🇺🇸 USA · Food
Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
By eatmundo · July 3, 2026
A hearty and iconic pizza with a tall, buttery crust, piled high with savory ingredients. Featuring a rich tomato sauce, generous layers of mozzarella, and often crumbled Italian sausage, it's a true feast from the Windy City.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
In a large bowl, dissolve 1 tsp sugar and 2¼ tsp active dry yeast in 1½ cups warm water (105-115°F). Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- 2
Add 3½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 3
Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough in it, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- 4
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Press the risen dough into a well-oiled 12-inch cast iron skillet or deep-dish pizza pan, extending up the sides to form a high crust.
- 5
Layer 1 lb sliced mozzarella cheese directly onto the dough. Top with 1 lb cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional), then pour 28 oz crushed tomatoes seasoned with 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 6
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I achieve the distinct flaky, buttery crust typical of Chicago deep dish pizza?+
Incorporate cold butter or shortening into your dough, similar to pie crusts, and consider adding a small amount of cornmeal or semolina for extra crispness and texture.
What's the best way to layer the cheese and sauce to prevent a soggy crust in Chicago deep dish?+
Layer sliced low-moisture mozzarella directly onto the raw dough first, forming a protective barrier, before adding the sauce, sausage, and other toppings.
How should the sausage be prepared and layered for an authentic Chicago deep dish experience?+
Use raw Italian sausage, crumbled and evenly spread over the cheese layer, or press it into a single large patty to cover the entire pizza before baking.
What are the optimal baking temperature and duration for a Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza?+
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Mundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza's core ingredients.
