Classic Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza – A Delicious Homemade Take on a Favorite

This Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza is packed with layers of mozzarella, sausage, and pepperoni, nestled in a buttery crust. A true classic, it’s a perfect choice for pizza night!

Ingredients

• Oil (1 teaspoon): Used to lightly grease the pan, preventing the crust from sticking and adding a slight crispiness to the base.
• Pizza Dough (1 pound): Forms the foundation for the deep dish, pressing up the sides for that iconic thick crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Provides a gooey, cheesy layer within the pizza for a rich texture and flavor.
• Italian Sausage (1/3 pound, raw): Adds a savory, slightly spiced layer typical of Chicago-style pizza.
• Pepperoni (1/3 cup, diced): Adds an extra burst of flavor and a touch of smokiness to the filling.
• Pizza Sauce (2/3 cup): The sauce that ties it all together, layered on top of the cheese and meats.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Finishes the pizza with a savory, nutty flavor on top, complementing the mozzarella.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pizza.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Lightly oil the bottom (but not the sides) of a 9-inch cake pan to prevent sticking and create a crisp base.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Press the pizza dough into the bottom of the pan, working it up the sides to form the deep-dish crust.

Step 4: Add the First Layer of Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the bottom of the dough, creating a base layer for the toppings.

Step 5: Add the Sausage and Pepperoni

Place the raw Italian sausage on top of the cheese layer, followed by the diced pepperoni for a hearty filling.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the sausage and pepperoni layer to keep the flavors balanced.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, covering the sauce for a rich, cheesy finish.

Step 8: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips

Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to help the layers set and prevent the cheese from sliding. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Helpful Notes

For an extra buttery crust, brush the edges with melted butter just before baking. Layering cheese at the bottom prevents the crust from getting soggy from the sauce. Feel free to add your favorite toppings, but avoid overloading the pizza to maintain the right texture.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Rick Bayless recommends using high-quality mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Chef Nancy Silverton suggests using a pizza stone under the pan to help the crust bake evenly. Food expert Jeff Mauro advises slicing the pizza with a serrated knife to maintain the integrity of the layers.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Authentic taste of Chicago-style pizza in the comfort of your home. Rich, cheesy layers with a buttery crust that’s both filling and satisfying. Easy-to-make and perfect for family pizza nights or entertaining guests.

Variations

Add green bell peppers and onions for a veggie-loaded deep dish. Swap pepperoni and sausage with mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian option. Try adding a layer of sliced fresh tomatoes on top of the sauce for a fresher flavor. Substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone for a different cheesy flavor profile.