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Layers of melted cheese, savory sauce, and a crispy golden exterior make this pizza a taste of Chicago right at your dinner table. When you pull a slice, watch as stretchy cheese reveals the tasty meat mixture and crunchy foundation below.
Ultimate Pizza Delight
Flaky buttered crust paired with tangy sauce and multiple cheese layers creates food heaven. It's an ideal weekend cooking adventure that'll keep everyone fed and fill your kitchen with incredible aromas.
Ingredients Needed
- Yeast: 2 ¼ tsp active dry.
- Flour: 3 ½ cups regular.
- Sausage: 1 lb Italian style.
- Tomatoes: 28 oz crushed variety.
- Mozzarella: 3 ½ cups freshly shredded.
- Parmesan: 1 ½ cups finely grated.
- Oil: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive.
Cooking Steps
- Dough:
- Combine yeast with water, flour and oil, then knead thoroughly and let rise for 1 hour.
- Filling:
- Brown sausage with onions and garlic, then pour in tomatoes and herbs to simmer.
- Build:
- Spread dough into the pan and add alternating layers of cheese and meat mixture.
- Top:
- Sprinkle extra cheese and small butter chunks.
- Bake:
- Cook at 425°F for 35 minutes until bubbling and golden, then cool before cutting.
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Cooking Secrets
Grease your pan first for a super crispy bottom. Throw in whatever veggies you fancy. Using just half the dough will give you a slimmer crust style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which pan should I use?
A tall, deep dish pan or 9-inch cast iron skillet is perfect.
- → Why's the cheese added first?
It keeps the crust crispy by shielding it from the sauce—true Chicago tradition.
- → Can I prep dough early?
Dough can chill for up to a day in the fridge. Let it warm up before using.
- → Why simmer the sauce?
Thickened, flavorful sauce avoids soggy results and adds depth to your dish.
- → How to avoid a soggy crust?
Bake the crust briefly before layering, and start with cheese at the base.