If you’ve ever craved that iconic, buttery, cheesy, sauce-covered slice that Chicago is famous for, this homemade Deep Dish Pizza recipe is going to make your day. Built with a tall golden crust, layers of rich mozzarella, hearty toppings, and a slow-simmered tomato sauce, this pie delivers an authentic Windy City experience right from your kitchen. Whether you’re new to deep-dish baking or already a fan, this recipe walks you through every step so you can confidently create a pizza that’s thick, indulgent, and restaurant-quality.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Additional Time: 1 hour (dough rising + resting)
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: One 12-inch deep-dish pizza

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter (for layering the dough)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for greasing the pan)

For the Filling

  • 2 cups shredded or sliced whole-milk mozzarella
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional but classic)
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. Add warm water and melted butter; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

Tip: The cornmeal is essential for that signature Chicago texture—slightly crunchy, buttery, and sturdy enough to hold the layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Punch down dough and roll it into a large circle about ¼-inch thick.
  3. Spread 2 tablespoons softened butter over the surface, then fold the dough in half, then in half again.
  4. Roll out again to fit a 12-inch deep-dish pan or cast-iron skillet.
  5. Press dough firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the butter-greased pan.

Best Practice: Pressing the dough up the sides creates the tall “pizza pie” walls that deep dish is known for. Don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Layer mozzarella slices directly on the dough. This prevents sogginess during baking.
  2. Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or your favorite toppings.
  3. Spoon the tomato sauce evenly on top.
  4. Finish with grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until crust is golden and the filling bubbles.
  2. If the top browns too quickly, lightly tent pan with foil.
  3. Let the pizza cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.

Warning: Cutting too early will cause the cheese and sauce to spill out—patience makes perfect deep dish!

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values

  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 23 g

Pro Tip:

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Conclusion

Homemade Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is more than just dinner—it’s an experience. With its buttery crust, generous cheese layers, and rich tomato topping, this recipe brings authentic Midwest comfort straight into your kitchen. Once you master the layering and slow bake, you’ll find it’s surprisingly simple to recreate that iconic restaurant taste at home. Enjoy sharing this hearty, crowd-pleasing pizza with family and friends, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new tradition in your household.

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