Go Back
Merry

Quick and Easy Deep-Dish Pizza

Dive into the rich and savory layers of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, a dish that redefines pizza with its buttery crust, gooey mozzarella, and zesty tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe brings the Windy City’s iconic pizza to your kitchen.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
  • 2 cans 28 oz each crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza:
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 pound Italian sausage cooked
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Any additional toppings: sliced mushrooms green peppers, or onions

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, cornmeal, melted butter, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or 9-inch cake pan.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
  1. Roll out the dough into a circle slightly larger than your pan. Press into the pan, covering the bottom and sides.
  2. Layer mozzarella cheese directly on the crust.
  3. Add cooked Italian sausage and other desired toppings.
  4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the toppings.
  5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden and the sauce bubbles.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

 
  • Let the pizza rest before slicing to keep the layers intact.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!