Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a circle large enough to fit a 12-inch deep-dish pan.
3. Grease the pan with butter or oil, then press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides.
4. Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese first, covering the bottom completely.
5. Add the cooked sausage, then the diced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
6. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the toppings.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Place the deep-dish pizza in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
3. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Serve

1. Allow the pizza to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
2. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
3. Slice generously and enjoy a hearty Chicago-style deep dish pizza at home!

Tips for Perfect Deep Dish Pizza

• Cheese first: Always layer the cheese directly on the dough to prevent sogginess.
• Cornmeal in dough: Gives the crust that authentic slightly crunchy texture.
• Patience in baking: Deep dish needs time to cook thoroughly without burning the edges.
• Custom toppings: Feel free to add pepperoni, spinach, or even ricotta for a personal twist.

Homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a labor of love, but the result is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying pizza that rivals any pizzeria in Chicago. With this step-by-step guide, you can impress friends and family with a true classic from your own kitchen.

If you want, I can also make a version with a few images showing each step, so it looks like a full cooking guide. It would make it much easier to follow visually. Do you want me to do that?