How to Make Authentic Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza at Home with Step-by-Step Vegetarian Recipe and Ingredients in Grams

 

💭 A Slice of Chicago in My Kitchen: The Story Behind the Recipe

Years ago, while on a snowy trip to Chicago, I stepped into a little corner pizzeria tucked between towering buildings. The warmth, the smell of freshly baked dough, and the sight of that glorious thick pizza made with love—that’s a memory I still carry. I remember thinking, “Why can’t I recreate this at home?” And after a few trials, adjustments, and cheese-filled victories, I nailed it.

Now, I want to help you experience the same joy of making vegetarian Chicago deep-dish pizza in your kitchen—whether you’re in New York, Mumbai, Paris, or Manila.

🧂 Ingredients List with Measurements in Grams

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour – 350g
• Semolina flour – 50g (adds that iconic crunch)
• Instant dry yeast – 7g (1 packet)
• Warm water (around 45°C) – 240ml
• Olive oil – 60ml
• Salt – 5g
• Sugar – 7g

For the Filling:

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded, whole milk) – 250g
• Fresh spinach – 50g (optional for layering)
• Button mushrooms – 100g, thinly sliced
• Bell peppers – 100g, thinly sliced

For the Sauce:

• Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh) – 400g
• Olive oil – 15ml
• Garlic – 6g, minced
• Dried oregano – 3g
• Salt – 2g
• Sugar – 3g
• Fresh basil – 4–5 leaves

🔥 How to Make Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza – Step-by-Step Instructions

🍽️ Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix in the olive oil, salt, semolina flour, and all-purpose flour.
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth. You can do this by hand or with a dough hook in a stand mixer.
4. Lightly oil the bowl and place the dough inside. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

🍅 Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Add salt, sugar, and oregano. Let simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
3. Tear in the basil leaves just before turning off the heat. Set aside.

🧀 Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Take a 9-inch cake pan or cast-iron skillet and grease it generously with olive oil or butter.

🍞 Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Roll the dough into a large circle (about 33cm wide). Gently press it into the pan, letting it come up the sides.
2. Add the shredded mozzarella first—it acts as a barrier between the crust and the sauce.
3. Layer with mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach if using.
4. Pour the tomato sauce generously over the top and spread evenly.

🔄 Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the center rack for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the top is bubbly.
2. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

📊 Proper Nutrition Information (Per Slice; Based on 8 Slices)

Nutrient	Value
Calories	330 kcal
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	32g
Sugars	4g
Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	7g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	400mg
Calcium	180mg
Iron	2.2mg

✔️ Tip: You can lighten it up with part-skim mozzarella or by increasing veggie layers.

🧼 Food Safety Note

• Always store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of baking.
• Reheat slices in the oven (not microwave) to restore crispness.
• If using fresh cheese or raw vegetables, ensure they are washed and handled with clean hands to avoid contamination.
• For international readers, note: always preheat your oven to the accurate temperature—investing in a thermometer helps.

❓FAQs About Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza (Vegetarian Version)

Q1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate overnight in a sealed container and bring to room temperature before using.

Q2. What’s the difference between deep dish and regular pizza?
Deep dish has a thick, buttery crust and the toppings are layered in reverse: cheese first, then vegetables, then sauce.

Q3. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Bake it fully, let it cool, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! You can reduce seasoning and let kids help with layering.

Q5. Can I make this vegan?
Use vegan cheese and oil in place of butter or animal-based cheese. It still turns out delicious!

❤️ Final Thoughts: Deep Dish = Deep Love

There’s something magical about slicing into a pie so tall and gooey it almost needs a fork and knife. Making Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of meal you make when you’re missing family, want to impress guests, or simply need a big warm hug in food form.

So the next time you’re craving a slice of Chicago, remember—you don’t need a plane ticket. Just a bit of flour, cheese, and heart.

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Thank you so much for stopping by and spending time with this recipe. I truly appreciate your support and curiosity in exploring delicious, vegetarian comfort food from around the world. If you tried this dish or plan to, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Until next time—happy cooking and heartfelt thanks from my kitchen to yours!