Rich Tomato Sauce: Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
I’m going to give you a recipe for Chicago deep dish pizza that you can make!
About Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Health and Nutritional Information:
- Chicago deep dish pizza is known for its rich and indulgent nature.
- It can be higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to other pizza styles.
- The exact nutritional information can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
- It is generally considered a treat or occasional indulgence rather than a health-conscious option.
Meal Recommendation:
- Chicago deep dish pizza is a hearty and filling meal on its own.
- It is often enjoyed as a main course during lunch or dinner.
- Due to its richness, it may not require many additional side dishes.
Ingredients:
- Deep dish pizza dough: Made with flour, water, yeast, and oil.
- Tomato sauce: Usually made with crushed tomatoes and various seasonings.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is commonly used, but other types like cheddar or provolone can also be added.
- Toppings: Traditional toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
History and Cultural Background:
- Chicago deep dish pizza is a specialty of the city of Chicago in the United States.
- It is believed to have been invented in the 1940s by Ike Sewell, the founder of Pizzeria Uno.
- The deep-dish style was created to provide a hearty and filling meal for industrial workers.
Homemade Tips and Equipment:
- To make a deep dish pizza at home, you will need a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet.
- It’s important to let the dough rise properly before baking to achieve a light and airy crust.
- Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings can help prevent a soggy crust.
Matching with Food and Beverages:
- Deep dish pizza pairs well with a variety of beverages, including soda, beer, or even a glass of red wine.
- For a complete meal, you can serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to add some freshness and balance to the richness of the pizza.
Shall we get started?
Take your time and follow along!
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe and Tips
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm water
- For the filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- Optional: additional toppings like sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers
- For the topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, yeast, and salt for the crust.
- Add the melted butter and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet.
- Punch down the dough and press it into the prepared pan, covering the bottom and sides.
- Layer half of the mozzarella cheese on the dough, followed by the pepperoni and any additional toppings.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the toppings.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with dried oregano.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the dough rise properly to achieve a light and fluffy crust.
- Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preference.
- Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings can help prevent a soggy crust.
- Use a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet for the authentic Chicago deep dish experience.
- Serve the pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.
Enjoy your delicious Chicago Deep Dish Pizza!

Calories of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
The calorie content of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. On average, a slice of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza (1/8th of a 9-inch pizza) can range from 400 to 800 calories. The crust, cheese, meat, and additional toppings all contribute to the overall calorie count. It’s important to note that deep-dish pizza is generally considered a high-calorie and indulgent food, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Recipe Review
Impressions:
- Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is known for its impressive height and thick crust.
- The pizza’s appearance is visually striking, with layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings piled high.
Taste Evaluation:
- The crust of a Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is buttery and flaky, providing a rich and indulgent base.
- The pizza is typically loaded with gooey melted cheese, which adds a creamy and savory element to each bite.
- The tangy tomato sauce complements the cheese and toppings, adding a burst of flavor.
- The toppings, such as sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, or other meats, contribute to the overall taste and texture.
- The combination of the thick crust, generous toppings, and savory flavors creates a satisfying and hearty pizza experience.
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