Classic Chicago Thin Crust Pizza
Experience the authentic taste of Chicago with this Classic Thin Crust Pizza, inspired by the legendary Home Run Inn. This delicious, crispy pizza is a labor of love, perfect for recreating that nostalgic flavor of deep-dish favorites in the comfort of your own kitchen. Combining a perfect blend of spices, the freshest ingredients, and a beautifully thin crust that crisps to perfection, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the Windy City. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this pizza is a delightful reminder of sweet home Chicago. Trust me, the effort is well worth it, and the result is simply unbeatable!
N/A
Servings
376
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (measured)
Warm water
1/2 cup (warmed)
Active dry yeast
1 teaspoon (active)
Salt
1 teaspoon (dissolved in water)
Corn oil
1/3 cup (measured)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Dry oregano flakes
1 tablespoon (measured)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can (drained)
Shredded low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and gently stir. Allow this mixture to bloom for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour with the yeast mixture and mix until smooth. Gradually add 3/4 cup of flour and the corn oil, stirring to incorporate until a rough dough forms.
3
Slowly incorporate the remaining 3/4 cup of flour, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4
Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm oven for approximately 2 hours until doubled in size.
5
Punch down the dough to release any trapped air, cover it again with the damp towel, and allow it to rise for another 2 hours.
6
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and place it onto a pizza stone or baking sheet.
7
Roll out the dough into a thin circle, approximately 14 to 15 inches in diameter. Pinch up the edges to create a crust.
8
In a blender, puree the canned diced tomatoes until smooth. Spread an even layer of the tomato sauce over the pizza dough, sprinkling with additional salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Feel free to add any other pizza toppings you love.
9
Generously top the pizza with shredded low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese.
10
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into pieces.
Nutrition Information
14.4g
Fat
47.2g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Chicago Thin Crust Pizza?
It is an authentic Chicago-style pizza inspired by Home Run Inn, known for its thin, crispy crust and delicious blend of spices.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough requires two separate rising periods of approximately 2 hours each, totaling about 4 hours.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F (245°C) for the best results.
How long should I bake the pizza?
Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What kind of yeast is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast.
What type of oil is used for the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of corn oil to achieve the authentic texture.
How do I prepare the pizza sauce?
Puree one 14-ounce can of drained diced tomatoes in a blender until smooth, then spread it over the dough.
What spices are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and dry oregano flakes to taste.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests 12 ounces of shredded low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How thin should I roll the pizza dough?
Roll the dough into a thin circle approximately 14 to 15 inches in diameter.
Do I need a pizza stone for this recipe?
You can use either a pizza stone or a standard baking sheet.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 376 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this pizza?
Each serving contains about 14g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 14.4g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 47.2g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the yeast bloom?
Allow the yeast mixture to bloom for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Why do I need to punch down the dough?
Punching down the dough releases trapped air before the second rise.
What is the diameter of the finished pizza?
The pizza is approximately 14 to 15 inches in diameter.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Yes, you can feel free to add any other pizza toppings you love.
How long should the pizza cool before slicing?
Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into pieces.
What should the dough look like after rising?
The dough should double in size during the rising periods.
Is this a deep-dish pizza recipe?
No, this is a thin crust pizza recipe, though it is inspired by Chicago pizza traditions.
How much salt is used in the dough?
The dough uses 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of dry oregano flakes.
How much pepper is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Is the crust meant to be crispy?
Yes, the recipe is designed to create a beautifully thin crust that crisps to perfection.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is ideal for family gatherings or cozy pizza nights at home.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients used in this Classic Chicago Thin Crust Pizza recipe.