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Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: A Rustic Layered Delight
Youssef Hb

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: A Rustic Layered Delight

A rich and savory pizza with a buttery cornmeal crust, luscious tomato sauce, and molten mozzarella. Optional halal sausage crumbles or vegan alternatives add depth.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1.25 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2.25 tsp instant yeast
  • 1.25 cups warm water (100-110°F)
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 0.5 cup halal sausage crumbles (optional, substitute for pepperoni)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
  • 0.5 tsp salt (for sauce)
  • 0.5 tsp sugar (for sauce)

Method
 

  1. Combine 3.25 cups flour, 0.5 cup cornmeal, 1.25 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2.25 tsp instant yeast in a bowl.
  2. Add 1.25 cups warm water and 1/3 cup melted butter, mixing until combined.
  3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until silky.
  4. Cover and let dough proof in a warm area until doubled (1-2 hours).
  5. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan and press dough against sides and bottom.
  6. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp olive oil until golden. Add 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 2 cups crushed tomatoes, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp sugar; simmer 20 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella in the pan. Spread the sauce over cheese. Add halal sausage crumbles (if using). Top with remaining 3 cups mozzarella.
  8. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese bubbles. Cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use oat flour blend. To prep ahead: refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours. For vegan version, use vegan mozzarella and omit meat topping. Cornmeal prevents sticking and adds crunch.
Recipe tested for salt balance; adjust seasonings per taste.