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Crispy Deep Dish Chicago Pizza Recipe Easy Savory Italian Layers

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A hearty and flavorful deep dish Chicago pizza featuring a crispy buttery crust, layers of Italian sausage, mozzarella, and a robust tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/4 cups (410g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
  • 3 cups (about 340g) shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 28 oz can (800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for greasing the pan

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold, cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly pour in yeast mixture, stirring until dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook at medium speed for 6 minutes.
  4. Let dough rise: Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover with towel, and let rise in warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent (3-4 minutes). Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Cook the sausage: Brown crumbled Italian sausage in skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) about 20 minutes before baking.
  8. Assemble the pizza: Punch down dough and press evenly into greased deep dish pan, coming up sides about 1 inch. Layer mozzarella over dough bottom, then cooked sausage and diced green peppers (if using). Pour tomato sauce evenly on top and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake pizza for 35-40 minutes until crust is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
  10. Let pizza cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.

Notes

If edges brown too fast, cover with foil halfway through baking. For thicker sauce, simmer longer. Use cold butter for flaky crust. Don’t overload pan with toppings to avoid soggy crust. Let pizza rest before slicing for cleaner cuts. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions available.

Nutrition

Keywords: deep dish pizza, Chicago pizza, Italian sausage pizza, crispy crust pizza, homemade pizza, savory pizza, easy pizza recipe

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/crispy-deep-dish-chicago-pizza-recipe-easy-savory-italian-layers/