Deep Dish Delight: A Chicago Style Pizza with Sausage and Pepperoni
Cooking Time: Approximately 35 minutes
My introduction to Chicago deep dish pizza was actually in Houston,Texas when I was a kid. My mother worked as a waitress in the 70s at a popular pizza joint. She would bring one these home on occasion and I remember thinking “this is by far the best thing I’ve ever tasted”.
Then my next time would be on a work trip as an adult.During my work trip to the Windy City and again I was captivated by the layers of cheese and toppings with that iconic sauce on top. It reminded me of being a kid again and tasting it for the first time, but this time as an adult I understood the complexity of every layer supporting the next, complimenting each and creating perfection.
Creating this Chicago deep dish pizza is an art of patience and precision, from the slow-rise dough to the simmered sauce, each step a testament to crafting something great.
Nutritional Information (per slice, 8 slices total):
• Calories: 480
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 1250mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
Ingredients:
Dough
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups water (lukewarm)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Filling
• 1/3 pound sliced mozzarella (from your local deli)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
• 1/2 lb pepperoni slices
• 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Homemade Tomato Sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. For the dough: Mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add water and melted butter. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
2. For the sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Press dough into a deep-dish pizza pan, covering the bottom and sides.
4. Start with cheese, then sausage and pepperoni. Pour sauce over and sprinkle with herbs. 5. Bake for 25 minutes or until crust is golden. 6. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Pairing Suggestions:
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a light Caesar salad to cut through the richness, or a cold pale ale that complements the robust flavors of the meat and cheese.
Historical Note:
Chicago-style pizza originated in the 1940s and has since become a beloved part of the city’s culinary landscape. It’s a true American innovation, reflecting the country’s melting pot of cultures and the spirit of hearty, generous hospitality.
