Chicago deep-dish pizza is a popular alternative to the traditional thin-crust pizza. It is known for its thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of cheese and toppings. The pizza is baked in a round, deep pan that gives it a pie-like structure. For every pizza-lover, trying the deep-dish variation is a must. That said, those wanting to make Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at home must pay careful attention to the cooking process.
Classic Chicago deep-dish pizza recipe
This recipe requires simple ingredients like all-purpose dough, cornflour, olive oil, butter, cream, tomato sauce, and toppings of one’s choice. Once these ingredients are ready, one can start making the traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza.
- To make the dough, mix all-purpose flour, cornflour, olive oil/corn oil, and a good amount of melted butter (or chilled butter for a more creamy result). Add a dollop or two of cream of tartar to this mixture to ensure a soft crust. Knead the mixture into a dough.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and let it rest for at least 6 hours. After the dough has rested, punch it and leave it for another 15 minutes.
- To make the pizza, spread some oil or melted butter on the bottom of a pan and start layering it with dough. Ensure the bottom and sides of the pan are covered with the dough to form a thick and sturdy wall.
- Start layering in the right order and add varied toppings as desired.
- Top it off with chunky tomato sauce and place the pizza in the oven.
- Rotate the dish, if necessary, when baked halfway.
Chicago deep-dish pizza cooking tips
Whether a pizza enthusiast or a home cook looking for a challenge, making homemade Chicago deep-dish pizza from scratch is rewarding. However, mastering this recipe requires attention to detail. From choosing the right flour for the crust to achieving the perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio, every step must be performed to perfection when trying an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza recipe.
Get the crust right
The crust is the biggest thing that separates the Chicago deep-dish pizza from other recipes. This pizza has a thick, buttery, pastry-like crust. The secret to getting this crust right lies in preparing the dough. The dough must have sufficient oil and butter to get a flaky texture and reduce the chewiness. Some recipes suggest adding cornflour for extra flavor and crunch.
Remember to use bread or all-purpose flour to make the flaky crust of the Chicago deep-dish pizza. The high protein content of these flours results in the desired structure. Cornmeal can also be added to give the crust its signature texture. Some recipes use melted butter in the dough, while others incorporate cold butter for a layered effect.
Use the correct baking method
Chicago-style pizzas are made in a pan that closely resembles a cake pan (round and high-sided). Some also use an iron skillet to get the shape right. A thick layer of dough is pressed to the bottom and against the sides of the pan, ensuring the pizza can support the weight of multiple topping layers.
Deep-dish pizzas are commonly baked at around 425°F (220°C) for 30 to 45 minutes. It is best to cover the pizza with foil for the initial half of the oven time to prevent the crust from browning too quickly.
Don’t forget the reversed layering method
Another aspect that defines and differentiates the deep-dish pizza is the reversed layering method used to prepare it. Traditional pizzas use sauce on the bread, but not this recipe. In a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the cheese goes first on the crust, then toppings, and then the sauce. One of the reasons for reverse layering is to prevent cheese from burning during the longer baking time.
Use low-moisture cheese
The cheese’s moisture content can affect the crust. High-moisture cheese makes the pizza too watery, compromising on the firm and buttery texture. So, it is advisable to use low-moisture cheese to achieve a gooey, cheesy base. The classic deep-dish pizza is typically made with mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, and chunky tomato sauce, but this isn’t a strict rule. Vegetables, different meats, and even unique cheeses can be used to personalize the recipe. Bakers can finish the toppings with sausage or vegetables or combinations of both.
Pay attention to sauce consistency
The sauce plays an integral role in how a pizza turns out. Be it the crispy New York pizza or the chewy Neapolitan pizza, sauce has a prime place. Similarly, the sauce is a defining factor for the Chicago-style deep dish. It uses a more chunkier sauce made with crushed tomatoes. Aside from tomatoes, the sauce is seasoned with garlic, oregano, chili flakes, and basil. This thick sauce adds depth and prevents the pizza from becoming soggy.
Give it time
Since deep-dish pizza is so thick, it requires a longer baking time. Most recipes require around 30 to 45 minutes in the oven. The prolonged exposure to moderately high temperatures ensures the layers cook evenly without burning the crust. Even after being taken out of the oven, the pizza must rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This ensures the layers are set properly, and the toppings do not slide off when slicing. Although a little complex, following these Chicago deep-dish pizza baking instructions is critical.
