Deep dish pizza is a type of pizza that is characterized by its thick, doughy crust and generous layers of toppings. It originated in Chicago, USA, and is often referred to as “Chicago-style pizza.” Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, deep dish pizza features a high edge crust that can reach up to a few inches in height, creating a deep “dish” to hold the toppings.
The layers of a deep dish pizza are typically assembled in reverse order compared to traditional pizzas. The crust forms the bottom layer, followed by cheese (usually mozzarella), then various toppings such as sausage, vegetables, and sometimes other types of meats. The pizza is then topped with a chunky tomato sauce, often containing whole or crushed tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings.
The deep dish pizza is baked in a round, deep pan that resembles a cake or pie pan. Due to its thick crust and layered construction, deep dish pizzas require longer baking times compared to thin-crust pizzas. The result is a pizza with a rich, hearty flavor and a satisfying combination of textures.
Deep Dish Pizza
4
servings30
minutes30
minutesDeep dish pizza has become a staple in Chicago cuisine and has gained popularity in other parts of the United States and around the world. It’s worth noting that deep dish pizza is quite distinct from other popular pizza styles, such as New York-style thin crust pizza or Neapolitan-style pizza, which have different crust thicknesses and preparation methods.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
- For the filling and toppings:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (with herbs and seasonings)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Other toppings of your choice (e.g., sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Gradually pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture, stirring as you go.
- Once the dough comes together, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a circle that’s slightly larger than the deep-dish pizza pan you’ll be using.
- Grease the deep-dish pizza pan with a bit of olive oil.
- Gently press the rolled-out dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides of the pan. The dough should extend slightly above the edges to form the characteristic crust.
- Layer the Toppings:
- Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the dough.
- Add the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage on top of the cheese.
- Add any other desired toppings, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the toppings.
- Add the Sauce:
- Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the toppings. You can adjust the amount of sauce to your preference.
- Final Baking:
- Top the pizza with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.