Deep Dish Pizza

A comforting and cheesy deep-dish pizza with a golden, buttery crust, layered with gooey mozzarella, flavorful marinara sauce, and savory Italian sausage. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick and Hearty: A buttery crust packed with layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings.
• Customizable: Easily switch up the fillings to match your preferences.
• Restaurant-Style at Home: Recreate Chicago-style deep dish pizza without leaving your kitchen.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for family dinners, parties, or game nights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture, then pour into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Cook the Sausage:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Assemble the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the dough and press it into a greased deep-dish pizza pan or a 9-inch springform pan, pressing it up the sides to create a thick crust.
3. Start layering:
   • Begin with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
   • Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the mozzarella.
   • Add the cooked sausage.
   • Spoon marinara sauce over the sausage and spread evenly.
   • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh basil over the sauce.
   • Add red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.

Bake:

1. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Meat Lovers: Add pepperoni, bacon, or cooked ground beef.
• Cheese Lover’s Edition: Use a mix of provolone, cheddar, or fontina cheeses.
• Spicy Twist: Incorporate jalapeños or spicy Italian sausage for a kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
• Freeze: Wrap cooked slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pizza up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.

3. Can I use a cast-iron skillet instead of a deep-dish pan?

Absolutely! A cast-iron skillet is an excellent substitute for baking deep-dish pizza.

4. Can I make the dough gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust the water as needed for the right dough consistency.

5. What type of mozzarella works best?

Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.

6. Can I add veggies to the pizza?

Yes! Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.

7. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Start with a layer of cheese to create a barrier before adding the sauce and toppings.

8. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, pre-cooked sausage is a time-saver. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces.

9. What other sauces can I use?

Pesto, Alfredo, or spicy marinara can be used instead of traditional marinara sauce.

10. How do I know when the pizza is fully baked?

The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be bubbly.

Conclusion

This Deep Dish Pizza is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic sausage and cheese or experiment with your favorite toppings, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to for pizza nights. Enjoy restaurant-quality pizza from the comfort of your home!

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