Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Cook the Garlic: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
Form the Crust: Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
Add the Cheese: Layer the bottom of the crust with the sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add the Toppings: Add the cooked sausage, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, and any other desired toppings.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or dough hook
Rolling pin
12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
Saucepan
Knife and cutting board
Tips and Variations
Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
Topping Variations: Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference. Try adding spinach, olives, or even pineapple for a unique twist.
Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
Healthier Option: For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour and add plenty of veggies as toppings.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover deep dish pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat slices in the microwave, but the crust will be less crispy.

Perfect Pairings
Pair your Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For drinks, a cold beer or a glass of red wine complements the rich flavors of the pizza perfectly. If you’re serving this pizza at a gathering, consider offering a selection of craft beers to enhance the dining experience.

FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time. Just make sure it’s a high-quality dough suitable for deep dish pizza.

Q: Can I make this pizza without a deep-dish pan?
A: Yes, you can use a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet with high sides. A springform pan can also work in a pinch.

Q: What if I don’t have cornmeal?
A: If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute with additional flour, but the cornmeal does add a nice texture and flavor to the crust.

Q: How can I make the crust extra crispy?
A: For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for about 10 minutes before adding the cheese and toppings.

Call to Action
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza as much as I do! It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress and become a favorite in your household. If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and culinary tips. Happy cooking!

Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Cook the Garlic: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
Form the Crust: Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
Add the Cheese: Layer the bottom of the crust with the sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add the Toppings: Add the cooked sausage, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, and any other desired toppings.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or dough hook
Rolling pin
12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
Saucepan
Knife and cutting board
Tips and Variations
Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
Topping Variations: Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference. Try adding spinach, olives, or even pineapple for a unique twist.
Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
Healthier Option: For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour and add plenty of veggies as toppings.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover deep dish pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat slices in the microwave, but the crust will be less crispy.

Perfect Pairings
Pair your Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For drinks, a cold beer or a glass of red wine complements the rich flavors of the pizza perfectly. If you’re serving this pizza at a gathering, consider offering a selection of craft beers to enhance the dining experience.

FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time. Just make sure it’s a high-quality dough suitable for deep dish pizza.

Q: Can I make this pizza without a deep-dish pan?
A: Yes, you can use a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet with high sides. A springform pan can also work in a pinch.

Q: What if I don’t have cornmeal?
A: If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute with additional flour, but the cornmeal does add a nice texture and flavor to the crust.

Q: How can I make the crust extra crispy?
A: For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for about 10 minutes before adding the cheese and toppings.

Call to Action
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza as much as I do! It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress and become a favorite in your household. If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and culinary tips. Happy cooking!