Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza: A Cheesy, Saucy Delight
If you’re a pizza lover, the Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza is a must-try! This iconic dish is loaded with gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and a thick, buttery crust that holds up to layers of incredible flavors. Whether you’re craving a hearty Italian-inspired meal or looking for new ways to enjoy homemade pizza, this recipe will transform your dinner routine.
Baked to golden perfection, this Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has a rich, complex taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. The crispy-yet-soft crust, perfectly melted cheese, and aromatic spices come together in a way that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of savory melted cheese, robust tomato sauce, and a flaky, buttery crust.
- Texture: Crispy crust with a soft interior, creamy cheese layers, and a slightly chunky tomato topping.
- Aroma: The irresistible fragrance of baked dough, sizzling cheese, and garlic-infused tomato sauce.
- Visual Appeal: Layers of vibrant red sauce, golden brown crust, and perfectly melted cheese.
- Skill Level Needed: Best suited for intermediate cooks who want to practice dough-making and layering.
- Special Equipment: A deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet for authentic results.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Making an authentic deep-dish pizza requires careful dough preparation and layering, which makes it a great recipe for intermediate to advanced home bakers.
- Category: Main course, comfort food, Italian-American cuisine.
- Cuisine: Originating from Chicago, this deep-dish pizza combines classic Italian flavors with a heartier, American-style preparation.
- Cost: Moderate. The primary cost depends on high-quality cheese and fresh tomatoes.
- Season: Perfect for any season but especially cozy for fall and winter when warm, hearty meals are most appreciated.
- Occasion: Ideal for gatherings, game nights, and weekend family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This deep-dish pizza stands out for its incredible texture contrast. The crunchy, buttery crust pairs beautifully with soft melted cheese and a rich tomato topping.
Unlike traditional pizza, this recipe lets you stack layers of cheese and sauce, making every bite exciting and filling. The crust’s slight sweetness balances the salty, tangy, and umami flavors from the sauce and cheese.
Besides its delicious taste, this homemade deep-dish pizza is significantly healthier than takeout versions. By using real ingredients without preservatives, you control the quality and freshness of each component.
This recipe is perfect for social gatherings. The thick crust makes it easy to cut into square portions, allowing guests to grab a hearty slice without the mess.
Finally, making deep-dish pizza at home saves money while delivering a gourmet experience. You can customize toppings and cheeses for a recipe tailored to your exact taste preferences.
The Recipe
Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers
Directions
- In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead into a smooth dough.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease your deep-dish pan with oil.
- Roll out the dough and press it into the pan, allowing it to overlap the edges slightly.
- Layer shredded mozzarella on the bottom of the crust.
- Combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, then spread over the cheese.
- Add any additional toppings, then sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes
- For a crisper crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Use part-skim mozzarella to prevent excessive grease.
- Experiment with toppings to create your signature deep-dish pizza.