Embark on a culinary journey to the Windy City right from your kitchen with this incredibly easy and authentic Deep Dish Pizza recipe! Prepare to be amazed by the rich, buttery homemade crust, the robust and savory tomato sauce, a generous layer of premium pepperoni, and an irresistible blend of gooey, melted cheeses. This isn’t just a pizza; it’s an experience, a taste of Chicago that’s surprisingly simple to master at home.
If you’re eager to explore more delightful pizza creations, be sure to check out our vibrant Taco Pizza for a flavorful twist, or savor the tastes of summer with our exquisite Grilled Pizza Capricciosa. There’s a pizza for every palate and every occasion!
Pizza holds a special place in our hearts for dinner, and there’s nothing quite like introducing a new, exciting rendition to our weekly meal plan. From creative pizza burgers to delightful pizza bites, any pizza-inspired dish is always a welcome sight on our table. However, it’s this homemade deep dish pizza recipe that truly captures my culinary affection.
As a proud Chicagoan (hailing from the charming suburbs), I can attest that deep dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a signature, a beloved staple of our city’s gastronomic identity. You might imagine it’s an intricate undertaking, but I’m here to reveal that crafting this masterpiece at home is surprisingly straightforward. The result? A pizza that rivals, if not surpasses, anything you’d find in a renowned restaurant. The added bonus of home cooking means you can tailor every element to your heart’s desire, ensuring a truly personalized pizza perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with homemade deep dish pizza for countless reasons. Beyond the sheer satisfaction of creating a culinary icon, this recipe offers unparalleled flavor and flexibility, making it a staple for any home cook:
- Authentic Chicago Flavors: This isn’t just any pizza; it’s an authentic rendition of Chicago-style deep dish. The magic begins with the dough, enriched with both butter and fine cornmeal, giving it that characteristic flaky, crisp, and unbelievably tender texture. Paired with our thick, savory tomato sauce bursting with aromatic herbs and spices, every bite will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Chicago. Experience the genuine taste that defines this iconic pizza style.
- Fully Customizable for Every Palate: One of the greatest joys of homemade pizza is the freedom to personalize it. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to cater to everyone’s preferences, no matter how diverse. Whether you crave classic pepperoni, a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, or a gourmet mix of specialty meats and cheeses, you are the artist. This adaptability ensures that every deep dish pizza you create will be a unique reflection of your family’s favorite flavors, making mealtime a delight for all.
- Impressive Yet Achievable: While deep dish pizza looks incredibly elaborate and restaurant-worthy, the process is designed to be accessible for home cooks. Our clear, step-by-step instructions break down each stage, from dough preparation to assembly, making a seemingly complex dish surprisingly achievable. Impress your family and friends with a show-stopping pizza that tastes like it came from a professional pizzeria, all thanks to your efforts.
- Economical and Wholesome: Making deep dish pizza at home is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also a smart economic choice. You get to control the quality of your ingredients, opting for fresh, wholesome options without the premium price tag of a restaurant. Plus, there’s immense satisfaction in knowing exactly what goes into your meal, free from artificial additives or preservatives often found in store-bought or takeout options.
What Makes a Pizza “Deep Dish?” The True Chicago Style Revealed
A deep dish pizza, affectionately known worldwide as Chicago-style pizza, stands in a league of its own, distinctively different from its thin-crust and New York-style counterparts. Its signature characteristic lies in its name: a profoundly thick crust, approximately an inch or more deep, forming a robust basin capable of holding an abundant bounty of toppings and sauce. This substantial depth is not merely for aesthetics; it’s integral to the pizza’s structural integrity and flavor profile.
The crust itself is a masterpiece. Unlike the lean, crisp dough of other pizzas, deep dish dough incorporates both butter and cornmeal. The butter imbues the crust with a rich, golden hue and an incomparable tender, flaky texture, akin to a pastry. The addition of fine-ground cornmeal contributes a subtle, pleasant grittiness and a satisfying crunch, providing a textural contrast to the soft interior and moist fillings. This unique combination creates a crust that is both sturdy enough to support heavy toppings and flavorful enough to be a star in its own right.
