Homemade Chicago Style Pizza

Print This Recipe

Chicago-style deep dish is a family favorite and perfect for home cooking,no pizza oven required. It’s hearty, comforting, and ideal for Super Bowl parties, college game days, or any gathering where good food brings people together.

There’s something special about pulling a deep, golden, cheese-filled pizza out of the oven and setting it in the center of the table. It’s not just dinner, it’s an experience. This classic Chicago-style deep dish is layered the traditional way, with cheese first, then toppings, then sauce, creating that iconic thick, sliceable pie that’s loaded with flavor.

If you’ve never made deep dish at home, don’t worry. This recipe walks you through each step so you can confidently create a restaurant-style pizza right in your own kitchen.

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Classic combination with Sausage, Onions & Peppers

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Oven Temperature: 425°F
Equipment: 9–10" deep-dish pan or cast-iron skillet

Crust (Buttery, Chicago-Style)

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt

• 1 cup warm water

• ¼ cup vegetable or corn oil

• 2 Tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, garlic powder, and Krazy Salt.

2. Add the warm water, oil, and melted butter.

3. Stir until a soft dough forms, then knead lightly for 2–3 minutes.

4. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.

5. Generously butter a deep-dish pan and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.

6. Press the dough evenly into the pan, pushing it up the sides.

Cheese Layer (First, Always)

• 12 oz low-moisture mozzarella, sliced

• 4 oz provolone, sliced (optional but recommended for depth)

Lay the cheese directly on the crust.

Toppings

• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, raw and crumbled

• 1½ cups diced onions

• 1 cup diced green peppers

Scatter evenly over the cheese.

Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 (16-oz) can San Marzano tomatoes, hand crushed

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Combine ingredients. Simmering is optional.

Assemble

• Press crust into pan

• Add mozzarella and provolone slices

• Layer sausage, onions, and peppers

• Spoon sauce over the top

• Finish with ⅓ cup grated Parmesan

Bake

Bake at 425°F for 35–40 minutes.
Cover loosely if the top browns too quickly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Chicago-style deep dish pizza is comfort food at its finest, thick, cheesy, and layered with bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a big game gathering or just craving something hearty and homemade, this recipe delivers a true Chicago classic right from your own oven.

Serve it hot, slice it thick, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy layer.

Print This Recipe