The Real Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Dough Recipes

 

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust that's more like a pie crust than traditional pizza dough. Here's a recipe for the real Chicago deep-dish pizza dough:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 3 1/4 cups (415g) all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup (60g) yellow cornmeal

- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

- 2 teaspoons sugar

- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast

- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)

- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast.

2. Add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Assembling the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 

2. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet lightly greased with olive oil.

3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, forming a thick crust.

4. Brush the dough with olive oil and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.

Baking the Pizza:

1. Pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it just starts to set and firm up slightly.

2. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly.

3. Add your favorite toppings, starting with cheese, then meats or vegetables, and finally the sauce on top.

4. Bake the pizza for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

5. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

- The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before using.

- Don't forget to grease the pan generously to prevent sticking.

- Feel free to customize your toppings according to your preference, but remember to keep them on the heavier side to support the thick crust.

Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!