Thick, Cheesy, and Oozing with Bold Tomato Flavor

If you're craving a pizza that’s more like a meal than a snack, this Chicago deep-dish pizza recipe is for you. It’s hearty, rich, and piled high with layers of melty cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and that signature golden crust that holds it all together.

I first made this after my husband came back from a work trip to Chicago raving about the pizza. He kept saying, “It’s like lasagna meets pizza!” And he was right—this one is deep, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, but when you make it with clean, real ingredients at home, it feels just as comforting without the greasy guilt.

Perfect for a weekend family dinner or a fun Friday night in, this deep-dish recipe delivers serious flavor and major satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ¾ cup warm water (110°F)

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornmeal

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ lb Italian chicken sausage or lean ground turkey sausage (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional: chopped fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Make the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.

2. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add olive oil and yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.

3. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.

Make the Sauce:
4. While dough rises, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and cook until soft (5 minutes). Stir in garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.

Assemble the Pizza:
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or deep cake pan with olive oil.
6. Press dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Layer in this order: mozzarella cheese, optional cooked sausage, then the tomato sauce.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden and the sauce is bubbly.

Serve:
8. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then slice and enjoy that cheesy, saucy goodness.

Sarah’s Tips for Deep-Dish Success

• Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Deep dish should be balanced—layered, not overloaded.

• Cornmeal Is Key: It gives the crust that classic texture and flavor.

• Let It Rest: Give the pizza time to cool slightly before slicing so it holds together better.

• Make Ahead: You can make the dough and sauce the day before—just keep them chilled until you're ready to bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza is bold, rich, and unbelievably satisfying. It’s perfect for when you want to treat yourself, but still feel good about what’s going on your plate. Made with simple, clean ingredients and that signature deep-dish layering, it’s a homemade version of a Chicago classic that you’ll want to make again and again.

Nutrition (Per Serving – serves 4):
Calories: 490
Protein: 24g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 46g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g