Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza features a thick, buttery crust filled with savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, topped with Parmesan. Perfect for pizza lovers craving bold flavors and hearty bites, this dish offers a satisfying meal that's ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Allow the frozen bread dough to stand on a lightly floured surface, covered, at room temperature for 1 hour or until doubled in volume.
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing.
- Brown the sausage meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the sausage and cook until tender.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried oregano; simmer the mixture for 15 minutes to make the meat sauce.
- Roll out the dough to a 15 x 11-inch rectangle.
- Press the dough onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Layer half of the mozzarella cheese slices on the dough.
- Spread the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20 minutes.
- Let the pizza stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the dough for 5-10 minutes before adding toppings. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausage. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano for a brighter flavor. If you have leftover dough, try making small breadsticks to serve alongside the pizza.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pizza hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for color and flavor. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of Baked Garlic Sausages With Mushrooms complements the pizza nicely, offering a hearty addition to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crust's crispiness compared to microwaving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza contains roughly 429 calories, with 21g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (126% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for varied flavors. Just ensure to maintain the same volume to achieve the right texture and meltiness. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the overall taste of your deep-dish pizza.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, ensure that the meat sauce is not too watery before layering it on the dough. You can also bake the crust lightly before adding toppings or sprinkle some grated Parmesan on the bottom to absorb excess moisture.
Can I freeze the pizza before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, remove the wrapping and bake from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. This is a great way to have homemade pizza ready at a moment's notice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).