Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Making a homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a rewarding endeavor. Here’s a recipe for you to try:

Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• Sliced bell peppers
• Sliced onions
• Sliced mushrooms
• Additional shredded mozzarella cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   • Let the sauce cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Roll out the risen dough to fit a deep-dish pizza pan. Press the dough up the sides of the pan.
   • Layer the bottom of the crust with crumbled Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
   • Pour the slightly cooled tomato sauce over the cheese and meat.
   • Top with your preferred vegetables and additional mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza! Adjust the toppings and quantities according to your preferences.