Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Chicago! This isn't just another pizza recipe - it's a mouthwatering masterpiece that redefines what pizza can be. Imagine a golden, crispy crust packed with layers of gooey mozzarella, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce that will make your dinner guests weak in the knees. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or a home cook looking to impress, this Chicago Deep Dish Pizza will revolutionize your cooking game and turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian-American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water with 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Ensure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough comes together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza filling. In a skillet over medium heat, add a little vegetable oil and sauté 1 cup of diced onions until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Grease a deep dish pizza pan (or a large cast-iron skillet) with vegetable oil. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to create a crust.
- Spread 1 can of crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the entire base.
- Layer the sautéed vegetables over the crushed tomatoes, spreading them evenly across the pizza.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the vegetables.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicago deep dish pizza with mushrooms, peppers, and onions!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast to guarantee perfect dough rising.
- Knead with Care: Take your time kneading the dough - a smooth, elastic texture is key to a perfect crust.
- Let It Rise: Give your dough enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This develops flavor and creates that signature fluffy texture.
- Vegetable Preparation: Sauté your vegetables before adding them to the pizza to enhance their flavor and remove excess moisture.
- Cheese Distribution: Spread mozzarella evenly to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious.
- Oven Positioning: Place the pizza in the lower third of the oven for even cooking and a perfectly crisp bottom crust.
- Cooling Time: Let the pizza rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make slicing easier.Pro tip: For an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding toppings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
