Ready to bring a little bit of Chicago into your kitchen? This deep dish sausage and mushroom pizza is a classic combination of flavors baked in a cornmeal crust. The result is a pizza that's filled with melted cheese, savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and tangy tomato sauce, all held together by a thick, crispy crust that will make you think you're in the heart of the Windy City.
The ingredients in this recipe are fairly common and should be easy to find in any supermarket. However, one ingredient that might be new to some is the whole San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes are known for their sweet flavor and low acidity, making them perfect for pizza sauce. Another ingredient to note is cornmeal, which gives the crust its distinct texture and flavor. Lastly, low moisture mozzarella is used here, as it melts beautifully without making the pizza too soggy.
Deep Dish Sausage and Mushroom Pizza Ingredients
Active dry yeast: This is used to help the dough rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
All purpose flour: The base for the pizza dough.
Cornmeal: Used in the dough to give the crust its unique texture.
Whole San Marzano tomatoes: They are sweet and low-acid, ideal for a rich, balanced pizza sauce.
White mushrooms: Add an earthy flavor to the pizza.
Italian sausage: Provides a savory, meaty element to the pizza.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy layer.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to top off the pizza.
One reader, Guido Nye says:
This deep dish sausage and mushroom pizza recipe is a game-changer! The crust is perfectly crispy, and the combination of sausage, mushrooms, and gooey cheese is simply divine. The homemade sauce is a winner, and the fennel seeds add a unique touch. It's a must-try for pizza lovers!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Deep Dish Pizza
How to make the dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large liquid measuring cup. Let the yeast bloom for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, then stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead for about 5 minutes, until it forms a soft ball, and then let it rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size.
How to make the sauce: Drain the tomatoes and crush them using your hands. Discard the excess liquid. Transfer the crushed tomatoes to a saucepan and add sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, olive oil, and garlic. Bring to a low boil and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the basil.
How to prepare the sausage patty: Mix fennel seeds with Italian sausage and form a 9-inch patty between two sheets of parchment paper.
How to assemble the pizza: Press the dough into a greased cast iron skillet. Add torn mozzarella, sautéed mushrooms, tomato sauce, and the sausage patty. Sprinkle with parmesan and bake in a preheated oven until the crust is lightly browned and the sausage is cooked through.
How to serve: Let the pizza cool slightly, carefully remove it from the skillet, slice, and serve.
How To Make Deep Dish Pizza With Sausage And Mushrooms
Recreate this Chicago, deep dish pizza classic for dinner! It’s loaded with filling sausages and tasty mushrooms. Whip this up in less than an hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Dough:
- 1¼cupswarm water
- 2tspsugar
- 2¼tspactive dry yeast
- 3¼cupsall purpose flourplus more for dusting
- ¾cupcornmeal
- 2tspkosher salt
- ¼cupunsalted buttermelted and cooled
- olive oilfor greasing
For Sauce:
- San Marzano tomatoes2 cans
- 2tspsugar
- ¼tspred pepper flakes
- 2tspkosher salt
- 2tbspolive oil
- 4garlic clovesgrated
- ¼cupfresh basilsliced
For Assembly:
- 1tbspunsalted butter
- 8ozwhite mushroomsliced
- kosher saltto taste
- ¼tspwhole fennel seeds
- 4ozItalian sausage
- 16ozmozarella cheeselow moisture, shredded
- ¼cupparmesan cheeseshredded
Instructions
Dough:
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Add the warm water and sugar to a large liquid measuring cup.
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Sprinkle in the yeast and let bloom for 5 minutes, until foamy.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, and salt.
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Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, and stir with a rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough comes together into a soft ball and bounces back when pressed with a finger.
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Grease a large bowl with olive oil.
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Then transfer the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, for 1 to 2 hours.
Sauce:
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Pour the tomatoes into a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Let the juices drain.
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Then use hands to gently crush tomatoes and let any excess liquid drip into a bowl. Discard the juices.
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Transfer the crushed tomatoes to a medium saucepan and add the sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, olive oil, and garlic. Stir to combine.
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Bring to low boil over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated.
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Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the basil.
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Set aside to cool.
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Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Season with salt and remove the pan from the heat.
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Add the fennel seeds to a small dry skillet over medium heat.
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Toast until fragrant and starting to brown for 3 to 4 minutes.
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Transfer the fennel seeds to a cutting board and coarsely chop.
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Add the fennel seeds to a medium bowl with the Italian sausage and mix to incorporate.
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Transfer the sausage to a large sheet of parchment paper. Top with another sheet of parchment and roll the sausage into a 9-inch patty.
