Description
Chicago-style Deep-Dish Pizza Pie showcases layers of cheesy goodness nestled in a buttery, crisp crust. Generous toppings and rich tomato sauce create a hearty meal that pizza enthusiasts will savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (225 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup (75 g) cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni
- ½ cup (120 ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ cup (75 g) mushrooms or bell peppers, sliced/diced (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Blend warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter into the dry ingredients, stirring until a cohesive mixture forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes, developing a smooth, elastic texture.
- Proofing and Sauce Creation: Allow the dough to rise in an oiled container, covered, for 1-2 hours. Simultaneously, craft the tomato sauce by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then incorporating crushed tomatoes, herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and intensifies in flavor.
- Pan Setup and Dough Shaping: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Oil a deep-dish pan thoroughly. Roll out the risen dough and carefully press it into the pan, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.
- Layering and Topping: Spread a generous base of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Distribute chosen proteins evenly across the cheese layer. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, creating a uniform, vibrant surface.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns golden-brown and the cheese bubbles vigorously. Rest the pizza for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Slice and serve with a complementary side dish.
Notes
- Knead with Precision: Develop gluten by kneading dough exactly 7-8 minutes for optimal elasticity and texture, preventing a tough or crumbly crust.
- Temperature Matters: Use warm (not hot) water and milk around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, ensuring proper dough rising and soft texture.
- Oil Coating Technique: Lightly oil the proofing container to prevent dough from sticking and create a smooth surface for rising, promoting even expansion.
- Cheese Layer Strategy: Place cheese directly on the dough before sauce to prevent soggy bottom and create a protective barrier, maintaining crisp crust integrity.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg