Can I freeze this pizza?

Absolutely! Assemble the pizza completely (up to the baking step), then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time. It’s perfect for meal prep or those nights when you want deep dish without the work!

Why is the cheese under the sauce?

That’s the Chicago way! Layering cheese first creates a protective barrier that keeps the crust from getting soggy. Plus, it lets the sauce caramelize slightly on top, giving it that signature rich, slightly sweet flavor. Trust me, it’s not just quirky—it’s genius.

Can I use a different pan?

If you don’t have a deep dish pizza pan, a 9-inch cake pan or even a cast iron skillet works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold all that cheesy goodness without overflowing!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Totally! After the first rise, punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping. It’s a huge time-saver for busy days!

The Ultimate Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Description

Enjoy a classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza with a thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of cheese.

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl.
Add warm water, melted butter, and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Let it rise for 1 hour.
Press the dough into a greased deep dish pan, covering the bottom and sides.
Layer mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the dough.
Spread crushed tomatoes mixed with garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the cheese.
Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use a deep dish pizza pan for best results.
Let the dough rise in a warm place.
Customize toppings with sausage, peppers, or mushrooms if desired.

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American