Assemble The Pizza:
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
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Once the dough has risen, turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
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Cut the dough in half.
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Generously grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with olive oil all over the sides and bottom.
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Transfer only one half of the dough to the pan then use hands to press evenly against the bottom and up the sides.
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Tear the mozzarella into pieces and evenly scatter over the dough.
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Top with the sautéed mushrooms, then the tomato sauce.
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Use the parchment to place the sausage patty on top of the sauce.
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Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese.
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Place the skillet on a baking sheet.
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Transfer to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned and the sausage is cooked through.
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Let cool slightly.
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Carefully remove the pizza from the skillet, slice, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Wrap one half of the dough in plastic wrap, place in a resealable zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Calories: 904.21kcal
- Fat: 52.57g
- Saturated Fat: 25.24g
- Trans Fat: 1.28g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 18.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.66g
- Carbohydrates: 74.00g
- Fiber: 3.48g
- Sugar: 4.35g
- Protein: 33.52g
- Cholesterol: 121.11mg
- Sodium: 719.61mg
- Calcium: 610.22mg
- Potassium: 361.78mg
- Iron: 4.75mg
- Vitamin A: 297.76µg
- Vitamin C: 2.01mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving the Ideal Pizza Crust
When preparing your deep dish pizza, it's crucial to let the dough rise properly. This process, known as proofing, allows the yeast to ferment the dough, creating gas bubbles that make the dough rise. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for this process. If your kitchen is particularly cold, you can create a suitable environment by preheating your oven to the lowest setting, then turning it off and placing your covered dough inside to rise. This will ensure a fluffy and light crust for your pizza.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pizza Recipe
Prepare the dough: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for you, saving time and effort.
Prep the toppings: Pre-slice the mushrooms and grate the cheese ahead of time to streamline the assembly process.
Multi-task: While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce and toppings to maximize efficiency.
Prep in advance: Make the dough and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
Use store-bought dough: If you're short on time, opt for pre-made pizza dough from the grocery store for a quick and easy alternative.
Pre-slice the sausage: Save time by pre-slicing the sausage before adding it to the pizza, ensuring even distribution and quicker cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Deep Dish Pizza With Sausage And Mushrooms Recipe
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used as a substitute for active dry yeast. However, you will need to use 25% less instant yeast than the amount of active dry yeast called for in the recipe.
all purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour in pizza dough. It has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier crust.
cornmeal - Substitute with semolina: Semolina can be used as a substitute for cornmeal in pizza dough. It adds a slightly coarser texture and nutty flavor to the crust.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier substitute for unsalted butter in the pizza dough.
whole san marzano tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for whole San Marzano tomatoes in the pizza sauce. They provide a similar rich and tangy flavor.
white mushroom - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms can be used as a substitute for white mushrooms in the pizza topping. They have a similar flavor and texture.
italian sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage can be used as a substitute for Italian sausage for a meat-free alternative.
low moisture mozzarella cheese - Substitute with fresh mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella cheese can be used as a substitute for low moisture mozzarella for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese, providing a similar salty and tangy flavor.
Presentation Tips for Serving Deep Dish Pizza
Elevate the crust: Create a perfectly golden and crispy crust that is sturdy enough to hold the toppings, providing a delightful crunch with every bite.
Artfully arrange the toppings: Carefully layer the ingredients, ensuring each slice will showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the sausage, mushrooms, and cheese.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the pizza to add a pop of color and a burst of aromatic freshness.
Present in a cast iron skillet: Serve the deep dish pizza directly in the cast iron skillet, adding a rustic and inviting touch to the presentation.
Drizzle with olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the pizza to enhance the flavors and add a glossy finish.
Serve with a side of tomato sauce: Offer a small side of the homemade tomato sauce for dipping, adding an extra element of flavor and sophistication to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Homemade Pizza
Measuring cups: These are essential for accurately measuring ingredients such as flour, sugar, and water in specific quantities.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine and mix the pizza dough ingredients together.
Liquid measuring cup: This is used to measure liquids such as water and olive oil with precision.
Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula is used for stirring and scraping the sides of the bowl when making the pizza dough.
Large bowl: A large bowl is used for the initial rising of the pizza dough.
Fine-mesh sieve: This is used to drain and crush the whole San Marzano tomatoes for the pizza sauce.
Medium saucepan: The medium saucepan is used to cook and simmer the pizza sauce.
Skillet: A skillet is used for sautéing the mushrooms and toasting the fennel seeds.
Cutting board: This is used for chopping the toasted fennel seeds.
Sheet of parchment paper: Parchment paper is used for rolling out and shaping the Italian sausage patty.
