Following Instructions from Babish (Deep Dish Pizza)

Following Instructions from Babish (Deep Dish Pizza) is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by FutureCanoe on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 47 min | Cook: 58 min | Total: 4 hrs

Cost: $17.18 total, $2.15 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8.25 oz Water (room temperature)
  • 2.25 tsp Active Dry Yeast
  • 2 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 12.5 oz All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2.5 oz Masa (medium grind cornmeal) (soaked in alkaline solution)
  • 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 0.125 tsp Cream of Tartar
  • 6 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 0.5 White Onion (half, finely chopped)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano (shaken)
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil (shaken)
  • 2.5 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 28 oz San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes (canned)
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage (raw, casing removed)
  • 4 oz Provolone Cheese (shredded, deli style)
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast

    Combine 8.25 oz room‑temperature water, 2.25 tsp active dry yeast, and 2 tsp granulated sugar in the mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl whisk together 12.5 oz all‑purpose flour, 2.5 oz masa cornmeal, 1.5 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp cream of tartar until uniform.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    Add 6 tbsp vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Using the stand mixer on low speed, pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix for 1–2 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Knead the Dough

    Switch the mixer to medium speed and knead for 7–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT8M

  5. First Rise

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT75M

  6. Prepare Pan and Rest Dough

    Generously oil the non‑stick skillet. Turn the risen dough onto the pan, gently press and stretch it to the edges, forming a thick crust. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest 20–30 minutes.

    Time: PT25M

  7. Chop Aromatics

    Finely chop half a white onion and mince four garlic cloves.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Sauté Onion & Garlic

    Heat the saucepan over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil, then sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Add Herbs and Tomato Paste

    Stir in a pinch of red‑pepper flakes (or oregano), a shake of dried oregano, a shake of dried basil, and 2.5 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  10. Simmer Tomatoes

    Add the 28 oz can of whole San Marzano tomatoes, crush them with a fork, and simmer on low for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and pulls away from the pan.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: low simmer

  11. Assemble the Pizza

    Punch down the rested dough, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, lay the raw sausage pieces (casings removed) evenly, sprinkle shredded provolone and mozzarella, add another thin sauce layer, grate parmesan on top, and drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil around the crust.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Bake

    Place the skillet in a pre‑heated oven at 425°F and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 425°F

  13. Rest Before Serving

    Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Pork, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Following Instructions from Babish (Deep Dish Pizza)

Recipe by FutureCanoe

A hearty Chicago‑style deep dish pizza reimagined as a casserole. The crust combines all‑purpose flour, masa cornmeal, and a touch of cream of tartar for tenderness. Topped with a rich homemade marinara, raw Italian sausage, provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan, then baked to golden perfection.

MediumAmericanServes 8

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

Source Video
2h 27m
Prep
1h
Cook
25m
Cleanup
3h 52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.18
Total cost
$2.15
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Activate yeast
  • Knead the dough
  • First rise
  • Simmer tomatoes to a thick sauce
  • Assemble layers correctly
  • Bake at 425°F

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet and oven with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure the raw sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Be careful when crushing hot tomatoes; steam can cause burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of deep dish pizza in Chicago cuisine?

A

Deep dish pizza originated in Chicago in the 1940s as a hearty, casserole‑like pie that offered a filling meal for working‑class families. It became a regional icon, celebrated for its thick buttery crust, generous cheese, and chunky tomato sauce.

cultural
Q

How does deep dish pizza differ from traditional New York‑style pizza in the United States cuisine?

A

Unlike the thin, foldable New York slice, deep dish pizza has a tall, buttery crust that acts like a bowl for sauce, cheese, and toppings. The cooking method uses a pan and a longer bake time, resulting in a richer, more layered texture.

cultural
Q

What traditional toppings are commonly used on authentic Chicago deep dish pizza?

A

Classic Chicago deep dish features Italian sausage (often removed from its casing), mozzarella, provolone, and a chunky San Marzano tomato sauce. Some variations add green peppers or mushrooms, but the meat‑and‑cheese combo is the hallmark.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is deep dish pizza traditionally served in Chicago culture?

A

Deep dish pizza is a popular choice for family gatherings, sports‑watch parties, and casual weekend meals in Chicago. Its hearty nature makes it ideal for feeding a crowd during holidays or local festivals.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for deep dish pizza versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include masa cornmeal for the crust, Italian sausage, provolone and mozzarella cheeses, and San Marzano tomatoes. Acceptable substitutes are regular cornmeal, chicken or plant‑based sausage, and other high‑quality canned tomatoes.

cultural
Q

What other Chicago‑style dishes pair well with deep dish pizza in the same cuisine?

A

Side dishes like Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago‑style hot dogs, and a simple arugula salad with vinaigrette complement deep dish pizza. A cold glass of local craft beer also balances the richness.

cultural
Q

How has deep dish pizza evolved over time in Chicago cuisine?

A

Originally a simple cheese‑and‑tomato pie, deep dish has evolved to include varied meats, vegetables, and even gourmet cheeses. Modern chefs experiment with whole‑grain flours and alternative sauces while still honoring the classic pan‑baked method.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making deep dish pizza at home?

A

Common errors include under‑kneading the dough, using too little oil on the pan (resulting in a dry crust), and over‑baking which hardens the edges. Also, failing to fully cook the raw sausage can lead to food safety issues.

technical
Q

Why does this deep dish pizza recipe use masa cornmeal instead of regular cornmeal?

A

Masa is pre‑treated with an alkaline solution, giving it a finer texture and a subtle corn flavor that blends smoothly with the flour. This helps create a tender yet sturdy crust that holds the heavy fillings.

technical
Q

Can I make this deep dish pizza ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. The dough can be refrigerated after the first rise, and the sauce freezes well. Assemble the pizza up to the cheese layer, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months; bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel FutureCanoe specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel FutureCanoe focuses on experimental home cooking, often re‑creating classic dishes with a humorous twist and detailed technique breakdowns for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel FutureCanoe's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

FutureCanoe blends comedic commentary with precise, science‑based explanations, encouraging viewers to understand the why behind each step, whereas many channels prioritize speed over depth of technique.

channel

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