Die-hard Chicagoans, head over to the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia for a taste of Italy’s most time-honored dish: pizza. If you’ve been hesitant to try it because of its reputation as an overindulgent slice just plug your nose and get over there.
What Is Deep Dish Pizza?
Deep dish pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Chicago. It is made with a thick crust that is often twice as thick as a traditional pizza crust. Deep dish pizza is typically baked in a round, steel pan that is about two inches deep. The dough for the crust is usually prepared beforehand and allowed to rise, which results in a more bread-like texture.
Toppings for deep dish pizza are typically meaty and hearty, such as sausage or ground beef. Cheese is also a common topping, and it is usually shredded rather than in slices. The sauce is usually applied last, and it is often made with tomatoes that have been crushed by hand or pureed. Baking time for deep dish pizza can vary depending on the thickness of the crust, but it typically takes about 35 minutes to cook through. Once it’s out of the oven, deep dish pizza is best served piping hot.
Traditional Chicago-Style Recipe
If you’re looking for a traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizza recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is for a classic cheese pizza, but feel free to add your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
-1 pound of pizza dough
-8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, shredded
-1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
-1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
-1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
-6 tablespoons of tomato paste
-2 teaspoons of sugar
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and olive oil.
Set aside. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and place it into a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Press the dough up the sides of the pan. Spread the crushed tomatoes over the dough and spread the tomato paste over the top.
Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Keto and Gluten Free Pizza Two Ways
If you’re following a ketogenic diet or have gluten sensitivities, you may think that you have to give up your favorite foods. But with a little creativity, you can still enjoy all of your favorites – including pizza! There are two ways to make a keto- and gluten-free pizza. The first is to use a cauliflower crust. This is a great option if you’re looking for a healthier pizza option.
To make a cauliflower crust, simply combine cauliflower rice, mozzarella cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Then, press the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Once the crust is cooked, add your favorite toppings and bake for an additional 10 minutes. If you’re looking for a more traditional pizza experience, you can use a fatty meat crust. This is a great option if you want a richer flavor.
To make a fatty meat crust, simply combine ground beef or pork, mozzarella cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Then, press the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Once the crust is cooked, add your favorite toppings and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Both of these keto- and gluten-free pizzas are sure to satisfy your cravings!