Making a homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a rewarding culinary experience that brings the taste of an iconic dish right into your kitchen. This recipe starts with preparing your ingredients and preheating your oven to 425°F. The deep-dish pizza requires a 9-inch cake pan, which is lightly oiled at the bottom to ensure that the crust doesn’t stick. One of the keys to a perfect deep-dish pizza is to press the dough not only into the bottom but also up the sides of the pan. This step helps to create the deep, thick crust that Chicago-style pizza is famous for.
Once the dough is in place, the layering of ingredients begins, which is a distinctive feature of this pizza style. Start by sprinkling a generous layer of mozzarella cheese directly onto the dough. This cheese layer forms a barrier that prevents the crust from becoming soggy when the sauce is added later. Next, the raw Italian sausage is spread evenly over the cheese, followed by diced pepperoni. These meats bring a rich, savory flavor that complements the hearty crust.
After the meats are in place, it’s time to add the pizza sauce. Unlike other pizza styles, the sauce in a Chicago deep-dish pizza is placed on top of the cheese and meats, not underneath. This layering technique helps to keep the crust crisp while allowing the flavors of the sauce to meld with the cheese and meats. The sauce also serves to lock in the moisture, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
The final layer consists of the remaining mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. The Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella. These cheeses will melt and brown in the oven, creating a gooey, golden topping that is essential to the deep-dish experience. The pizza is then baked for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown, indicating that it is fully cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
Once the pizza is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut and serve. The result is a rich, satisfying deep-dish pizza with a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful meats that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy this homemade masterpiece with family or friends for an authentic taste of Chicago right at home.