flour, cornmeal, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until it starts to form a rough dough. Then add olive oil and melted butter.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan (or a cast iron skillet) generously with butter or oil.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large circle, about 14 inches in diameter.
Gently press the dough into your deep-dish pan, making sure it goes up the sides. Trim off any excess dough hanging over the edge.
Step 7: Layer Like a Chicagoan
Here’s where the magic happens — the layering!
- Start with a thick layer of mozzarella cheese directly on the crust.
- Add your cooked sausage, pepperoni, veggies, and other toppings.
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 9: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let your Chicago-style pizza rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese and sauce to settle, making those perfect deep-dish slices easier to handle.
Tips for the Perfect Chicago Style Pizza
- Use Whole Milk Mozzarella: It melts better and gives you that authentic stretch.
- Don’t Skip the Cornmeal: It adds that signature texture and flavor to the crust.
- Make the Sauce Thick: A watery sauce can make your pizza soggy.
- Try a Cast Iron Skillet: It helps create a crispy, golden crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Deep dish needs a few minutes to set after baking.
Variations to Try
1. Classic Sausage Deep Dish
Traditional Chicago pizza almost always features Italian sausage. Press the sausage directly onto the cheese layer before adding the sauce for that authentic flavor.
2. Veggie Lovers Deep Dish
Load your pizza with spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
3. Pepperoni Supreme
A fan favorite — add layers of pepperoni, black olives, and extra mozzarella.
4. Spinach and Ricotta Deep Dish
Mix ricotta with spinach and garlic, then layer it under the sauce for a creamy twist.
5. Mini Chicago-Style Pizzas
Make smaller, individual deep-dish pizzas using muffin tins or mini pans for parties or family dinners.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze slices individually wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and reheat for 10–15 minutes.
- Skillet: Heat on low with a lid for crispy crust and gooey cheese.
- Avoid the microwave — it can make the crust soggy.
What to Serve with Chicago Style Pizza
Chicago deep dish is rich and filling, so you’ll want lighter sides:
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic breadsticks or buttered corn on the cob
- Classic Caesar salad
- Cold beer or red wine for the full pizzeria vibe
FAQs About Chicago Style Pizza Recipe
Q1: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but it’ll make the crust chewier. For authentic texture, stick with all-purpose.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before baking.
Q3: Why is the sauce on top of the cheese?
This unique layering prevents the cheese from burning and keeps the crust crisp — one of the defining features of a true Chicago-style pizza.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a Chicago style pizza recipe from scratch. From kneading the buttery dough to layering the toppings and watching the cheese bubble up through that rich tomato sauce, it’s an experience that brings the essence of Chicago right to your kitchen.
So next time you crave pizza night, skip the takeout and bake your own deep-dish masterpiece. Your family and friends will thank you — and you’ll never look at regular pizza the same way again.
