Gino's Inspired Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Experience the taste of Chicago with this rich and hearty deep dish pizza inspired by Gino's East. Layered with delicious cheese, savory meats, and a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Chicago deep dish pizza. Perfect for gatherings, family meals, or a cozy night in, this indulgent dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Dive into this delightful culinary experience and create lasting memories with every slice!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
warm water
1 cup
yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package
cornmeal
3/4 cup (finely ground)
salt
1 teaspoon
sugar
1 teaspoon
olive oil
1/4 cup
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour
2 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F, ensuring it reaches temperature before placing the pizza inside. This recipe makes enough dough for a 12-inch round deep dish pizza, ideally cooked in a seasoned cast iron skillet.
2
To achieve a smooth texture for the crust, grind 3/4 cup of cornmeal in a coffee grinder until it is very fine. Sift the ground cornmeal into your mixing bowl to remove any remaining coarse bits.
3
In the mixing bowl, add warm water, the yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and melted butter to the ground cornmeal. Using the whisk attachment of a mixer, blend the ingredients together for about 10 minutes to dissolve the cornmeal and activate the yeast.
4
Gradually incorporate 1 cup of flour into the mixture using the dough hook attachment. Slowly add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is manageable and no longer sticky. You may need slightly more or less than the full 2 1/2 cups of flour.
5
Transfer the dough to a floured countertop and knead by hand for 3 to 5 minutes, adding minimal flour only if necessary. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
6
Lightly oil the inside of your mixing bowl and return the dough to the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a warm, damp towel. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on room temperature.
7
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a ball. Roll the dough out into a uniform circle about 1/4 inch thick.
8
Oil the bottom of the skillet with canola oil, then carefully transfer the dough into the skillet, stretching it up the sides to form the crust. Cover the skillet with plastic wrap and let the dough rise again while the oven preheats.
9
Melt the remaining butter and use a brush to coat the surface of the crust. Begin layering the pizza by adding a generous layer of cheese (1/2 to 3/4 inch thick) as the foundation.
10
Evenly spread the meat over the cheese layer. Follow with a thin layer of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, ensuring not to oversaturate the pizza. Finally, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top.
11
Bake in the preheated oven at 475°F for the first 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 400°F and continue baking for an additional 10 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
12
Allow the pizza to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this deep dish pizza recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizza from Gino's East.
What equipment is best for baking this pizza?
A 12-inch seasoned cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F for the first stage of baking.
How should the cornmeal be prepared for the dough?
The cornmeal should be ground in a coffee grinder until very fine and then sifted to remove coarse bits.
How long should the yeast and cornmeal mixture be blended?
The mixture should be blended for about 10 minutes using a whisk attachment.
How much flour is required for the dough?
The recipe calls for approximately 2 1/2 cups of flour, added gradually.
What is the recommended kneading time?
The dough should be kneaded by hand for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The first rise takes between 30 minutes and 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled into a uniform circle about 1/4 inch thick.
What type of oil is used for the bottom of the skillet?
Canola oil is used to oil the bottom of the skillet.
Is there a second rise for the dough?
Yes, the dough rises again in the skillet while the oven is preheating.
What is used to brush the crust before adding toppings?
The crust is brushed with melted butter.
What is the first layer of toppings added to the pizza?
A generous layer of cheese, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, serves as the foundation.
How should the tomato sauce be applied?
Apply a thin layer of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, ensuring the pizza is not oversaturated.
What is the final topping added before baking?
Grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top.
How long is the initial baking period at 475°F?
The pizza is baked at 475°F for the first 15 minutes.
At what temperature should the pizza finish baking?
The temperature should be reduced to 400°F for the remainder of the baking time.
How long does the second stage of baking take?
It takes an additional 10 to 25 minutes at 400°F.
How do you know when the pizza is fully cooked?
The crust should be golden brown and the cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned.
How long should the pizza cool before serving?
The pizza should cool for approximately 5 minutes before slicing.
What mixer attachment is used for the initial blending?
The whisk attachment is used to blend the water, yeast, and cornmeal.
What mixer attachment is used to incorporate the flour?
The dough hook attachment is used for adding the flour.
How much yeast is needed for the recipe?
One 1/4 ounce package of yeast is required.
What temperature should the water be for the dough?
The recipe specifies using warm water.
How much olive oil is in the dough?
The dough contains 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How much butter is used in the dough?
2 tablespoons of melted butter are included in the dough mixture.
Is sugar included in the pizza crust?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sugar.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
Slowly add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is manageable.
Where should the meat be placed in the layers?
The meat should be spread evenly over the initial layer of cheese.
How much cornmeal is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of finely ground cornmeal.