Homemade Chicago- Style Pizza

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Deep-dish pizza is synonymous with Chicago, offering a buttery, flaky crust piled high with layers of melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and all your favorite toppings. This recipe brings the Windy City to your kitchen, giving you the tools to create a comforting and satisfying homemade version.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup yellow cornmeal
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pizza:

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Italian sausage, cooked (optional)
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, or vegetables (optional)

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Dough:
      • In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
      • In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead until a smooth dough forms, about 5-7 minutes.
      • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
    2. Make the Sauce:
      • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
      • Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    3. Assemble the Pizza:
      • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with butter.
      • Punch down the dough and roll it out to fit your pan, pressing it up the sides.
      • Layer the mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust, followed by your chosen toppings (sausage, pepperoni, veggies).
      • Pour the sauce over the toppings and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
    4. Bake the Pizza:
      • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
      • Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
      • Tip: For the ultimate experience, pair your Chicago-style pizza with a crisp salad and your favorite beverage. Enjoy!

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