Go Back
Dorothy Thomas

Chicago Style Pizza Recipe

A hearty, buttery-crusted deep-dish pizza loaded with gooey cheese, savory toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. This iconic Chicago-style recipe delivers a thick, flaky crust and layers of deliciousness!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 8
Course: Dessert, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ¼ cups (400g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (70g) yellow cornmeal
  • 1 ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Fillings & Sauce
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (cooked & crumbled) or veggies of choice
  • 1 can (28oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
  • Stand mixer (optional, for dough)
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast.
  2. Add warm water, melted butter, and olive oil. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth (use a stand mixer or hands).
  3. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  5. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Press it into a greased deep-dish pan, covering the bottom and sides.
  6. Layer cheeses first: mozzarella then Parmesan.
  7. Add cooked sausage (or veggies).
  8. Simmer crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
  9. Spread sauce evenly over the fillings.
  10. Bake for 35–40 minutes until crust is golden and sauce bubbles.
  11. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Dough Tip: For extra flakiness, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling.
  • Storage: Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispness.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.