Name: Classic Chicago Deep Dish Sausage Pizza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 lb italian sausage (casings removed); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 pcs garlic (minced); 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 1.5 lb mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced provolone available as alternative); 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

A golden-brown, thick-crust pizza is generously topped with bubbling mozzarella, zesty tomato sauce, and savory sausage, served hot and inviting.

Experience the iconic Chicago deep dish, a true celebration of hearty, layered flavors. This pizza starts with a thick, buttery crust pressed into a deep pan, creating a formidable base for an avalanche of toppings. Generously filled with seasoned Italian sausage, a rich, chunky tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs, and a blanket of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, it’s a culinary masterpiece. The unique layering order, with sauce on top of the cheese, ensures a perfectly baked, vibrant finish. This recipe captures the soul of Chicago pizza, offering a deeply satisfying and visually stunning meal perfect for sharing with friends and family. Prepare for a pizza experience like no other, where every bite is a journey into cheesy, saucy, bready bliss that defines this beloved regional specialty.

Preparation time: 30 min
Cooking time: 35 min
Total time: 1 hr 5 min
Servings: 8

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Cooking Sausage and Sauce

1In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Remove sausage and set aside.
2In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.

Assembling the Pizza

1Press the pizza dough evenly into the prepared deep-dish pan, extending it up the sides to create a thick crust that will hold the generous fillings. Ensure the bottom is relatively even.
2Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the dough.
3Evenly spread the cooked Italian sausage over the cheese layer.
4Cover the sausage with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5Carefully pour the chunky tomato sauce over the top of the cheese, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking

1Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent with foil.
2Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the ingredients set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Cooking Sausage and Sauce

1In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Remove sausage and set aside.
2In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.

Assembling the Pizza

1Press the pizza dough evenly into the prepared deep-dish pan, extending it up the sides to create a thick crust that will hold the generous fillings. Ensure the bottom is relatively even.
2Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the dough.
3Evenly spread the cooked Italian sausage over the cheese layer.
4Cover the sausage with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5Carefully pour the chunky tomato sauce over the top of the cheese, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking

1Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent with foil.
2Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the ingredients set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 651 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 38 g
Carbs: 40 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	651 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	38 g
Carbs	40 g

Tips

For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
Use a heavy-bottomed, well-seasoned cast iron skillet instead of a pizza pan for a perfectly crisp crust.
Allow the deep dish to rest for 15 minutes after baking to prevent the filling from spilling when sliced.