If you’re a pizza lover, you’ve probably heard of the iconic Chicago-style pizza. This deep-dish pizza is a beloved staple of Windy City’s cuisine and is known for its towering crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and its unique way of being served. Whether you’re a Chicago native or simply a pizza lover, making a Chicago-style pizza at home is a must-try experience.
Creating a Chicago-style pizza can seem daunting, but with the right ingredients, and techniques, anyone can make this delicious Chicago-style pizza recipe at home. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to creating a delightful Chicago-style pizza at home.
From the crust to the sauce and everything in between, we will give you all the tips and tricks you need to create a pizza that will impress even the most discerning pizza lover. So, let’s get started and make some Chicago-style pizza!
What is Chicago-style pizza?
Chicago-style pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, is a savory dish that originated in the Windy City. The dish is famous for its thick crust, topped with layers of cheese, meat, vegetables, and sauce. Chicago-style pizza’s unique taste and texture have made it a favorite among worldwide pizza lovers. The origins of Chicago-style pizza can be traced back to the 1940s when Pizzeria Uno created the recipe.
Since then, this style of pizza has become a cultural phenomenon and has even been featured in popular movies and TV shows. The crust is made from a thick, buttery dough baked in a deep-dish pan. The layers of toppings and cheese are then added to the crust, with the sauce being the last. The result is a pizza with a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory sauce. In this article, we will explore the recipe for Chicago-style pizza and offer some tips on how to make it perfect.
Easy Chicago Style Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of yellow cornmeal
- One tablespoon of sugar
- One tablespoon of salt
- 1 cup of lukewarm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast
- Three tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
For the sauce:
- 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- Two cloves of garlic, minced
- One teaspoon of dried oregano
- One teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
For the toppings:
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- One green pepper, sliced
- One onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
Instructions
Making Chicago-style pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, and here are some tips to help you perfect your recipe. Start with the crust: The crust is the foundation of your pizza, so it’s essential to get it right. The Chicago-style pizza crust is thick and buttery, with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. To achieve this texture, use high-gluten flour, such as bread flour, and mix the dough until it’s combined. Let the dough rest for at least an hour before rolling it into a deep-dish pizza pan.
Layer on the cheese: Cheese is an essential ingredient in Chicago-style pizza, and it’s typically layered on the bottom of the crust before the sauce and toppings are added. Use a mozzarella and provolone cheese blend for a gooey, melty texture perfect for deep-dish pizza.
Add your toppings: Chicago-style pizza is typically full with toppings, so feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients. Popular toppings include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Be careful not to overload the pizza, as it can become too heavy and soggy.
Bake it low and slow: Chicago-style pizza requires longer baking than traditional pizza, as the thick crust needs time to cook through. Bake your pizza at a low temperature, around 375-400°F, for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest: Once your pizza is out of the oven, resist the urge to cut into it immediately. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set and the crust to cool slightly. This will help prevent the toppings from sliding off and make it easier to slice and serve. With these instructions in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious Chicago-style pizza that rivals any pizzeria in the Windy City. Enjoy!
Tips
- Use a deep-dish pizza pan to ensure the crust is thick and crispy.
- Let the dough rise for at least 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
- Use a good quality canned tomato sauce for the best flavor.
- Cook the Italian sausage before adding it to the pizza to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for the perfect cheesy topping.
- To make the pizza your own, experiment with different toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or bacon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a Chicago-style pizza recipe at home is a fun and rewarding experience that any pizza lover should try. While it may take some time and effort, the result is a delicious, hearty pie that will satisfy your cravings.
When making a Chicago-style pizza, using the right ingredients and techniques is essential. With the step-by-step guide provided in this article, anyone can make a perfect Chicago-style pizza at home. Every step, from mixing the dough to layering the toppings, is essential in creating a delicious and authentic pizza.
And while endless variations of toppings and sauces exist, the classic Chicago-style pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. So the next time you’re in the mood for a hearty, cheesy pizza, consider making a Chicago-style pizza at home. Not only will you impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, but you’ll also get to enjoy a delicious and iconic dish from one of America’s greatest cities. Whether you’re a Chicago native or simply a pizza lover, making a Chicago-style pizza at home is a must-try experience.
With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, anyone can create a delicious and authentic deep-dish pizza that will surely be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and prepare amazing Chicago-style pizza!