Get ready to transform your kitchen into a legendary Chicago pizzeria with Emeril's mouthwatering deep dish pizza recipe! This isn't just another pizza - it's a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the Windy City. Imagine a golden, crispy crust loaded with layers of gooey mozzarella, savory Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce that will make your dinner guests absolutely speechless. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is your ticket to pizza perfection!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 batch pizza dough
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pizza dough. If using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. If making from scratch, follow your preferred recipe and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that crispy crust characteristic of Chicago deep dish pizza.
- While the oven is preheating, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Once the dough is ready, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a large circle that is about 14 inches in diameter. The dough should be thick enough to hold the toppings but not overly thick.
- Grease a 14-inch deep dish pizza pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Ensure there are no tears in the dough.
- Start layering the pizza. Begin with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the crust. This layer will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Add the cooked Italian sausage evenly over the cheese layer. This will provide a hearty and flavorful base for your pizza.
- Next, pour the marinara sauce over the sausage, spreading it out evenly to cover the toppings. Be generous with the sauce for a rich flavor.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce, ensuring even coverage. This will create a beautiful, gooey top layer.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pizza for an added layer of flavor and a golden finish.
- Carefully place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period will help the cheese set and make slicing easier.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing. Cut the pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicago deep dish pizza!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oven is preheated to exactly 475°F for that perfect crispy crust.
- Dough Matters: Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature before rolling to make it easier to work with.
- Layer Strategically: Start with cheese at the bottom to prevent a soggy crust, then build your layers methodically.
- Don't Rush the Cooling: Let the pizza rest for 10 minutes after baking to help the cheese set and make slicing easier.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, homemade marinara, and good Italian sausage can elevate your pizza from good to extraordinary.
- Pan Selection: A deep dish pizza pan is crucial for achieving the authentic Chicago-style thickness and shape.
- Fresh Basil Finale: Always add fresh basil leaves just before serving to bring a bright, fresh flavor to your rich pizza.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 85mg
