Deep Dish at Home: Homemade Chicago-Style Pizza Made Easy

This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is everything you love about the iconic classic—thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and hearty toppings—all crafted to be lighter without losing any of the bold flavors. Made in a single skillet, this deep-dish favorite is perfect for pizza night, offering all the comfort and satisfaction with a smart twist that keeps things balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thick and Cheesy – Classic deep-dish layers with melty cheese and savory toppings.
Rich Tomato Flavor – Homemade sauce bursting with garlic, herbs, and crushed tomatoes.
Made in One Pan – Baked in a skillet for easy prep and perfect edges.
Lightened Up, Not Light on Flavor – A few smart swaps keep it satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey

For the Sauce:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 5–6 slices of turkey pepperoni (or regular if preferred)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt. Stir in the warm water, olive oil, and honey until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Make the Sauce
While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until thickened.

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Assemble the Pizza
Lightly coat a 9-inch cast iron skillet or deep-dish pan with nonstick spray. Roll out the dough and press it into the skillet, pushing it up the sides. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella over the dough, then layer with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and pepperoni.

Add the Sauce and Bake
Pour the thickened tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve Hot
Allow the pizza to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 190
Protein: 9g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Rise – Letting the dough rise is key for that perfect deep-dish texture.
Simmer the Sauce – Thickening the sauce before baking prevents a soggy crust.
Layer Properly – Cheese goes under the sauce in deep-dish style to keep it from burning.
Press the Dough Up the Sides – This helps create that iconic deep-dish edge.

Why This Recipe Works

By using a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, this pizza maintains its classic chewy texture while adding a bit more fiber and nutrients. The simple homemade sauce is bold and flavorful, complementing the perfectly melted cheese and hearty toppings. Baking it in a skillet guarantees crispy edges and a soft, pillowy center—everything you want in a deep-dish pizza.

This Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza brings the magic of the Windy City right to your kitchen. With its rich layers of cheese, hearty sauce, and perfectly crisp crust, it’s proof that you can enjoy a classic comfort food without overindulgence. Perfect for family pizza night or when you’re craving that true pizzeria experience at home.