3. Dough

The dough is the foundation of any pizza, and deep dish pizza is no exception. A good deep dish pizza dough should be thick, crispy, and able to hold up to the weight of the toppings. Here’s how to make the perfect deep dish pizza dough:

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of cornmeal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups of warm water
• 1/3 cup of olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.

2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl and stir until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to fit your deep dish pizza pan.

6. Press the dough into the pan, making sure to push it up the sides to create a deep dish crust.

7. Let the dough rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before adding your toppings.

Tips:

• Use warm water, not hot water, as hot water can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
• Don’t over-knead the dough as this can make it tough and chewy.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.
• If you prefer a thinner crust, use less dough and spread it out more thinly in the pan.

4. Sauce

The sauce is what gives a deep dish pizza its signature flavor. A good deep dish pizza sauce should be rich, tangy, and not too sweet. Here are some suggestions for creating the perfect deep dish pizza sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the saucepan, and stir to combine.

4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

5. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool before spreading it on your deep dish pizza dough.

Tips:

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of sugar.
• Don’t overload the pizza with sauce as this can make it soggy. A thin layer of sauce is all you need.

Toppings:

When it comes to deep dish pizza, the toppings are just as important as the crust and sauce. Traditional toppings include Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. However, there are plenty of unique and creative toppings that can take your pizza to the next level.

One popular option is the Chicago-style deep dish pizza, which features a layer of sausage on the bottom, followed by cheese and then tomato sauce on top. Another popular variation is the “meat lover’s” pizza, which includes bacon, ham, and ground beef.

If you’re looking for something a little different, try topping your pizza with BBQ chicken, spinach and feta, or even mac and cheese. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!

Regardless of the toppings you choose, it’s important to layer them properly to ensure even cooking. Start with a layer of cheese on the bottom, followed by your toppings, and then another layer of cheese on top. This will help prevent your toppings from burning and ensure that your pizza cooks evenly.

Baking:

Once you’ve assembled your pizza, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place your pizza in the center rack. It’s important to monitor the cooking time and temperature to ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.

Most deep dish pizzas take around 35-45 minutes to cook, but this can vary depending on the thickness of your crust and the toppings you’ve chosen. To check if your pizza is done, insert a toothpick or fork into the center of the pizza. If the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked through, your pizza is ready to come out of the oven.

Once your pizza is done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the cheese and toppings set and prevent them from sliding off the crust.

In conclusion, making the perfect deep dish pizza requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and satisfying pizza that’s sure to impress your friends and family. And if you’re looking for high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients for your pizza, be sure to check out Buckingham Smokehouse. Their smoked meats and cheeses are the perfect addition to any deep dish pizza!