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Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
- Stir the mixture until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce
- While the dough rises, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes).
- Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a well-floured surface. Roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your 9-inch deep dish pizza pan.
- Carefully place the dough into the pan, pressing it up the sides to form a deep crust. Sprinkle the cornmeal evenly over the crust to create a crisp texture.
- Layer the bottom of the crust with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, followed by half of the cooked sausage. Spoon half of the marinara sauce over the sausage. Repeat the layers with the remaining cheese, sausage, and sauce.
4. Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- If you like your crust extra crispy, you can bake it for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve and enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh mozzarella and high-quality Italian sausage.
- Cornmeal for the Crust: Adding cornmeal to the crust gives it that signature crunch and texture that Chicago deep dish is known for.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Allow the sauce to cook long enough to develop a deep, rich flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator, so all you need to do is assemble and bake the pizza when you’re ready to eat.
- Customize: While this recipe features sausage, you can easily swap in pepperoni, mushrooms, or even a combination of vegetables if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve the pizza with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the deep dish.
- Pair with Wine: A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Zinfandel, pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the pizza.
- For Special Occasions: This pizza is hearty enough to serve as the main course for any dinner party, family gathering, or pizza night.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave the pizza, but the crust may not be as crispy.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a perfect replica of the iconic Chicago pizza, capturing all the flavors and textures that make it so beloved. The rich, buttery crust, gooey cheese, savory sausage, and flavorful sauce combine to create a pizza that’s satisfying and unforgettable. Making it from scratch adds an extra layer of authenticity, and the result is a pizza that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a pizza that’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor, look no further than this Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza. With its thick, buttery crust and layers of cheese and savory fillings, this pizza is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a Chicago native or just a fan of delicious, indulgent pizza, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll out that dough, and get ready to enjoy a slice of one of the most iconic pizzas in the world!
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