Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Chicago-Style Pizza at Home
If you’ve ever visited Chicago, you know that deep dish pizza isn’t just food — it’s an experience. Imagine layers of gooey mozzarella, hearty tomato sauce, and rich toppings baked inside a thick, buttery crust that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside. Whether you’re craving comfort food for a weekend dinner or want to impress guests with a homemade masterpiece, this deep dish pizza recipe brings the famous Chicago pizzeria flavor right to your kitchen.
What Is Deep Dish Pizza?
Deep dish pizza originated in Chicago in the 1940s, believed to have been created at Pizzeria Uno. Unlike traditional thin crust pizzas, a deep dish pizza features a tall, buttery crust that’s baked in a deep pan. The layers are reversed — cheese first, then toppings, and finally a thick, chunky tomato sauce on top. This unique structure prevents the crust from becoming soggy during the longer bake time.
Think of it as the perfect mix between pizza and pie — rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
- 🧀 Cheesy Perfection: Melted mozzarella fills every bite.
- 🍅 Homemade Sauce: Fresh, garlicky tomato sauce adds authentic flavor.
- 🥖 Crispy Yet Buttery Crust: Perfectly golden and sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
- 👩🍳 Easy to Make at Home: Step-by-step instructions for beginners and pros alike.
- 🍽️ Customizable: Add your favorite meats, veggies, or keep it simple with cheese.
This homemade deep dish pizza recipe captures everything you love about Chicago-style pizza — minus the plane ticket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal (adds texture and flavor)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- ½ small onion, sliced
- 8–10 slices pepperoni (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, cornmeal, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Pour in melted butter and olive oil. Knead the dough for about 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Form into a ball, coat with a bit of oil, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
Pro Tip: For an even richer crust, refrigerate the dough overnight. The slow fermentation enhances both texture and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
- Set aside to cool slightly before layering on the pizza.
This thick sauce ensures your pizza doesn’t get soggy while adding that classic tangy Chicago flavor.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a 9-inch or 10-inch deep dish pan (a cast-iron skillet works beautifully).
- Roll out the dough into a large circle, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick, ensuring it’s wide enough to cover the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Gently press the dough into the pan, working it up the sides. Trim off any excess.
Step 4: Layer the Pizza (The Chicago Way)
The secret to a perfect deep dish pizza lies in the order of the layers:
- Cheese First: Line the bottom with mozzarella slices or shredded cheese. This forms a barrier to keep the crust crisp.
- Add the Meat and Veggies: Spread cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
- Pour on the Sauce: Spoon your thick tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly to cover everything.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor and a slightly golden crust.
Step 5: Bake Your Deep Dish Pizza
- Bake the pizza for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this helps the layers set beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Your kitchen will smell like a Chicago pizzeria — buttery crust, bubbling cheese, and that irresistible tomato aroma.
Tips for the Perfect Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess water from making the crust soggy.
- Don’t skip the cornmeal. It gives that signature texture and subtle sweetness.
- Cook your sausage first. Raw meat won’t fully cook during baking due to the thick layers.
- Rest before slicing. It helps all those delicious layers hold together.
- Use a heavy pan. Cast iron or a deep, nonstick cake pan distributes heat evenly for that perfect crispy edge.
Best Toppings for Deep Dish Pizza
While the classic version uses sausage, you can customize your deep dish pizza recipe however you like. Try these ideas:
- 🍄 Veggie Lover’s: Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, olives, onions.
- 🍗 Meat Lover’s: Sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ham.
- 🍅 Margherita Style: Fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil.
- 🌶️ Spicy Version: Jalapeños, hot Italian sausage, crushed red pepper.
The beauty of deep dish pizza is its versatility — you can load it up without worrying about it falling apart.
What to Serve with Deep Dish Pizza
Deep dish pizza is rich and filling, but the right sides make it a perfect meal. Try pairing it with:
- Garlic Breadsticks – for extra crunch.
- Simple Green Salad – to balance out the richness.
- Cold Beer or Soda – classic Chicago pairing.
- Tiramisu or Cheesecake – for a sweet finish.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep your deep dish pizza tasting fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it softens the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make deep dish pizza without a special pan?
Yes! A cast-iron skillet or a high-sided cake pan works great. Just make sure it’s oven-safe.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
You can, but homemade dough gives you that buttery, flaky crust traditional to Chicago-style pizza.
3. How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the meat and load up on vegetables — spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes are excellent choices.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge overnight or freeze it for up to a month. Thaw before using.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a deep dish pizza out of the oven — the golden crust, the bubbling sauce, and the layers of melted cheese are pure comfort food bliss. With this deep dish pizza recipe, you can recreate that authentic Chicago flavor right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weekend indulgence, one slice is guaranteed to impress.
So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of America’s most iconic dishes — homemade, hearty, and irresistibly delicious.
