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### Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: A Slice of Authenticity
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an iconic, hearty, and flavorful experience that has captured the hearts of pizza lovers worldwide. With its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, savory sausage, and robust marinara sauce, this pizza is a true indulgence. If you’re craving an authentic taste of Chicago, this **Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza** recipe brings that legendary pie straight to your kitchen.
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#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Authentic Flavor**: Experience the true taste of Chicago-style deep dish pizza with a crispy, buttery crust and layers of delicious fillings.
– **Customizable**: Use your favorite fillings or toppings to make it uniquely yours.
– **Perfect for Sharing**: This pizza is rich and filling, making it great for family gatherings, pizza nights, or special occasions.
– **Satisfying and Hearty**: With its thick layers, this pizza is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.
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#### Ingredients
For the **Crust**:
– **2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast** (1 packet)
– **1 1/2 cups warm water**
– **1 teaspoon sugar**
– **3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/4 cup olive oil**
– **1/4 cup cornmeal**
For the **Filling**:
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (for sautéing)
– **1 pound Italian sausage** (preferably mild, crumbled)
– **1/2 cup green bell pepper** (diced, optional)
– **1 small onion** (diced)
– **2 cloves garlic** (minced)
– **1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes**
– **1/2 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1/2 teaspoon dried basil**
– **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes** (optional, for heat)
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
– **2 cups mozzarella cheese** (shredded, preferably whole milk)
– **1 cup Parmesan cheese** (grated)
– **Fresh basil leaves** (for garnish, optional)
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#### Step-by-Step Recipe
**1. Prepare the Pizza Dough**
– In a small bowl, combine the **warm water**, **sugar**, and **yeast**. Stir gently and let sit for about **5 minutes**, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour** and **salt**. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the **olive oil**.
– Stir the mixture until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about **5-7 minutes** until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for **1 to 1 1/2 hours**, or until doubled in size.
**2. Make the Sauce**
– While the dough rises, heat **1 tablespoon olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the **Italian sausage** and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about **7-10 minutes**).
– Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté the **onion**, **green bell pepper**, and **garlic** until softened (about **5 minutes**).
– Add the **crushed tomatoes**, **oregano**, **basil**, **red pepper flakes**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir and simmer the sauce for **20-25 minutes**, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
**3. Assemble the Pizza**
– Preheat your oven to **425°F (220°C)**.
– Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a well-floured surface. Roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your **9-inch deep dish pizza pan**.
– Carefully place the dough into the pan, pressing it up the sides to form a deep crust. Sprinkle the **cornmeal** evenly over the crust to create a crisp texture.
– Layer the bottom of the crust with **1 cup of mozzarella cheese**, followed by half of the cooked **sausage**. Spoon half of the marinara sauce over the sausage. Repeat the layers with the remaining cheese, sausage, and sauce.
**4. Bake the Pizza**
– Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for **30-35 minutes**, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
– If you like your crust extra crispy, you can bake it for an additional **5 minutes**. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
**5. Serve and Enjoy**
– Let the pizza cool for about **5 minutes** before slicing. Garnish with fresh **basil leaves** if desired. Serve and enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
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#### Tips for Success
1. **Use Fresh Ingredients**: For the best flavor, use fresh mozzarella and high-quality Italian sausage.
2. **Cornmeal for the Crust**: Adding cornmeal to the crust gives it that signature crunch and texture that Chicago deep dish is known for.
3. **Let the Sauce Simmer**: Allow the sauce to cook long enough to develop a deep, rich flavor. Don’t rush this step!
4. **Make it Ahead**: You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator, so all you need to do is assemble and bake the pizza when you’re ready to eat.
5. **Customize**: While this recipe features sausage, you can easily swap in pepperoni, mushrooms, or even a combination of vegetables if you prefer.
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