Most requested Pizza, Chicago DEEP DISH!

Most requested Pizza, Chicago DEEP DISH! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by DannyDoughBallz on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 2 hrs 25 min

Cost: $11.17 total, $2.79 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1/2 cup Yellow Cornmeal (fine grind)
  • 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast (proofed in warm water)
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 cup Warm Water (about 105°F (40°C))
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for greasing pan)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing sauce)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup Onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cups Crushed Tomatoes (canned, no added salt)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑moisture)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  • 8 oz Pepperoni (sliced)
  • 8 oz Italian Sausage (cooked and crumbled)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all‑purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

    Create a well in the center, add olive oil and warm water (about 105°F/40°C), then stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT5M

  4. First Rise

    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT45M

  5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

    While the dough rises, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (3‑4 min), then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Preheat Oven and Grease Pan

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, brush the inside of the 9‑inch deep‑dish pan with 2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 425°F

  7. Shape the Crust

    Punch down the risen dough, then press it into the greased pan, pushing it up the sides to form a thick edge about 1‑inch high.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Layer Cheese and Toppings

    First sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella directly onto the crust (this creates a barrier against soggy sauce). Add cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, then pour the tomato sauce over the top, spreading evenly. Finish with grated Parmesan.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Bake the Pizza

    Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 425°F

  10. Cool and Slice

    Remove the pizza from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes to set, then slice with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
20g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains pork, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Meat

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Most requested Pizza, Chicago DEEP DISH!

Recipe by DannyDoughBallz

A hearty, buttery Chicago‑style deep‑dish pizza that feels more like a casserole than a traditional pizza. This recipe walks you through making a cornmeal‑enriched dough, a rich tomato sauce, and layering cheese and toppings in a deep pan for a golden, cheesy masterpiece.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 30m
Prep
1h 10m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.17
Total cost
$2.79
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Forming a smooth, elastic dough (steps 1‑3)
  • First rise to double the dough size (step 4)
  • Pressing the dough up the pan edges to create a thick crust (step 7)
  • Layering cheese before sauce to prevent soggy crust (step 8)
  • Baking until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling (step 9)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure the dough is fully cooked; undercooked dough can be a choking hazard.
  • Use a food‑grade thermometer if unsure about oven temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza in American cuisine?

A

Chicago deep‑dish pizza originated in the 1940s at Pizzeria Uno and quickly became a symbol of the city’s hearty, comfort‑food culture. It reflects the Midwestern love for rich, filling meals and has inspired countless variations across the United States.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza within the United States?

A

While the classic version uses a buttery crust, mozzarella, and a chunky tomato sauce, some Chicago pizzerias add layers of Italian sausage, pepperoni, or even a layer of provolone. Outside Chicago, lighter crusts or thinner layers of sauce are sometimes used to adapt to local tastes.

cultural
Q

How is Chicago Deep Dish Pizza traditionally served in Chicago restaurants?

A

In Chicago, deep‑dish pizza is typically served on a metal plate with a sturdy pizza cutter, often accompanied by a side of hot sauce or a simple green salad. It’s meant to be eaten with a fork and knife because of its thick, casserole‑like structure.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicago Deep Dish Pizza traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Chicago deep‑dish pizza is a popular choice for family gatherings, sports‑watch parties, and casual celebrations like birthdays or game nights, especially when a crowd‑pleasing, filling dish is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicago Deep Dish Pizza special or unique in American pizza cuisine?

A

Its thick, buttery crust, high cheese‑to‑sauce ratio, and layered construction set it apart from thin‑crust or New York‑style pizzas, giving it a hearty, almost casserole‑like texture that’s uniquely Chicago.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at home?

A

Common pitfalls include under‑kneading the dough, skipping the cheese‑first layer (which leads to a soggy crust), and baking at too low a temperature, which prevents the crust from becoming golden and crisp.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicago Deep Dish Pizza recipe use cornmeal in the crust instead of only flour?

A

Cornmeal adds a subtle crunch and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that complements the buttery crust, giving the deep‑dish its characteristic texture and helping prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicago Deep Dish Pizza ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the dough and sauce a day ahead, refrigerate them separately, and assemble the pizza the next day. After baking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicago Deep Dish Pizza?

A

The crust should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp on the edges, the cheese should be fully melted and lightly browned, and the sauce should be bubbling but not overflowing. The pizza should hold its shape when sliced.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel DannyDoughBallz specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel DannyDoughBallz specializes in fun, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, pizza variations, and dough‑based recipes with a playful, internet‑savvy style.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel DannyDoughBallz's approach to American pizza cooking differ from other pizza channels?

A

DannyDoughBallz combines humor with step‑by‑step visual guides, often emphasizing the science behind dough fermentation and layering techniques, whereas many other channels focus mainly on toppings or quick shortcuts.

channel

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