Cast iron skillet: The cast iron skillet is used to bake the deep dish pizza in the oven.
Baking sheet: This is used to place the cast iron skillet on while baking to catch any drips.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Leftover Pizza
If you have any leftover pizza, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.
Once cooled, wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the pizza from drying out and absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
Place the wrapped pizza in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will provide an extra layer of protection against moisture and air.
Store the leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Deep dish pizza tends to hold up better in the refrigerator compared to thin crust pizza due to its sturdy crust and hearty toppings.
To reheat refrigerated pizza, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the crust may become slightly soft.
If you want to freeze the pizza for longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.
Deep dish pizza can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pizza, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the pizza directly from the freezer for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
If you prefer a crispier crust after freezing and reheating, you can place the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or directly on the oven rack for the last few minutes of baking.
How To Reheat Leftover Pizza Slices
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the crust while evenly heating the toppings.
If you prefer a softer crust, you can reheat the pizza in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through. To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, place a paper towel underneath the slice to absorb any excess moisture.
For a crispy crust and melted cheese, you can use a skillet or griddle to reheat your leftover pizza. Preheat the skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the pizza slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps to create a crispy crust while melting the cheese evenly.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your leftover pizza. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slice on the toaster oven rack or a small baking sheet. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method is quick and easy, and it helps to restore the crispiness of the crust.
For a unique twist, you can transform your leftover pizza into a breakfast dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Crack an egg onto each slice of pizza, and then place the slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still runny. This method creates a delicious and satisfying breakfast that combines the flavors of pizza with the richness of a runny egg yolk.
Interesting Trivia About Deep Dish Pizza
The deep dish sausage and mushroom pizza is a popular dish in Chicago, known for its thick crust and hearty toppings. It is believed to have originated in the 1940s and has since become a staple in the city's culinary scene. The pizza is often loaded with cheese, sausage, and other savory ingredients, making it a favorite comfort food for many. Its unique and indulgent flavors have made it a beloved dish for pizza enthusiasts.
Is Making Deep Dish Pizza at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this deep dish sausage and mushroom pizza recipe is quite favorable. The use of basic ingredients like flour, yeast, tomatoes, and sausage makes it budget-friendly. The versatility of the toppings allows for customization based on what's available, reducing the need for expensive or specialty items. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice for a satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Pizza Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The deep dish sausage and mushroom pizza recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The dough is made with all-purpose flour and cornmeal, which are refined carbohydrates lacking in fiber and nutrients
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of cheese, which is high in saturated fat and sodium
- Sausage is typically high in fat and sodium, and may contain preservatives and additives
- The tomato sauce, while homemade, still contains added sugar and salt
- The cooking method (deep-dish style) requires a generous amount of olive oil for greasing the pan, adding to the overall fat content
However, there are some redeeming qualities:
- Mushrooms are a nutritious addition, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- The tomato sauce incorporates fresh basil, which offers a pop of flavor and nutrition
- The recipe uses whole San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their superior taste and quality
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase fiber content
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Choose a leaner sausage, such as turkey or chicken, or replace it with a plant-based alternative
- Omit the added sugar in the tomato sauce, and reduce the salt content
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil for greasing the pan, or opt for a non-stick cooking spray
- Incorporate more vegetables into the toppings, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to boost the nutrient profile
- Serve the pizza with a side salad to balance out the meal and add more fiber and vitamins
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a tasty pizza that better aligns with your health goals. Remember, moderation is key – even with a healthier version, it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes and frequency of consumption.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Sausage and Mushroom Pizza
As a culinary expert, I find this deep dish sausage and mushroom pizza recipe to be a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The homemade crust, savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and rich tomato sauce create a harmonious blend that is sure to satisfy any pizza lover's cravings. The use of high-quality ingredients and the attention to detail in the cooking process elevate this dish to a gourmet level. The incorporation of fennel seeds in the sausage adds a unique depth of flavor, and the use of a cast iron skillet ensures a perfectly crispy crust. Overall, this recipe is a culinary masterpiece that is bound to impress and delight anyone who tries it.
Enhance Your Deep Dish Pizza With Sausage And Mushrooms Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Deep Dish Pizza With Sausage And Mushrooms Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering deep dish sausage and mushroom pizza that will satisfy your cravings. The dough is made from scratch, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste. The san marzano tomatoes are carefully selected for their rich flavor, and the homemade sauce is simmered to perfection. The combination of Italian sausage and sautéed white mushrooms adds a savory depth, while the blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese creates a gooey, indulgent topping. With attention to detail and quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful pizza experience that you can trust.
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