Old Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Three-Cheese Blend

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, thick-crust pizza loaded with tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a creamy three-cheese blend, baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 90 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, packet (2 1/4 tsp) 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 680 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.8 (11 ratings) Prep: 60 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet active dry yeast, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add 1 cup warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Step 2: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Press risen dough into the skillet, forming a thick crust. Spread 1/2 cup diced tomatoes mixed with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano evenly over the dough.
  5. Step 5: Layer 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 1/2 cup provolone, and 1/2 cup fontina cheeses over the sauce, then bake for 25-28 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh basil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Old Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Three-Cheese Blend take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (60 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 Old Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Three-Cheese Blend?

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 Old Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Three-Cheese Blend?

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 Old Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Three-Cheese Blend for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Old Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Three-Cheese Blend?

American one pot 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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