Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

Making homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a delicious and satisfying endeavor. Here’s a basic recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)

For the Toppings (Optional):

• Sliced bell peppers
• Sliced onions
• Mushrooms
• Additional cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

2. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

3. Prepare the Pizza Pan:

1. Grease a deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil.

4. Roll Out the Dough:

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit the pizza pan. Make sure to form a lip around the edges to contain the filling.

5. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Press the rolled-out dough into the greased pizza pan, making sure it covers the bottom and sides.
2. Layer the crumbled sausage evenly on the dough.
3. Add half of the shredded mozzarella over the sausage.
4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the cheese.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and add grated Parmesan.

6. Add Toppings (Optional):

1. If you’re adding vegetables or other toppings, place them on top of the cheese.

7. Bake:

1. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

8. Serve:

1. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza! Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences.