Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
My family always orders Chicago Dips pizza on the weekends. Chicago Dips pizza isn’t your average pizza. Instead of a thin, flat crust, this pizza is baked in a deep pan, giving it long, thick edges that accommodate a variety of toppings. The crust is buttery and crispy, almost like a pie crust, and its toppings are inverted compared to regular pizza. First comes the crust, then the cheese, then toppings like sausage or vegetables, and finally, a rich, creamy tomato sauce on top. These unique toppings prevent the crust from getting soggy and make every bite bursting with flavor.

It’s more like a delicious pizza pie that feels more like a hearty meal than a quick snack. If you love pizza but are craving something different a little thicker, cheesier version this dish will satisfy you.
Try Chicago Dips Pizza
Try Chicago Dips pizza at least once in your life because it’s unlike any other pizza you’ve ever had. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or even cozy evenings at home.At first, making it from scratch can feel overwhelming, but it’s surprisingly easy. With the right pan, a little patience, and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up restaurant quality pizza in your own kitchen.
Even better, feel free to customize it to your taste.. Add your favorite cheeses, meats, or vegetables and make it special. It’s fun to make, and the results are so satisfying that one slice can fill an entire meal.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil plus extra for greasing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage cooked and crumbled
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms optional
- 2 ½ cups crushed tomatoes canned is fine
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Step One
The first thing you need to do: Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornflour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix until the dough is smooth. Knead it on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until smooth. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step Two
Now, let’s start preparing the sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and cook until soft. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt to taste.
Step Three
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Then, shape the dough: After the dough has risen, press it down and spread it into a large circle. Grease a deep pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with oil. Press the dough into the pan, making sure it reaches the sides to form a long edge.
Step Four
Now, arrange the pizza in layers: Start with the mozzarella cheese on the bottom this keeps the crust crispy. Add the sausage, mushrooms, and any other toppings you like. Pour the tomato sauce over everything and spread evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
Step Five
Now, it’s time to bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Finally, chill and serve: Let the pizza cool for 10 minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set. Serve hot and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
Before starting, make sure you have the following items:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
- Saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Oven mitts
Tips for Making the Best Deep Dish Pizza
Use cornmeal in the dough for that authentic Chicago flavor.
Always put the cheese under the sauce to prevent sogginess.
Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Don’t overload with too many wet toppingsn drain vegetables before adding.
Serving Suggestion
Honestly, I like to serve this pizza with a side salad or some refreshing drinks like fruit juice or a refreshing drink. And as soon as we finish eating this pizza, we always eat some desserts like cake or Pie.

Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chicago-style deep dish pizza different from regular pizza ?
Chicago-style pizza has a tall, buttery crust baked in a deep pan. The cheese goes on first, then toppings, and the tomato sauce is on top.
Do I need cornmeal for the crust ?
Cornmeal adds texture and flavor, but you can skip it if you don’t have any. The crust will still turn out tasty.
Can I make this pizza without yeast ?
Traditional deep dish needs yeast for the texture, but you could make a no-yeast dough it will be more like a biscuit crust.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ?
Yes, but be sure to cook them down until thick. Fresh tomatoes can make the sauce watery.
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American, Chicago-StyleDifficulty: Medium4
servings45
minutes35
minutes700
kcalA rich, thick, and cheesy pizza with a buttery crust, hearty toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce, baked in a deep pan for a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water
¼ cup olive oil plus extra for greasing
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 pound Italian sausage cooked and crumbled
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups sliced mushrooms optional
2 ½ cups crushed tomatoes canned is fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- The first thing you need to do: Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornflour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix until the dough is smooth. Knead it on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until smooth. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Now, let's start preparing the sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and cook until soft. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt to taste.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Then, shape the dough: After the dough has risen, press it down and spread it into a large circle. Grease a deep pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with oil. Press the dough into the pan, making sure it reaches the sides to form a long edge.
- Now, arrange the pizza in layers: Start with the mozzarella cheese on the bottom (this keeps the crust crispy). Add the sausage, mushrooms, and any other toppings you like. Pour the tomato sauce over everything and spread evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
- Now, it's time to bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Finally, chill and serve: Let the pizza cool for 10 minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh yeast if possible for a lighter, fluffier dough.
- Let the dough rise fully this makes it airy and soft inside.
- Drain vegetables like mushrooms or tomatoes to avoid a soggy pizza.
- Grease the pan well with butter or oil for a golden crust.
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