Chicago Style recipe served on a plate, by VAI's Italian Inspired Restaurant Kitchen + Bar
Jul 13 2026

Chicago Style Recipe

Time2h
Serves6

Make Chicago Style Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Topping

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Activate Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar.

  3. 3

    Combine Ingredients

    Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

  4. 4

    Knead Dough

    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. 5

    Let it Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Filling Preparation

  1. 6

    Cook Sausage

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.

  2. 7

    Sauté Vegetables

    In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onion until soft, about 5 minutes.

  3. 8

    Prepare Sauce

    In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

  4. 9

    Combine Filling Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and tomato sauce mixture. Stir to combine.

Assembly and Baking

  1. 10

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. 11

    Prepare Pie Dish

    Grease a deep-dish pie plate or cast iron skillet.

  3. 12

    Roll Out Dough

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a circle large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the pie dish.

  4. 13

    Add Cheese Layer

    Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust.

  5. 14

    Fill with Filling

    Spoon the sausage and vegetable filling into the crust, spreading evenly.

  6. 15

    Add Remaining Cheese

    Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

  7. 16

    Top with Parmesan

    Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the filling.

  8. 17

    Bake Pizza

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

  9. 18

    Garnish and Serve

    Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.

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