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In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Dissolve the dry yeast in the warm water and let it rest for 5 minutes until it bubbles.
Add the yeast water, olive oil, and melted butter to the flour mixture. Knead everything into a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the filling:
Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
If using sausage, sauté and chop it in the pan now. Alternatively, you can add vegetables of your choice, such as peppers or mushrooms.
Add the tomatoes and Italian herbs and simmer over medium heat until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the pizza:
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and place it in a deep, greased baking sheet (approx. 25 cm in diameter), pulling up one edge.
Spread a layer of mozzarella cheese on the dough base.
Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the cheese.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and, if desired, add a layer of cheese or meat/vegetables of your choice.
Bake the pizza at 220°C for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Serving:
Remove the deep-dish pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to make it easier to slice.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Cut the pizza into generous slices and serve with a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine. Deep-dish pizza is particularly filling, so small slices will serve many people.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes or heat in the microwave.
Variations:
Vegetarian Deep Dish Pizza: Replace the meat with a mix of vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and olives for a meat-free version.
Spicier Version: Add some chili or hot peppers to the tomato sauce for an extra kick.
Seafood: For a more luxurious version, you can use shrimp or mussels instead of meat.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour to customize the dough.
FAQ:
Can I make the pizza in advance? Yes, you can make the pizza in advance and store the unbaked pizza in the refrigerator. Simply bring it to room temperature before baking and then bake as directed in the recipe.
Can I use other cheeses? Yes, you can combine the mozzarella with other cheeses such as Gouda or Cheddar to give the pizza a different flavor.
Why is the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza so thick? The thick, buttery crust and multiple layers of sauce and cheese create the signature deep-dish experience of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. It's more like a hearty casserole than a traditional pizza.
Can I make the dough without yeast? Yes, it's possible to use a quick dough without yeast, but it will have a slightly different texture. A simple dough made with flour, baking powder, salt, and butter can be a good alternative if you don't have yeast on hand.
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