Deep Dish Pizza Of Chicago
A hearty Chicago-style deep dish pizza featuring layers of sausage, cheese, and tomatoes, with aromatic herbs, perfect for satisfying a group craving authentic Italian-American flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 14 x 12-inch pizza pan.
- On a flour-dusted surface, roll the thawed bread dough into a 16-inch circle.
- Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan, 1.5 inches high.
- Sprinkle 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Crumble the lean pork sausage evenly over the cheese.
- Sprinkle dried oregano and crushed fennel seed over the sausage.
- Top with drained chopped plum tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and remaining cheese.
- Place the pizza in a preheated 500°F oven, then immediately reduce the temperature to 400°F.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Experiment with additional toppings like bell peppers or olives for added texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the deep dish pizza with a simple side salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar for a fresh contrast. A glass of red wine or a light lager complements the richness of the dish nicely. For a fun twist, pair it with Pork Chops With Pineapple for a hearty meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual 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 crispy crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Dish Pizza Of Chicago contains roughly 1009 calories, with 42g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and calcium (150% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1472mg per serving (64% 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 homemade dough instead of frozen bread dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch to your deep dish pizza. Ensure it's well-proofed for the best texture. Just follow similar rolling and pressing techniques as you would with the frozen option.
What can I use if I can't find plum tomatoes?
If plum tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with diced canned tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Just be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy pizza. Fresh tomatoes can also be used, but remove the seeds and excess moisture.
How do I know when the pizza is done baking?
The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. You can also use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out clean without any wet dough sticking to it.
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).