Indulge in the rich flavors of Chicago deep-dish pizza with a delightful twist of Calabrese and Sweet Fennel sausages. This iconic deep-dish pizza is the epitome of comfort and satisfaction, featuring a flaky crust, layers of delectable cheeses, and a combination of spicy and sweet sausages. Our Chicago Deep Dish with Calabrese and Fennel Sausages recipe brings the Windy City’s authentic pizza experience to your home. The crust is expertly made with the perfect balance of butter and lard, providing a unique pizza-pie crust hybrid. The combination of mozzarella and provolone cheeses creates a gooey, cheesy delight that complements the succulent sausages. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore the secrets behind making this unforgettable Chicago deep-dish pizza.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (27-ounce/765-gram) ball Chicago Deep-Dish Dough
- Medium-grind cornmeal, for dusting
- 2 teaspoons (9 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 9 ounces (255 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced (13 slices)
- 8 ounces (225 grams) Calabrese Honey Sausage
- 8 ounces (225 grams) Sweet Fennel Sausage
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) finely chopped garlic
- 9 ounces (255 grams) provolone cheese, thinly sliced (13 slices)
- 5 ounces (140 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (1¼ cups)
- 2 cups (455 grams) Deep-Dish Tomato Sauce, warm
- Dried oregano, for dusting
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
PREPARATIONS:
- Remove the dough ball from the refrigerator and leave wrapped at room temperature until the dough warms to 55°F to 60°F.
- Set up the oven with two pizza stones or baking steels and preheat to 500°F for 1 hour.
- Butter the bottom and sides of a 12 by 2-inch or 13 by 2-inch round deep-dish pizza pan.
- Dust the work surface with cornmeal and transfer the dough to the surface. Coat both sides of the dough with cornmeal, and roll it out into a 17-inch round.
- Lift the dough round and lower it into the center of the prepared pan. Lift the edges of the dough to ease it into the corners. The dough will overhang the rim of the pan.
- Press around the edge of the dough to secure it to the pan rim. Set it aside to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices in the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan, overlapping the slices as necessary.
- Pinch quarter-size pieces of the sausages and distribute them evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with pecorino and garlic.
- Arrange the provolone slices over the top. Run the rolling pin over the lip of the pan to cut away the excess dough.
- Place the pan on the bottom stone and bake for 15 minutes, rotate the pan 180 degrees, and continue to bake for another 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is a rich golden brown.
- Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the pizza. Place on the top stone for 2 minutes to melt the shredded cheese.
- Remove from the oven and run a long metal spatula around the inside of the pan to loosen the pizza from the pan. Lift an edge with the spatula and check the bottom of the crust. If needed, return the pan to the bottom stone for 1 minute.
- Carefully lift the pizza from the pan using the spatula and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Cut the pizza into 6 large wedges, leaving them in place. Spoon the sauce over the pizza and spread it to the edges with a small offset spatula.
- Finish with a dusting of pecorino and oregano and a drizzle of oil.
YIELD:
- Makes one 13-inch deep round pizza; 6 large slices
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Allow the dough to warm up to 55°F to 60°F before rolling it out to ensure a pliable crust.
- Preheat the oven with two pizza stones or baking steels for even baking and a crisp crust.
TIPS:
- Experiment with different sausage blends to find your favorite combination of spicy and sweet flavors.
- To achieve a less heavy pizza, pinch quarter-size pieces of sausage and distribute them evenly rather than pressing out a solid layer of sausage.
The Chicago Deep Dish with Calabrese and Fennel Sausages is a celebration of flavors, textures, and the true spirit of deep-dish pizza. This iconic pizza captures the essence of Chicago’s renowned culinary heritage, offering a unique twist with a delightful blend of Calabrese and sweet fennel sausages. As you take your first bite into this mouthwatering pizza, the explosion of gooey cheeses, perfectly seasoned sausages, and rich tomato sauce will transport you to the bustling streets of Chicago.
The foundation of this delectable pizza lies in the Chicago Deep-Dish Dough, expertly made with just the right proportions of butter and lard. As the crust bakes to a rich golden brown, it creates the perfect vessel to hold the generous layers of cheeses and sausages.
To ensure the crust achieves its optimal texture, it’s essential to follow the special instructions carefully. Allowing the dough to warm up before rolling it out guarantees a pliable and easy-to-work-with crust. Additionally, preheating the oven with two pizza stones or baking steels ensures even baking and a crisp crust, adding to the overall pizza experience.
As the pizza bakes, the aroma of the sausages mingling with the cheeses and tomato sauce fills the air, building anticipation for the ultimate pizza indulgence. The combination of spicy Calabrese and sweet fennel sausages creates a harmonious blend of flavors that complement each other perfectly.
As the pizza emerges from the oven, adorned with a final dusting of pecorino and oregano and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, it’s ready to be devoured. The crispy crust, gooey cheeses, and succulent sausages come together to deliver an unforgettable taste experience.
Our Chicago Deep Dish with Calabrese and Fennel Sausages recipe offers a unique twist on the classic deep-dish pizza, bringing a burst of flavor and excitement to your dining table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family dinner or a special treat for friends, this pizza promises to be the star of the show.
In conclusion, Chicago Deep Dish with Calabrese and Fennel Sausages captures the essence of Chicago’s pizza heritage, infusing it with a delightful combination of sausages and cheeses. From the expertly crafted crust to the harmonious flavors of the toppings, this pizza delivers an exceptional taste experience that will leave you wanting more.
