Indulge your taste buds with the savory delight of homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Crafted with a golden, cornmeal-infused crust that cradles layers of flavorful ingredients, this pizza is a culinary masterpiece. The dough, a perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness, is crowned with a symphony of sweet Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and zesty tomato sauce. As it bakes to perfection, the aroma of herbs and garlic infuses the air, heightening anticipation. Each slice offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from the hearty sausage to the melty cheese and the robust tomato goodness. This Chicago-style deep-dish pizza isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will transport you to the iconic pizzerias of the Windy City. Serve it hot, savor the moment, and let the soulful satisfaction linger with every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked
- 1 pound whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
For the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
For the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the dough to fit a deep-dish pizza pan. Make sure it comes up the sides.
- Press the dough into the pan, making sure to patch up any holes.
- Layer the bottom with half of the mozzarella cheese, followed by the cooked sausage.
- In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the sausage.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Fold the excess dough over the cheese to create a thick crust.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, assuming 8 slices):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per slice
Protein: Around 20-25 grams per slice
Fat: Approximately 25-30 grams per slice
Carbohydrates: Roughly 45-55 grams per slice
Fiber: Around 3-5 grams per slice
Sodium: Approximately 1000-1200 mg per slice
