Charred Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A thick and hearty deep dish pizza with a rich tomato basil sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a crisp cornmeal crust inspired by Chicago’s iconic style. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 75 minutes blends all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp granulated sugar. In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F), let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Pour the yeast mixture and 3 tbsp olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir and knead by hand or mixer for 8 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan. Press the dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides to create a 1-inch rim.
  5. Step 5: Layer 8 oz cooked crumbled Italian sausage evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the sausage, then pour the warm tomato basil sauce on top. Finish with 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charred Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Tomato Basil Sauce?

American pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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