Craving a slice of pure comfort? Look no further than Nana's Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza! This iconic Italian-American dish is a symphony of flavors, featuring a buttery, flaky crust stuffed to the brim with gooey cheese, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables. Imagine pulling a slice from the pan, cheese stretching tantalizingly, as you savor the rich, hearty goodness that only a deep dish can deliver. Whether you're hosting a game night or simply indulging in a cozy dinner, this recipe will make your kitchen the place to be. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let's dive into this delicious adventure!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian-American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly.
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water (around 110°F). Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 12-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to fit the pan, making sure to press the dough up the sides to create a deep crust.
- Layer the bottom of the crust with shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a solid base.
- Add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, chopped bell peppers, onions, and sliced mushrooms over the cheese.
- Pour pizza sauce evenly over the toppings, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Perfect Your Dough: Make sure your water is warm (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly. A good rise is crucial for that fluffy crust!
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This step is key to achieving a light and airy crust.
- Layer Like a Pro: When assembling your pizza, start with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese at the bottom to create a barrier that prevents the crust from getting soggy.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings! Try adding pepperoni, olives, or even spinach for a unique twist that suits your taste.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pizza as it bakes. You want that crust golden brown and the cheese bubbling perfectly.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let your pizza sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner cuts!
- Serve with Style: Pair your deep dish pizza with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
