Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: A Savory Slice of Tradition

When it comes to pizza, there are many styles to love, but few are as iconic as the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Known for its buttery, thick crust and hearty layers of cheese, tomato sauce, and a variety of toppings, this beloved dish is a true comfort food that’s sure to satisfy any pizza lover’s craving. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, the deep dish is more of a savory pie, filled to the brim with flavor and served with a fork and knife. Let’s dive into the history and recipe of this famous Chicago-style pizza, so you can recreate it at home and experience a slice of Windy City magic.

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A Brief History of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza first emerged in the 1940s when Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo opened Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. Inspired by Sicilian-style pizzas and a desire to offer something different from the traditional thin-crust varieties, they developed a unique pizza with a deep, buttery crust that could hold a generous amount of cheese, meat, and tomatoes. Over time, the deep-dish style grew in popularity and became one of the most famous regional pizza variations in the United States.

Unlike New York-style pizza, which is thin and crispy, the Chicago Deep Dish pizza features a crust that is more akin to a pie or quiche—rich, buttery, and firm enough to hold the mountain of cheese and sauce layered inside. Whether you love it with sausage, pepperoni, or just veggies, Chicago Deep Dish has something for everyone.

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Why Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is Special

What makes Chicago Deep Dish pizza so special? Here are a few key factors that set it apart from other pizza styles:

1. Thick, Buttery Crust: The crust is the star of the show in deep dish pizza. It’s made with a generous amount of butter or oil, creating a rich, flaky base that contrasts beautifully with the savory fillings.
2. Layered Ingredients: Unlike traditional pizzas where toppings go directly on top of the sauce, Chicago Deep Dish features a multi-layered approach. First, a generous layer of mozzarella cheese is placed directly on the crust. Then comes a meat or vegetable layer, and finally, a chunky, seasoned tomato sauce tops everything off. This layering method allows the cheese to melt beautifully, and the sauce stays thick and hearty.
3. Chunky, Flavorful Tomato Sauce: The sauce for deep-dish pizza is often made with crushed tomatoes, giving it a chunky, fresh texture that stands up to the richness of the cheese and crust. It’s typically seasoned with herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic for a flavorful punch.
4. Fork and Knife Pizza: Because of its depth and hearty nature, Chicago Deep Dish pizza is traditionally eaten with a fork and knife. This makes it more of a meal than a simple snack.

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Ingredients for Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Making a deep-dish pizza at home requires some patience, but the results are worth every bit of effort. Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty dish from scratch:

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional, for texture)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling:

• 3 cups mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk mozzarella, shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk, not in casing, or use a plant-based substitute)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced, optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for sautéing)

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