Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Crust & Flavor

Chicago style pizza is one of the most iconic regional pizza styles in the United States, famous for its deep, buttery crust, generous cheese layers, and rich tomato sauce. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, Chicago style pizza pizza is baked in a tall, round pan, giving it a pie-like structure that holds layers of toppings. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about Chicago style pizza, including its history, key ingredients for Chicago style deep dish pizza, step-by-step cooking instructions, and expert tips to achieve the perfect deep-dish pizza at home.

What Is Chicago Style Pizza?

Chicago-style pizza originated in Chicago, Illinois, in the 1940s, created by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo at Pizzeria Uno. Unlike thin-crust pizzas, this deep-dish variation features a tall, thick crust that holds multiple layers of ingredients.

Key Features of Chicago-Style Pizza:

• Deep, buttery crust – Similar to a pie, it’s thick and crispy yet flaky.
• Layered in reverse order – Cheese goes first, toppings in the middle, and tomato sauce on top.
• Slow-baked at high temperatures – Ensures a golden crust and fully cooked fillings.

Types of Chicago-Style Pizza

• Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza - The most famous version with a thick crust and layered ingredients.
• Stuffed Pizza – Similar to deep-dish but with an additional layer of dough on top, creating an even thicker pizza.
• Tavern-Style Thin-Crust – A lesser-known Chicago classic, featuring a cracker-thin crust cut into squares instead of slices.

Ingredients for Authentic Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza

For the Dough (Buttery Crust)

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal (adds a slightly sweet, crunchy texture)
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup olive oil

For the Sauce (Chunky Tomato Sauce)

• 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings

• 3 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers and onions
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

How to Make Chicago Deep Dish Pizza – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Make Chicago Style Pizza Dough Recipe

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, olive oil, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
4. Knead the dough for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease a 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan with butter or olive oil.
3. Roll out the dough into a large circle and press it into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella directly onto the crust.
5. Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
6. Spread the chunky tomato sauce over the toppings.
7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35–45 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy.
2. Let the pizza rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

New York Style Pizza – What Makes It Unique & How to Make It at Home

Tips for the Perfect Chicago-Style Pizza

• Use cornmeal in the dough – It enhances texture and flavor.
• Let the dough rise properly – A slow rise improves flakiness.
• Layer the cheese first – Prevents the crust from getting soggy.
• Pre-cook vegetables – This avoids excess moisture in the pizza.
• Use high-quality tomatoes – San Marzano tomatoes provide the best flavor.

Calories in 1 Slice of Chicago-Style Pizza

The calorie content varies depending on toppings, but an average slice contains 500–700 calories.

Pro Tip: To reduce calories, opt for lean meats and extra vegetables.

FAQ About Chicago Deep Dish pizza

What makes Chicago-style pizza different from other pizzas?

Unlike thin-crust pizzas, Chicago deep-dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust and layers its ingredients in reverse order (cheese first, sauce on top).

What’s the difference between deep-dish and stuffed pizza?

Stuffed pizza is similar to deep-dish but has an extra layer of dough on top, making it even thicker.

Can I make deep-dish pizza without a special pan?

Yes, but using a cast-iron skillet or a cake pan will help mimic the traditional deep-dish shape.

How long should I bake a deep-dish pizza?

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35–45 minutes, ensuring the crust is golden and fully cooked.

What’s the best cheese for Chicago-style pizza?

Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt and texture. Parmesan or provolone can be added for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a rich, indulgent, and uniquely structured pizza that stands apart from other styles. By following the right dough recipe, layering technique, and baking process, you can recreate this iconic pizza at home.

Whether you prefer classic cheese and sausage or a fully loaded pizza with extra toppings, mastering the deep-dish style will impress any pizza lover.

Try this authentic Chicago-style pizza recipe today and enjoy the deep, cheesy, and satisfying flavors of one of America’s most beloved pizzas!