Another defining feature is the order of ingredients. In a traditional Chicago deep dish, the cheese typically forms the first layer directly on the crust. This acts as a protective barrier, preventing the thick, rich tomato sauce and other wet toppings from making the dough soggy during the extended baking time. Over the cheese, you’ll find generous amounts of your chosen meats and vegetables, all crowned with a robust, chunky tomato sauce. This sauce is far from the thin, spreadable variety found on most pizzas; it’s a slow-simmered, concentrated sauce, often made from crushed tomatoes and seasoned generously with garlic and Italian herbs, ensuring it can withstand the long bake without becoming watery.
The result is a pizza that bakes slowly, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a symphony of textures and tastes: a buttery, crunchy crust, a gooey molten cheese layer, hearty toppings, and a vibrant, thick tomato sauce. It’s a truly indulgent and satisfying meal, a testament to Chicago’s rich culinary heritage.
Gather Your Ingredients: The Essentials for Deep Dish Pizza
To create this magnificent deep dish pizza, you’ll need a selection of quality ingredients for the dough, sauce, and toppings. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that authentic Chicago flavor and texture. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the conclusion of this post.
Deep Dish Pizza Dough Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
The crust is paramount in deep dish pizza. Here’s what you’ll need to create its signature buttery, crunchy texture:
- All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental building block for our dough, providing structure and elasticity. For a wholesome twist, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
- Fine-Ground Cornmeal: This is a crucial ingredient that sets deep dish apart. Ensure you use fine-ground cornmeal, not polenta or coarser varieties, as it contributes to the signature crunchy texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavor of the crust without being overtly grainy.
- Instant Yeast: Our leavening agent. Instant yeast is fantastic because it can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients without prior proofing, saving you time and ensuring a reliable rise.
- Granulated Sugar: A small amount of sugar works wonders, not only by activating the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully but also by enhancing the crust’s browning and adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory toppings. Honey can be used as an alternative for a different depth of flavor.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, salt balances the sweetness and brings out the taste of all the ingredients. Use a fine-grain sea salt or table salt for even distribution.
- Warm Water: The perfect temperature of water is key to activating the yeast. It should be comfortably warm to the touch – think bathwater, not scalding hot – typically between 105°F and 115°F (40°C-46°C). Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while water that is too cold won’t activate it effectively.
- Unsalted Butter: Generous amounts of melted unsalted butter are what give the deep dish crust its characteristic richness and tender, flaky quality. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dough, ensuring a perfectly seasoned base.
- Olive Oil: Used for greasing the bowl where the dough will rise and for coating your deep dish pan, preventing sticking and contributing to a beautifully crisp bottom crust.
Rich & Flavorful Tomato Sauce Ingredients: The Heart of the Pizza
A thick, robust sauce is vital for deep dish pizza, providing a vibrant contrast to the cheese and crust:
- Crushed Tomatoes: The base of our rich sauce. Opt for a 28-ounce can of high-quality crushed tomatoes. For an even deeper, more complex flavor profile, consider using “fire-roasted” crushed tomatoes, which add a subtle smokiness.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is indispensable for adding aromatic depth and a pungent kick to the sauce. While garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch, fresh garlic offers superior flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavors. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, a combination of dried oregano and basil works wonderfully.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the sauce, bringing them into harmonious balance. Adjust to your taste preference.
Delectable Toppings: Layers of Goodness
The toppings are where the magic truly comes alive, creating a melty, savory explosion in every bite:
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential pizza cheese, providing incredible melt and stretch. We use a generous amount of shredded mozzarella to create that iconic gooey layer.
- Shredded Edam Cheese: Adding Edam cheese introduces a slightly nutty, mild, and wonderfully creamy flavor that complements the mozzarella beautifully. If Edam isn’t available, shredded Gouda makes an excellent substitute, or simply use extra mozzarella for more classic gooeyness.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of robust Parmesan cheese over the top adds a sharp, salty finish and a delightful golden crust when baked. Always opt for freshly grated for the best flavor.
