Description
A hearty Chicago-style deep dish pizza with a buttery cornmeal crust layered with melted cheese, savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, it delivers a crisp crust and thick, cheesy center.
Ingredients
⅔ cup warm water (100–110°F / 160mL)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
¼ cup fine yellow cornmeal (40g)
2 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon salt
8 ounces sliced mozzarella or provolone cheese (226g)
12 ounces Italian sausage, cooked and drained (340g)
2 ounces pepperoni slices (56g)
8 ounces grated mozzarella cheese (226g)
1 cup pizza sauce (250g)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Freshly chopped basil, optional
Instructions
- Add the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Let stand for 5–7 minutes, until frothy.
- Add the flour, cornmeal, melted butter, and salt. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute, until a shaggy dough forms. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and forms a ball.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen for about 45 minutes, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack positioned in the lower third. Prepare a 9-inch or 10-inch uncoated cake pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Gather the edges toward the center to form a smooth ball. Roll into a 13-inch circle for a 9-inch pan or approximately a 14-inch circle for a 10-inch pan. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
- Transfer the dough to the pan and press it firmly across the bottom and up the sides. Leave about ¼ inch of dough hanging over the edge and pinch it over the rim to help prevent the crust from sliding down during baking.
- Arrange the sliced mozzarella or provolone over the bottom of the crust. Add the cooked and drained Italian sausage, followed by the pepperoni. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the meat, then spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbling and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil after the first 10–15 minutes.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately brush the exposed crust with olive oil. Let rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil, if desired, and serve.
Notes
Let the pizza rest for about 15 minutes after baking so the filling sets and the slices hold together better.
A 9-inch or 10-inch cast-iron skillet or sturdy uncoated cake pan works best for the tall crust and substantial filling.
For a vegetable version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Precook moisture-rich vegetables to prevent a soggy crust.
For an extra-meaty version, add cooked bacon, ground beef, or Canadian bacon. Fully cook and drain meats before assembling.
For extra heat, use hot Italian sausage and add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
For a cheese-focused version, omit the meat and use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and ricotta.
Use a thick pizza sauce for the best texture and to help prevent a soggy crust.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze well-wrapped individual slices for up to 2 months.
Reheat refrigerated slices at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or reheat a single slice in a covered skillet over low to medium-low heat.
The dough can be mixed by hand and kneaded for approximately 7–10 minutes if a stand mixer is unavailable.
The dough can be refrigerated after mixing for advance preparation. Allow it to come closer to room temperature before shaping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1450 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg