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Authentic Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

A towering, iconic pizza with a buttery cornmeal crust, a molten layer of cheese, savory Italian sausage, and a bright, chunky tomato sauce.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780

Ingredients
  

Buttery Cornmeal Crust
  • 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2.25 tsp instant yeast 1 packet
  • 1.25 cups warm water 110°F
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 0.25 cup olive oil plus more for bowl
Tomato Sauce
  • 28 oz can whole San Marzano tomatoes hand-crushed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Assembly
  • 1 lb low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella shredded (about 4 cups)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • Softened butter for greasing pan

Equipment

  • Stand mixer (with dough hook)
  • 10 or 12-inch deep cast-iron skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Medium Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Make the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar. Dissolve yeast in warm water. With mixer on low, add yeast mixture, melted butter, and olive oil. Mix to combine, then knead on medium for 5-7 mins until smooth.
  2. First rise: Form dough into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled.
  3. Make the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Cook garlic for 30 secs. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 mins. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp butter. Let cool.
  4. Prepare fillings: Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking into chunks. Drain. Shred mozzarella cheese. Grate Parmesan.
  5. Prep pan: Generously grease a 10 or 12-inch deep cast-iron skillet with softened butter.
  6. Shape crust: Punch down dough. Roll into a 15-16 inch circle. Transfer to prepared pan, pressing dough into bottom and up sides (1.5-2 inches high). Trim overhang. Cover, rest 15 mins.
  7. Layer pizza: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Layer in order: Sprinkle ¼ cup Parmesan on crust. Add all shredded mozzarella. Add cooked sausage and other toppings. Spoon cooled sauce over top, spreading to edges. Top with remaining Parmesan.
  8. Bake: Place skillet on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 mins until crust is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
  9. Cool and serve: Let pizza rest in pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Run a knife around edges, slice, and serve.

Notes

Letting the pizza rest after baking is crucial for clean slices. Hand-shredding the mozzarella from a block ensures the best melt. Sauce can be made a day ahead.