Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza
When it comes to iconic American pizzas, Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza stands tall as a true classic. Originating from the windy city itself, this pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust, savory fillings, and a generous helping of cheese and tomato sauce. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making your very own Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza. From crafting the perfect crust to assembling the delicious toppings, you’ll soon be savoring a taste of Chicago in the comfort of your home.
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Crust: Crafting the Foundation
The crust of a Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza is what sets it apart from traditional thin-crust pizzas. Here’s how you can create that mouthwatering base:
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1. Prepare the Dough
To start, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 cup |
| Yeast | 1 package |
| Corn Oil | 1/3 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Cream of Tartar | 1 teaspoon |
| Bread Flour | 1 pound |
- In a bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, oil, cream of tartar, and sugar. Mix until the yeast dissolves.
- Gradually add the bread flour, mixing with your hand. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes firm, adding more flour if necessary.
- Roll the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl brushed with oil. Cover it with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let it sit overnight at room temperature, allowing it to rise just once. Portion and use as needed.
Pizza Sauce: The Heart of the Pizza
A great Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza is incomplete without a flavorful sauce. Here’s how to prepare it:
2. Tomato Sauce
For the pizza sauce, gather these ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plum Roma Tomatoes | 28 ounces |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Basil | A pinch |
| Oregano | A pinch |
| Fresh Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
- Place the tomatoes and their sauce in a bowl. Using a potato masher or your hands, mash the tomatoes until there are no large chunks left.
- Add the salt, basil, oregano, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, but be cautious with basil and oregano to avoid overpowering the sauce.
Assembly: Bringing It All Together
Now that you have your crust and sauce ready, it’s time to assemble your Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza:
3. Assembly
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella Cheese | 16 ounces (about 4 cups) Low-moisture part-skim |
| Pepperoni | As desired |
| Italian Sausage | Uncooked, pinched into little pieces, as desired |
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the inside of your deep dish pizza pan (or a round cake pan with straight sides) generously with melted butter or oil.
- Roll out the dough to about 3 inches larger than the bottom of the pan. Place it inside the pan and pinch the dough up along the sides to form the crust.
- Layer the cheese directly on the crust, followed by the pepperoni and Italian sausage pieces. Finish by pouring the prepared tomato sauce on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crust is starting to brown, the cheese is bubbling through the sauce, the edges of the pepperoni are crisp, and the sausage is cooked through.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a delicious Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza that captures the essence of this iconic American dish. The combination of the rich, buttery crust, the savory toppings, and the flavorsome tomato sauce is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings.
Now, it’s time to enjoy your homemade pizza with family and friends. Gather around and savor a slice of Chicago right in your own home.
