Description
Chicago’s legendary Deep-Dish Pizza Pie combines buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese into a hearty culinary masterpiece. Savory slices promise comfort and satisfaction for pizza enthusiasts seeking authentic Midwestern flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Meat:
- 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (75 g) cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni
- ½ cup (75 g) sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (120 ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft the foundational dough by blending flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter, stirring until a cohesive mixture emerges. Gently knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface for 7-8 minutes, developing a silky, resilient texture.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly lubricated container, drape with a kitchen towel, and allow it to proof in a cozy environment for approximately 1-1.5 hours, or until it dramatically expands.
- Prepare the aromatic sauce by warming olive oil in a saucepan. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Fold in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture, occasionally stirring, for 15-20 minutes until it thickens and develops rich flavors.
- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously coat a deep-dish or 9-inch round pan with olive oil. Roll the dough into a generous circle, pressing it meticulously to line the pan’s bottom and sides.
- Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the crust. Arrange selected proteins like sausage or pepperoni. Lavishly spread the prepared tomato sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Bake the pizza pie for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the crust transforms to a golden hue and cheese bubbles enthusiastically.
- Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to settle. Slice and serve alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is lukewarm (110-115°F) for perfect yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
- Kneading develops gluten, creating a stretchy, tender crust that holds toppings beautifully without falling apart.
- Choose high-protein bread flour for a chewier, more robust pizza crust with excellent structural integrity.
- Allow longer rising time in cooler environments, which enhances flavor development through slow fermentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg