Deep-Dish Style Oven-Baked Chicago Pizza

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

A thick, hearty pizza with a buttery crust, layered with tangy tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, inspired by Chicago's iconic deep-dish tradition. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 110 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 80 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F), letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir and knead on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until a smooth dough forms. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. Press the risen dough into a well-oiled 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan, pushing the dough up the sides to create a thick crust.
  4. Step 4: Spread 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough base. Scatter 8 oz cooked and crumbled Italian sausage over the cheese.
  5. Step 5: In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 tbsp olive oil for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes and 1 tsp dried oregano; simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the tomato sauce evenly over the sausage and cheese layers. Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Step 7: Bake the pizza for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the sauce bubbles. Remove from oven and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Style Oven-Baked Chicago Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (80 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Deep-Dish Style Oven-Baked Chicago Pizza?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Style Oven-Baked Chicago Pizza?

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 Deep-Dish Style Oven-Baked Chicago Pizza 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 Deep-Dish Style Oven-Baked Chicago Pizza?

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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