Wood Fired Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Savour the essence of Chicago with Wood-Fired Deep Dish Pizza. Indulge in layers of buttery crust, savoury sausage, and gooey cheese, all expertly baked in a wood-fired oven. Experience the ultimate pizza perfection in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough

- 3 1/4 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- Olive oil or melted butter, for greasing the pan

For the Pizza Filling

- 2 cups (450g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (225g) cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (75g) sliced green bell peppers
- 1/2 cup (75g) sliced onions
- 1/2 cup (75g) sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives (optional)

Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.

4. Grease a deep dish pizza pan (approximately 9-10 inches in diameter) with olive oil or melted butter. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.

5. Preheat your wood-fired oven to about 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone placed on the lowest rack, allowing it to preheat for at least 30 minutes.

6. Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough.

7. Add the cooked Italian sausage evenly over the cheese layer.

8. Spread the pizza sauce over the sausage layer.

9. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

10. Arrange the sliced green bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives (if using) over the sauce.

11. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.

12. Place the pizza in the preheated wood-fired oven on the pizza stone and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

13. Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing.

Duration to Cook - Approximately 20-25 minutes.

Chef Skill Level - Intermediate

Vegan - No (contains cheese and sausage)

Vegetarian - Yes

Gluten-Free - No (contains wheat flour)

Serving Suggestion

Serve the wood-fired Classic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Enjoy it as a hearty meal for dinner or lunch.