- Sliced Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping, pepperoni adds a savory, slightly spicy, and wonderfully greasy kick. Approximately 1/2 cup of thinly sliced pepperoni is ideal, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
- Fresh Basil: A vibrant garnish that adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful aromatic finish once the pizza emerges from the oven. Tear or chop leaves just before serving.
Unleash Your Creativity: Endless Topping Ideas for Your Deep Dish Pizza
While our recipe features classic pepperoni, the beauty of homemade deep dish pizza lies in its versatility. The deep, sturdy crust is a perfect canvas for virtually any topping you can imagine. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your signature pizza!
- Vibrant Vegetables: Loading your deep dish with fresh vegetables adds fantastic flavor, texture, and a healthy boost. Consider adding:
- Bell Peppers: Sliced green, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for color and a sweet-crisp bite.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed sliced cremini or button mushrooms for an earthy depth.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves, wilted slightly or added raw to cook down.
- Artichoke Hearts: Quartered or chopped artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained well) for a tangy, tender addition.
- Onions: Thinly sliced red or yellow onions, or caramelized onions for sweetness.
- Olives: Sliced black or Kalamata olives for a briny, savory punch.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Sliced Roma tomatoes for extra juiciness and a fresh tomato flavor.
- Jalapeños: Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños for those who love a spicy kick.
- Hearty Meats: Beyond pepperoni, a variety of cooked meats can elevate your deep dish pizza:
- Italian Sausage: Crumbled and cooked Italian sausage (mild or hot) is a Chicago deep dish classic.
- Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty dimension.
- Canadian Bacon/Ham: Diced or sliced for a milder, savory flavor.
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) for a leaner option. Try it barbecued or buffalo-style!
- Ground Beef: Seasoned ground beef, cooked and crumbled.
- Distinctive Cheeses: Mix and match cheeses to create unique flavor profiles and textures:
- Provolone: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and excellent melt.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp or mild cheddar for a bolder, more piquant taste.
- Monterey Jack: Offers a mild, buttery flavor and fantastic meltiness.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Slices of fresh mozzarella balls for a creamier, more delicate melt.
- Ricotta Cheese: Dollops of ricotta cheese add a creamy, slightly sweet element.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta for a salty, tangy Mediterranean flair.
- Alternative Sauce Bases: While a thick tomato sauce is traditional, don’t shy away from other delicious bases:
- Pesto Sauce: A vibrant pesto base can add an aromatic, herby flavor.
- Olive Oil & Garlic: For a lighter, rustic pizza, brush the dough with olive oil, then layer with fresh tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
- White Sauce/Alfredo: A creamy Alfredo sauce can make for a decadent, rich deep dish.
- BBQ Sauce: For a BBQ chicken deep dish, use your favorite barbecue sauce as the base.
Remember, the deep dish style allows for generous portions, so don’t be shy when layering your favorite combinations!
Crafting Your Chicago Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Dish Pizza
Making homemade deep dish pizza might seem like a grand endeavor, but it’s a deeply rewarding process. While it does require a bit of time for dough preparation and sauce simmering, every moment invested is truly worth it for the unparalleled flavor and freshness you’ll achieve. Follow these steps to create a truly authentic deep dish experience.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, fine yellow cornmeal, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour in the warm water and the melted unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or your hands to mix until the dough begins to come together in a shaggy mass.
- Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Form it into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size.
- Simmer the Sauce: While the dough is rising, begin preparing your robust tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened significantly. A thick sauce is crucial for deep dish to prevent a soggy crust. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to a blazing 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan, cast-iron skillet, or a cake tin with 2-inch high sides with olive oil. Ensure the sides and bottom are well-coated.
- Roll and Press Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle large enough to cover the bottom and extend up the sides of your prepared deep dish pan, typically a 14-inch diameter circle for a 12-inch pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the greased pan, pressing it evenly across the bottom and firmly up the sides to form a sturdy crust.
- Layer the Cheeses: Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella and shredded Edam cheese over the bottom of the dough. This foundational layer of cheese helps protect the crust from the sauce.
