chicago deep dish pizza

Ingredients

• 1 lb Pizza Dough (cold, ball shaped)
• 1/2 cup Tomato Paste
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
• 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• 8 oz Provolone Cheese, shredded
• 1/2 lb Italian Sausage, removed from casing
• 1/2 Onion, chopped
• 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add sausage, onion, and bell pepper to skillet and cook until sausage is browned and vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix together tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan with olive oil.
6. Roll out the pizza dough into a circle slightly larger than the pan.
7. Press dough into the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges.
8. Spread the tomato paste mixture evenly over the dough.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the sauce.
10. Top with cooked sausage.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Use a deep dish pizza pan for authentic Chicago deep dish style.
• For a crispier crust, place a pizza stone in the oven while preheating.
• Don't overload the pizza with toppings, as this will make the crust soggy.
• To store leftovers, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.