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# Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza Recipe: A Slice of Heaven
Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, and while there are numerous variations across cultures, few can match the indulgence and heartiness of the **Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza**. This Chicago-style masterpiece is famous for its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, savory sauce, and an abundance of delicious toppings. If you’ve ever craved a pizza that feels more like a meal than a snack, this deep-dish pizza is the perfect choice.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating the Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza at home. From making the dough to preparing the filling and assembling the pizza, we’ll cover everything you need to know to craft a pizza that is rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pizza maker, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve pizza perfection.
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## What Makes Deep-Dish Pizza Unique?
Deep-dish pizza is often referred to as a “pizza pie” due to its deep, pie-like crust. It is traditionally associated with **Chicago-style pizza**, but its history is a bit more nuanced. The pizza’s distinctive features include:
### 1. **Thick, Buttery Crust**
The crust of a deep-dish pizza is thick and buttery, unlike the thin crust of a traditional Neapolitan pizza. The dough is rich and provides a hearty base that can hold the substantial amounts of sauce and toppings.
### 2. **Layered Ingredients**
Instead of the traditional pizza structure (dough, cheese, sauce, and toppings), a deep-dish pizza has its ingredients layered in reverse order. The cheese is placed directly on the dough, followed by meats and vegetables, and then topped with a thick, flavorful tomato sauce. This layering technique ensures the toppings stay juicy and the crust remains crisp and protected from the moisture of the sauce.
### 3. **Generous Amounts of Cheese and Toppings**
Deep-dish pizza is known for being packed with cheese. **Mozzarella** is the traditional cheese of choice, but many variations also include **Parmesan** and **Provolone** for added flavor. Toppings can range from classic **pepperoni** and **sausage** to vegetables like **bell peppers**, **onions**, and **mushrooms**.
### 4. **Longer Cooking Time**
Due to its thickness, a deep-dish pizza requires longer cooking time than a traditional pizza. The pizza must bake slowly to ensure the cheese melts properly and the crust becomes golden brown while the sauce bubbles up perfectly.
### 5. **A Hearty Meal**
Because of its rich crust and heavy filling, deep-dish pizza is more of a meal than a snack. It’s filling, indulgent, and perfect for a special dinner, family gathering, or party.
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## Ingredients for the Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza
To make the Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza, you’ll need a variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
### For the Dough:
– **3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 1/2 teaspoons salt**
– **1 teaspoon sugar**
– **1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast**
– **1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)**
– **1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)**
– **2 tablespoons cornmeal (for texture)**
### For the Sauce:
– **1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes**
– **1/4 cup tomato paste**
– **2 cloves garlic, minced**
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon dried basil**
– **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)**
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **Salt and pepper, to taste**
### For the Filling:
– **2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese**
– **1 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **1/2 pound Italian sausage, crumbled (or ground beef)**
– **1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)**
– **1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)**
– **1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)**
– **1/2 cup diced onion (optional)**
– **Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)**
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