Growing up in the heart of Chicago, I can still vividly remember the first time my grandma took me to one of the city’s iconic deep dish pizza joints. The rich, buttery crust, the gooey, melted mozzarella, and the tangy, flavorful tomato sauce – it was love at first bite. From that day on, I was hooked on the unique and indulgent experience that is Chicago style deep dish pizza.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless recipes, perfecting the technique and searching for the perfect balance of flavors. And let me tell you, this Chicago style deep dish pizza (cast iron) recipe is the crème de la crème. It’s the one I turn to time and time again when I’m craving a little taste of home.
Why This Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron)
What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail and the careful consideration of each and every ingredient. The key is in the crust – a perfectly tender and flaky base that can support the hefty toppings without getting soggy or falling apart. By using a combination of all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a touch of olive oil, we create a dough that’s both sturdy and delicious.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and foundation for the crust, ensuring it can hold up to the weight of the toppings.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A simple but essential seasoning that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: This is the key to achieving that signature Chicago-style chew and rise in the crust.
- 3/4 cup warm water: The perfect amount to hydrate the dough and create a pliable, workable texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adding a bit of fat not only contributes to the crust’s flavor, but also helps to create a tender, flaky crumb.
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded: The star of the show, this gooey, melty cheese is the quintessential topping for a true Chicago deep dish.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Providing the tangy, zesty sauce that balances out the rich, cheesy filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A little garlic goes a long way in adding depth and complexity to the tomato sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This classic Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: A small touch of sweetness that helps to round out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat that complements the other bold flavors.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this salty, umami-rich cheese adds the finishing touch to this Chicago-style masterpiece.
Step-by-Step Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron) Instructions
Preparing Your Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron)
Prep time for this recipe is just 15 minutes, and the total time from start to finish is 45 minutes. To get started, you’ll need a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a deep-dish pizza pan. This is the secret to achieving that signature thick, crispy crust that defines a true Chicago-style deep dish.
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
2- Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture and use a wooden spoon or your hands to knead the dough until it comes together into a smooth, elastic ball. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
3- Using your hands, gently press the dough into the prepared cast iron skillet or pizza pan, pressing it up the sides to create a raised edge. This will help contain the toppings and create that signature deep dish shape.
4- In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Spread this flavorful tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
5- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure to cover the entire surface. Top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
6- Bake the Chicago style deep dish pizza in a preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the pizza to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t be afraid to let the dough rest – this allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to press into the pan without tearing.
- Use your hands to gently stretch and shape the dough, rather than rolling it with a pin. This helps maintain the desired thick, crispy crust.
- Shred the mozzarella cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded – the freshly shredded cheese will melt better and create a more cohesive, gooey filling.
- Be generous with the tomato sauce, but avoid overfilling the pizza, which can lead to a soggy crust.
Serving and Storing Your Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron)
Perfect Pairings for Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron)
This Chicago style deep dish pizza (cast iron) recipe is a true indulgence, serving 6 hearty slices. To balance out the richness, I recommend pairing it with a fresh, crisp salad and a light, acidic vinaigrette. For beverages, a cold, hoppy craft beer or a bold, full-bodied red wine would be the perfect complements.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this deep dish pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place a slice on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For longer-term storage, the unbaked pizza can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the prepared, uncooked pizza tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron)
Creative Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron) Variations
While this classic Chicago style deep dish pizza (cast iron) recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Try swapping out the mozzarella for a blend of cheeses, like provolone and Parmesan. For a meat-lovers version, add crumbled Italian sausage or pepperoni. And to embrace the seasons, top it with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
Making Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron) Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a low-carb option, use a cauliflower-based pizza crust in place of the traditional dough. And for a vegan version, swap the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for plant-based alternatives, and use a tomato sauce without added sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
A: While mozzarella is the traditional cheese for Chicago-style deep dish pizza, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Provolone, Parmesan, and even a blend of cheeses can work well.
Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake this pizza?
A: The total time for this recipe is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking time.
Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The unbaked pizza can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Chicago style deep dish pizza (cast iron) recipe yields 6 generous servings.
Q: What should I do if the crust is getting too brown before the toppings are fully cooked?
A: If you notice the crust starting to brown too quickly, simply cover the pizza loosely with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing the toppings to finish cooking.
Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza (Cast Iron)
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Chicago-style deep dish pizza, baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. With a thick, buttery crust, gooey cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce, this dish delivers an authentic taste of the Windy City.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 3/4 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough and press it into a well-greased 12-inch cast iron skillet, pushing it up the sides.
5. Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough.
6. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Spoon the tomato sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the pizza cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, use a high-quality cast iron skillet and let the dough rise for the full hour. Experiment with different toppings to create your own unique spin on this classic dish.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Conclusion
This Chicago style deep dish pizza (cast iron) recipe is a true labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The combination of the tender, flaky crust, the gooey, melted cheese, and the tangy, flavorful tomato sauce is an absolute delight. Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or simply a pizza lover, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your cast iron skillet and get ready to experience the magic of Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
