Chicago Deep Dish Pizza (Easy, Cheesy & Homemade)

If you’ve ever dreamed of making Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at home but felt intimidated by the thick crust, layers of cheese, or long bake time — you’re not alone. This iconic pizza has a reputation for being complicated, but the truth is, it’s surprisingly approachable when broken down step by step.

This Chicago Deep Dish Pizza recipe gives you everything people love about the real thing: a buttery, flaky crust, layers of melty cheese, hearty toppings, and a bold tomato sauce on top. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for family dinners, weekends, or anytime you want serious pizza night satisfaction.

Whether you’re looking for an easy deep dish pizza recipe, using store-bought dough, or learning how to make deep dish pizza at home from scratch, this guide walks you through it all — no special equipment or professional skills required.

What Is Chicago Deep Dish Pizza?

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is known for its tall, buttery crust baked in a deep pan, with toppings layered under the sauce instead of on top. Unlike thin-crust pizza, this style is hearty and sliceable, more like a savory pie than traditional pizza.

What makes it special:

• Thick, crisp-yet-tender crust
• Cheese layered directly on the dough
• Hearty fillings like sausage or pepperoni
• Chunky tomato sauce baked on top

It’s bold, filling, and unmistakably Chicago.

Why This Is an Easy Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

This recipe is designed for real home kitchens — not professional pizza ovens.

• Simple ingredients you can find anywhere
• Clear layering so nothing gets soggy
• Flexible options for toppings and dough
• Beginner-friendly instructions

Even if you’ve never made pizza from scratch before, this easy deep dish pizza recipe is totally doable.

Ingredients for Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

You’ll need:

For the Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal (classic Chicago-style texture)
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt

For the Filling

• Mozzarella cheese (low-moisture works best)
• Italian sausage or pepperoni
• Optional vegetables (mushrooms, onions, peppers)

For the Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Deep Dish Pizza Layers (Order Matters)

Understanding deep dish pizza layers is key to success.

Correct order:

1. Dough pressed into the pan
2. Cheese directly on the crust
3. Meat and vegetables
4. Thick tomato sauce on top

This layering protects the crust and keeps everything perfectly baked.

How To Make Deep Dish Pizza At Home

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix dough ingredients and let it rest until soft and pliable. Press it into a greased deep pan, pushing it up the sides.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

Cover the dough completely with sliced or shredded mozzarella.

Step 3: Add Fillings

Layer sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables evenly over the cheese.

Step 4: Top With Sauce

Spoon thick tomato sauce evenly across the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake until the crust is golden and the sauce is bubbling — patience pays off here.

Easy Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Variations

• Vegetarian: Mushrooms, spinach, and onions
• Meat Lover’s: Sausage + pepperoni + bacon
• Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or parmesan

This easy Chicago style deep dish pizza adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.

Deep Dish Pizza With Store Bought Dough

Short on time? You can absolutely make deep dish pizza with store bought dough.

Tips:

• Let dough come to room temperature
• Press gently to avoid tearing
• Oil the pan generously

It won’t be traditional, but it will still be delicious.

Chicago Stuffed Pizza vs Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago stuffed pizza takes things one step further by adding a second thin dough layer on top of the fillings before the sauce. It’s even thicker and richer than classic deep dish.

If you love indulgent comfort food, stuffed pizza is worth trying — but classic deep dish is more beginner-friendly.

Cheesy Deep Dish Pizza Recipe Tips

• Use low-moisture cheese to avoid sogginess
• Let pizza rest 10 minutes before slicing
• Use a metal pan for best crust texture

This cheesy deep dish pizza recipe is all about balance — rich, but not heavy.

FAQs About Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Is Chicago Deep Dish Pizza hard to make?

No. It looks intimidating, but it’s very manageable with the right steps.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Why is the sauce on top?

It prevents the cheese from burning during the long bake.

Can I freeze deep dish pizza?

Absolutely. Freeze baked slices and reheat in the oven.

How thick should the crust be?

About ¼ inch on the bottom, thicker on the sides.

Conclusion

Making Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at home is easier than most people think — and the payoff is huge. With a buttery crust, cheesy layers, and rich tomato sauce, this recipe delivers classic comfort food that’s perfect for sharing.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more homemade pizza ideas or sign up for our newsletter for easy, budget-friendly comfort meals delivered straight to your inbox.

If you’re planning a full pizza night, you might also love this Buffalo Chicken Pizza for a spicy, crowd-pleasing twist.