Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza is a Chicago-style pizza known for its thick, buttery crust and layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. Here’s a recipe to make a classic Deep Dish Pizza:

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

For the Pizza Filling:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers and onions (optional)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Olive oil, for greasing the pan

Instructions:

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water mixture, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt.
4. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Pizza Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
2. While the sauce is simmering, you can brown the Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
3. If you want to include bell peppers and onions, sauté them in a little olive oil until they are softened.

Assemble and Bake the Deep Dish Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
3. Punch down the risen dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the greased pan.
4. Layer the bottom with mozzarella cheese.
5. Add your choice of cooked meat and sautéed vegetables (if using).
6. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top.
7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Pizza:

1. 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 bubbly and slightly browned.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Deep Dish Pizza, a classic Chicago-style treat with its thick, buttery crust and delicious layers of cheese and toppings.