Chicago Style Pizza

A Windy City Classic: Crafting the Perfect Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

Chicago! The very name conjures up images of bold flavors, breathtaking architecture, and of course, the legendary deep-dish pizza. As a special tribute to my amazing Chicago readers (you're the best!), here's a deep-dish pizza recipe that captures the essence of this Windy City icon.

This isn't just a pizza; it's an experience. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust that cradles a symphony of textures and flavors: layers of gooey cheese, savory sausage, and a chunky tomato sauce. Each bite is an explosion of deliciousness that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients to Build Your Chicago Deep-Dish Masterpiece (Serves 4-6):

The Foundation: A Buttery Crust

• 1 cup lukewarm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
• 1 packet active dry yeast: The leavening agent responsible for that impressive rise in your crust.
• 1/3 cup corn oil: Adds richness and contributes to a tender and flavorful crust.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Helps the dough rise and achieve a crispier texture.
• 1 pound bread flour: The foundation for your sturdy and flavorful deep-dish crust.

The Tangy Touch: Homemade Pizza Sauce

• 28 ounces plum Roma tomatoes (or San Marzano tomatoes for an extra-special touch): These juicy tomatoes provide the base for your flavorful sauce.
• Seasoning Symphony: A pinch of salt, dried basil, and dried oregano add depth of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the tomatoes.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a finishing kick.

The Gooey Goodness: Toppings Galore

• 16 ounces low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (around 4 cups shredded): This is the melty magic that binds everything together. Don't be skimpy – it's essential for that ooey-gooey goodness Chicago deep-dish is famous for!
• Pepperoni: A quintessential Chicago-style pizza topping. Choose your favorite variety!
• Italian sausage: Adds a savory and meaty element. Pinch the sausage into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pizza.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep-Dish Deliciousness:

1. Crafting the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, oil, cream of tartar, and sugar. Mix it all together until the yeast dissolves.
2. Flour Power: Gradually add the bread flour to the wet ingredients, a little bit at a time. Use your hand to mix it in – think of your hand as a dough hook!
3. Knead is the Need: Once all the flour is incorporated, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a good 10 minutes. This develops the gluten in the flour, which creates a chewy and elastic crust that can hold all those delicious fillings. Add a little more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
4. First Rise: Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a bowl coated with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise overnight at room temperature – one rise is all you need for this thick and hearty crust.
5. Sauce Sensational: While the dough is rising, prepare your pizza sauce. Simply place the tomatoes in a bowl and mash them up with a potato masher (or your hands!) There should be no chunks larger than a quarter.
6. Seasoning Savvy: Add the salt, a pinch of dried basil, a pinch of dried oregano, and some freshly ground black pepper to the mashed tomatoes. Stir it all together and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Remember – a light touch with the herbs is key!
7. Assembling Your Masterpiece: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan (or a round cake pan with straight sides) generously with melted butter or oil.
8. Rolling Out the Dough: Roll out the rested dough to a size about 3 inches larger than the diameter of your pan.
9. Building from the Bottom Up: Carefully place the dough round inside the greased pan and pinch the edges up along the sides to create a high wall for all those delicious fillings.
10. Cheese Heaven: Now comes the fun part – the layering! Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom crust. This layer will create a cheesy foundation for all the other toppings.
11. Meat Magic: Sprinkle the chopped Italian sausage evenly over the cheese layer. The sausage adds a savory and meaty dimension to your pizza.
12. Tangy Tomato Time: Pour the homemade pizza sauce over the sausage layer. Don't skimp on the sauce, but be sure it's spread evenly so each bite gets a burst of tangy tomato flavor.
13. Pepperoni Power: Last but not least, sprinkle your favorite pepperoni over the top. Pepperoni is a classic Chicago-style pizza topping, but feel free to get creative and add other toppings you enjoy, like sliced mushrooms, green peppers, or onions.
14. Baking to Deep-Dish Perfection: Place your assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The long baking time ensures that your deep-dish pizza cooks all the way through, resulting in a crispy crust and a hot, gooey center.
15. Cooling Down (Kind Of): Take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burns.

Tips and Variations:

• Blind Bake for an Extra Crispy Crust (Optional): If you prefer an extra crispy crust, you can blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the toppings. To blind bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), prick the bottom of the dough with a fork a few times, and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the crust from the oven, let it cool slightly, and add your toppings before baking again at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes.
• Double the Cheese (Optional): For true cheese lovers, you can add another layer of shredded mozzarella cheese in between the sausage and the sauce for an extra cheesy experience.
• Leftovers? No Problem! Chicago deep-dish pizza reheats well. Simply wrap leftover slices in aluminum foil and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

With this recipe and a little Chicago spirit, you can create your own deep-dish masterpiece at home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Chicago-style pizza!