Why do people like Chicago pizza?

Many people enjoy Chicago-style pizza because it offers more than just a slice—it delivers a rich, layered experience. With its thick crust, gooey cheese, and robust tomato sauce, it feels like a complete meal. The deeper pan allows for hearty toppings, making every bite both bold and satisfying.

How is Chicago-style pizza cooked?

This pizza is baked in a tall, round baking dish that allows the dough to form thick, raised edges. Cheese goes in first, followed by meats or veggies, and sauce is spread over the top. It's placed in a hot oven—typically around 425°F—until the crust turns crisp and the sauce begins to simmer.

What pizza is Chicago famous for?

Chicago is celebrated for its deep dish pizza—a hearty pie with a tall, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, savory toppings, and tomato sauce on top. It's thicker and more layered than thin-crust styles, often eaten with a fork and knife for a more filling meal.

What makes Chicago-style pizza different?

What sets this style apart is its structure and reverse layering. The crust is tall and rich, built to support thick amounts of cheese, toppings, and sauce. Cheese goes directly onto the dough, followed by fillings, with the sauce poured on last. This method prevents sogginess and creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile.

Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: A Hearty Homemade Classic

Name: Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp); 1¼ cups warm water; 2 tsp sugar; 3¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup yellow cornmeal; 8 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cups low-moisture mozzarella; ¾ lb Italian sausage; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; ½ cup chopped green bell pepper; ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp oregano; ½ tsp basil; Salt, pepper, and pinch of sugar; ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Description

Thick, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor, this homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza brings a taste of the Windy City to your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp)
1¼ cups warm water
2 tsp sugar
3¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal
8 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cups low-moisture mozzarella
¾ lb Italian sausage
1 cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp basil
Salt, pepper, and pinch of sugar
¼ cup grated Parmesan

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Instructions

1. Mix warm water and sugar. Add yeast and let foam.

2. Stir in flour, cornmeal, butter, salt, and olive oil.

3. Knead dough until smooth. Let rise until doubled.

4. Sauté garlic in oil, add crushed tomatoes and spices. Simmer sauce.

5. Brown sausage separately. Preheat oven to 425°F.

6. Press dough into greased deep pan. Add cheese, meat, vegetables, then sauce.

7. Sprinkle Parmesan. Bake 25–30 min. Cool 10 min before slicing.

Notes

Let dough rise in a warm spot for best results.

Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Pizza slices reheat well in the oven at 375°F.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American