Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 lb whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter for greasing

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
2. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add yeast mixture, olive oil, and melted butter to flour mixture. Mix until dough forms.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
6. Meanwhile, prepare sauce by combining crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
7. Preheat oven to 425°F and generously butter a 14-inch deep dish pizza pan.
8. Roll out dough on floured surface to 15-inch circle.
9. Press dough into prepared pan, pushing up sides to form 2-inch high edges.
10. Layer sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over bottom of crust.
11. Add cooked sausage over cheese layer.
12. Spread tomato sauce evenly over sausage, leaving 1/2-inch border.
13. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over sauce.
14. Bake for 35-45 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
15. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.