Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Cookie Score ●●●●○

Dive into a buttery, golden crust loaded with layers of gooey mozzarella, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce bursting with herbs.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)

• 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ cup cornmeal

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for the pan)

For the filling:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture)

• 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (or pepperoni if you prefer)

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)

• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top, let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

• In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the melted butter and yeast mixture.

• Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

2. Preheat oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Generously butter a deep 12-inch round cake pan or deep-dish pizza pan.

3. Prepare the sauce:

• In a saucepan, heat a little olive oil, sauté garlic until fragrant.

• Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Assemble the pizza:

• Press the dough into the buttered pan, pushing it up the sides (about 1-2 inches).

• Layer half the mozzarella cheese directly on the dough.

• Add cooked sausage (or pepperoni), chopped peppers and onions if using.

• Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top.

• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

• Add the remaining mozzarella on top if you want extra cheesy.

5. Bake:

• Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until crust is golden brown and sauce is bubbly.

• Let the pizza rest 5–10 minutes before slicing (this helps the layers set).