Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a true culinary delight: thick, buttery crust, layers of cheese, hearty toppings, and a rich tomato sauce that bursts with flavor. Making it at home may seem intimidating, but with this step-by-step guide, you can recreate this iconic pizza in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornmeal
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F / 45°C)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Toppings:

400g (14 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
200g (7 oz) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
½ cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix until the dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.