🍕 Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza – Layered, Cheesy, and Iconic

Craving that iconic, cheesy, sauce-on-top, fork-and-knife kind of pizza? This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza brings the flavors of a classic Windy City pizzeria straight to your kitchen. With its buttery thick crust, layers of gooey mozzarella, robust sausage, spicy pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and a cheesy crown of Parmesan, this is not your average pizza—it’s a hearty meal in a slice.

Unlike thin-crust varieties, deep dish pizza is all about layers, and every layer here plays a starring role. This version is easy enough for weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for pizza night with friends or game-day indulgence.

---

💡 What Makes a Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Unique?

Chicago deep dish pizza flips the traditional pizza script. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Tall, thick crust that’s crisp and buttery on the outside, chewy on the inside.
• Layered filling—cheese goes directly on the crust, followed by meats, sauce, and then a sprinkle of Parmesan.
• Baked in a pan—a deep dish or cake pan gives the pizza its signature height and structure.
• Fork and knife affair—this is not handheld street food. It’s a comforting, slice-it-up, serve-it-hot kind of dish.

---

🛒 Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s walk through each ingredient and what makes it work:

🧈 1 Teaspoon Oil

Used to lightly grease the bottom of the pan to ensure a crisp crust and easy release after baking.

🍞 1 Pound Pizza Dough

You can use store-bought dough or homemade. Look for dough that’s slightly elastic but still easy to shape—this will help it stretch evenly up the sides of the pan without tearing.

Pro Tip: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before shaping to make it more pliable.

🧀 1½ Cups Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded

Mozzarella provides that classic gooey, stretchy cheese pull. Most of it goes directly on the dough to create a moisture barrier that keeps the crust crisp.

🍖 ⅓ Pound Italian Sausage

Add raw, uncooked sausage directly on top of the mozzarella. As it cooks, the juices flavor the pizza and blend beautifully with the sauce.

🍕 ⅓ Cup Pepperoni, Diced

Adding diced pepperoni offers a spicy-salty bite that complements the rich sausage.

🍅 ⅔ Cup Pizza Sauce

Classic tomato sauce layered on top of the meat. You can use your favorite jarred sauce or make your own for extra freshness.

🧀 ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkled on top before baking, Parmesan forms a savory, golden top crust that finishes the pizza perfectly.

---

👩‍🍳 How to Make Homemade Deep Dish Pizza – Step-by-Step

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). A hot oven ensures a golden crust and bubbly cheese.

2. Grease Your Pan

Lightly oil the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan (not the sides). This creates a crisp bottom crust and prevents sticking.

3. Shape the Dough

Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. The dough should reach about halfway up the sides to create the signature “deep dish” look.

4. Layer the Cheese First

Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella to the bottom. This is the opposite of a traditional pizza and helps prevent sogginess.

5. Add the Meats

Place uncooked Italian sausage evenly over the mozzarella. Sprinkle diced pepperoni over the sausage for added kick.

6. Spoon on the Sauce

Spread ⅔ cup of pizza sauce over the meats. Don’t worry about overdoing it—deep dish pizza loves extra sauce.

7. Top with More Cheese

Add the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan over the sauce.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the top is bubbly. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps everything settle.

---

🥄 Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch round cake pan or a traditional deep-dish pizza pan
• Mixing bowl (if making your own dough)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Optional: A pizza stone or steel can be placed underneath your pan in the oven to help create an extra crispy base.

---

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This pizza is a full meal in itself, but here are a few pairing ideas:

• Side salad: A crisp Caesar or Italian salad balances the richness.
• Garlic breadsticks: For true pizza night vibes.
• Cold beer or red wine: Think hoppy IPAs or bold Zinfandel.

---

❄️ Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or in an air fryer. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust crispy.

---

🔁 Variations & Tips

• Veggie Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
• Cheesy Crust: Sprinkle cheese between the dough and pan edges for a caramelized cheese crust.
• Mini Versions: Use muffin tins or ramekins for personal-sized deep dish pizzas.

---

💬 Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is everything a deep dish should be—bold, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. It captures the essence of Chicago’s famous pie in a version that’s totally doable at home. Whether you’re treating yourself, feeding your family, or impressing friends on game night, this pizza guarantees rave reviews.

Get ready for that first cheesy, fork-and-knife bite. You’ll never look at pizza the same way again.

Print