To make deep dish pizza, follow these steps:
- Prepare the dough using a pizza dough recipe or store-bought dough. For Chicago-style, include ingredients like all-purpose flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and oil. Knead and let the dough rise (usually 1-2 hours).
- Make the tomato sauce by sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil with oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer until thick.
- Preheat your oven to around 425-450°F (215-232°C).
- Oil a deep dish pan or cast iron skillet and press the rolled-out dough into the pan, making sure it covers the bottom and sides and has some edges above the rim.
- Layer the pizza starting with slices or shredded mozzarella cheese, then add your toppings like Italian sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables. Pour tomato sauce on top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings.
- Bake for 25-45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese and sauce are bubbly. Let it rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
This method yields a thick, hearty pizza with a crispy crust and gooey cheesy layers inside.
