Craving a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza experience without the Windy City trip? Then you're in the right place! This recipe brings the legendary Gino's East deep dish pizza right to your kitchen. Get ready to dive into a cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying culinary adventure – perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or simply a truly special weeknight dinner. This recipe makes homemade cooking easier than you think, delivering delicious dishes that rival the best restaurants.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one 12-inch deep-dish pizza.
For the Crust:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and your crust will rise beautifully.
Make the Dough:
- Stir in olive oil and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic of homemade cooking happens, allowing the dough to develop its flavor.
Prepare the Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, forming a thick crust. Don’t worry about perfection – a rustic look is charming!
- Spread half of the sauce over the crust.
- Layer half of the sausage, onion, and green peppers over the sauce.
- Sprinkle half of each cheese (mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan) over the vegetables.
- Repeat layers with remaining sauce, sausage, vegetables, and cheese.
- Roll out the remaining dough and use it to create a small crust on the top – it creates a lovely presentation!
Bake the Pizza:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the crust browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the pizza rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes for easier slicing.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan with toppings; it could prevent even cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a pizza stone.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Meat Lovers: Add pepperoni, ham, or bacon along with the sausage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 (varies greatly depending on toppings and crust thickness)
This easy recipe offers quick dinner ideas perfect for satisfying any craving for delicious dishes and healthy meals, all thanks to the magic of homemade cooking. Enjoy your homemade Gino's East-inspired deep-dish pizza!