- Add the Tomato Sauce: Carefully pour the thick tomato sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Final Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tomato sauce. Then, arrange the sliced pepperoni (or your chosen toppings) on top of the Parmesan layer.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the assembled deep dish pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your toppings.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool and rest in the pan for 5 to 8 minutes before slicing. This crucial resting period allows the cheese and sauce to set, making for cleaner slices and preventing a messy presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish, then slice and serve hot! Enjoy your authentic homemade Chicago deep dish pizza.
Expert Tips for Deep Dish Pizza Perfection
While making a deep dish pizza might appear intricate, it’s quite similar to baking a standard pizza with a few nuanced but important steps. These expert tips will guide you towards crafting a perfectly authentic and delicious deep dish masterpiece, ensuring a truly rewarding culinary experience.
- Choose the Right Deep Pan: The depth of your pan is crucial for a true deep dish experience. If you don’t own a specialized deep dish pizza pan (typically 12 inches in diameter with sides at least 2 inches high), a standard cake tin with 2-inch high sides or even a sturdy cast-iron skillet (10-12 inches) can work beautifully. Whichever you choose, remember to generously grease both the bottom and sides with olive oil to prevent sticking and aid in crust browning. This creates a non-stick surface and contributes to a wonderfully crisp exterior.
- Stick to the Homemade Dough: This is arguably the most critical tip! Resist the temptation to use store-bought regular pizza dough, as it is fundamentally different. Regular pizza dough, while delicious for thin crusts, lacks the structural integrity and richness required to hold up to the substantial weight of deep dish toppings and sauce. Our homemade dough recipe, fortified with butter and cornmeal, is specifically designed to be robust, buttery, and slightly crunchy, providing the authentic foundation needed for this style of pizza. Following the specified dough recipe ensures the best possible texture and flavor.
- Simmer That Sauce to Perfection: Do not underestimate the importance of simmering your tomato sauce adequately. A common pitfall in deep dish pizza is a watery sauce, which can seep into the crust and make it soggy. Simmering the sauce for the recommended 15-20 minutes, or until it visibly thickens, is essential. This process reduces the moisture content and concentrates the flavors, ensuring your sauce remains rich, robust, and stays put on top of the cheese, without compromising the integrity of your buttery crust.
- Consider a Pre-Bake for the Crust: For an extra layer of protection against a soggy bottom and to guarantee a wonderfully crisp crust, consider a brief pre-bake. After pressing the dough into your pan, pre-bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes at 450°F (230°C) before adding any toppings. This step helps to partially cook and firm up the dough, creating a more resilient barrier against the moisture from the sauce and cheese. After pre-baking, remove the crust from the oven, add your layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, then return it to the oven to finish baking according to the recipe instructions. This small extra step can make a significant difference in the final texture of your deep dish pizza.
- Allow for Adequate Cooling Time: Once baked, it can be tempting to slice into your deep dish pizza immediately. However, allowing the pizza to rest in the pan for 5-8 minutes after removing it from the oven is crucial. This cooling period allows the molten cheese and hot sauce to set and firm up, preventing them from oozing out excessively when you cut the first slice. It also makes for cleaner cuts and a more satisfying, less messy serving experience. Patience is a virtue when it comes to perfect deep dish!
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Deep Dish Pizza
A glorious pan of homemade deep dish pizza is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some thoughtful suggestions to complete your feast:
- Beverage Pairings: For the adults, a robust glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or a Zinfandel, complements the richness of the pizza beautifully. The acidity and fruit notes cut through the cheese and sauce, balancing the flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a classic glass of lemonade for the kids (and adults alike!) provides a refreshing contrast, or iced tea for a slightly more sophisticated touch.
- Fresh and Light Salads: To balance the richness of deep dish pizza, a crisp, fresh salad is an absolute must. The vibrant greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint. Consider these delightful options:
- Our crunchy Mexican Street Corn Salad, bursting with zesty flavors and textures.
- A juicy and refreshing Avocado Tomato Salad, offering creamy avocado and bright tomatoes.
- A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad for a touch of elegance.
