To achieve the right consistency for the pizza dough and crust, you need to select the right pan to bake the pizza. A deep, heavy pan, such as a cast-iron skillet suggested in the recipe above, works best for cooking this style of pizza. Oiling the pan first also helps to fry the crust and give the pizza its signature crispy texture.
Adding cornmeal to the dough is another key step in this recipe, creating an extra crunchy texture and buttery flavor that’s distinct from traditional pizza dough. If you can’t source cornmeal at your local grocery store, you can use semolina instead, to reach this same texture and dough consistency. Layering the mozzarella cheese first on the dough also prevents it from becoming soggy during cooking.
What is Deep Dish Pizza?
Originating in Chicago, deep dish pizza is famous for its thick, pie-like structure where toppings are layered inside a deep crust. It’s a hearty dish that requires a much longer cooking time than other styles of pizza to cook all the layers and ingredients through. There are actually more than 40 different styles of pizza made around the world, from a thin New York slice to a stuffed crust pizza, that can all be made at home.
Serving Suggestions
Before serving let the deep dish pizza sit for 10 minutes, as outlined in the recipe above. This helps the cheese and sauce to set and makes it easier to slice. A rich and flavorful recipe, pair deep dish pizza with light side dishes, such as a Caesar salad, or grilled vegetables.
Best Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago
Chicago has a host of famous eateries and world-class restaurants serving local and global dishes. For top deep dish pizzas, head to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria for their famous buttery pizza crust. Gino’s East is another popular local spot with a historic atmosphere known for serving a classic deep dish pizza. For more restaurant inspiration read our latest article covering all the best places to eat in Chicago.
