Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza”😎

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced bell peppers
• Sliced onions
• Mushrooms
• Pepperoni slices

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased 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:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the risen dough to fit a deep-dish pizza pan.
3. Press the dough into the pan, covering the bottom and sides.
4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the crust.
5. Layer the cooked sausage over the cheese.
6. In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the sausage.
7. Top with the remaining cheeses and any optional toppings of your choice.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!