- A vibrant Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Comforting Soups: On a chilly evening, a warm bowl of soup alongside a hearty slice of deep dish pizza creates the ultimate comfort food pairing. The warmth and savory notes of a good soup can be incredibly satisfying. Try our recipes for:
- A flavorful Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory.
- A creamy and comforting Creamy Potato Leek Soup, a soothing companion to your pizza.
- A minestrone or a classic tomato soup for a traditional Italian touch.
- Decadent Desserts: No indulgent meal is complete without a sweet finish. After savoring your deep dish pizza, treat yourself to a delicious dessert. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:
- A rich and fudgy pan of Cream Cheese Brownies, offering a delightful swirl of tangy and sweet.
- Our irresistible Pecan Pie Brownies, a perfect marriage of two beloved desserts.
- Whip up an easy batch of chewy Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats for a quick and satisfying sweet.
- Classic Italian cannoli or tiramisu for an authentic dessert experience.
Storing Your Deep Dish Pizza: Enjoying the Goodness Later
Deep dish pizza is just as delightful, if not more so, the next day! Proper storage ensures you can savor its deliciousness for several days or even months. Follow these guidelines to maintain optimal freshness and flavor:
- Refrigeration (Baked Pizza): For any leftover slices of baked deep dish pizza, allow them to cool completely to room temperature first. This prevents condensation from forming and making the crust soggy. Once cooled, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. Stored this way, your pizza will remain fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing (Unbaked Pizza): If you want to prepare ahead or save an entire pizza for a future meal, you can freeze it *before* baking. Assemble the pizza fully in its deep dish pan, up to the point of baking. Then, wrap the entire pan (with the pizza inside) very securely in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with the date. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, you can bake the pizza directly from frozen; simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time specified in the recipe, ensuring the crust is golden and the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Freezing (Baked Pizza Slices): You can also freeze individual slices of *baked* deep dish pizza. Again, allow them to cool completely. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices into a large sealable freezer-safe bag or an airtight freezer container. This method helps prevent freezer burn and makes it easy to grab a single serving. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Leftovers: The best way to reheat deep dish pizza and restore its crispy crust is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400-425°F (200-220°C). Place the pizza slices directly on a baking sheet or on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the crust soggy. For frozen slices, you might need an extra 5-10 minutes of reheating time.
More Easy & Delicious Dinner Ideas
If you loved this deep dish pizza, be sure to explore more of our simple yet satisfying dinner recipes that are perfect for any weeknight:
- Hearty Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Savory Chopped Steak with Mushroom Gravy
- Creamy Boursin Pasta
- Delicious Brown Sugar Meatloaf
Deep Dish Pizza
by Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes
This Deep Dish Pizza features a buttery homemade crust, thick tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses plus pepperoni.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
Deep Dish Pizza Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal (fine-ground)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt (fine-grain sea salt or table salt)
- 1¼ cups warm water (105°F-115°F / 40°C-46°C)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Olive oil, for greasing
Tomato Sauce:
- 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded Edam cheese (or Gouda/more Mozzarella)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Dough and Sauce:
- Make the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yellow cornmeal, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the sauce. Meanwhile, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper in a medium saucepan.
- Cook. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
Assemble and Bake the Pizza:
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a deep-dish pizza pan (12-inch) or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
- Prepare the pizza crust. Gently punch down the risen dough and roll it out with a rolling pin into a circle large enough to fit your pan and extend up the sides. Then, press it into the prepared pan, covering the bottom and coming up the sides evenly.
- Layer the toppings. Spread a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and edam cheese evenly over the dough. Pour the thick tomato sauce over the cheese, spreading it out evenly.
- Add parmesan cheese and pepperoni slices. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. Arrange the sliced pepperoni over the parmesan cheese.
- Bake. Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 8 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy your authentic deep dish creation!
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
- Calories: 957kcal
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Protein: 44g
- Fat: 54g
- Saturated Fat: 32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 157mg
- Sodium: 2248mg
- Potassium: 753mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 1741IU
- Vitamin C: 13mg
- Calcium: 916mg
- Iron: 6mg