Stuffed Chicago-Style Pizza from Papa Murphy's features a thick, buttery crust layered with rich marinara sauce, a generous blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, and toppings like Italian sausage and mushrooms, all baked to golden perfection with a gooey, bubbly cheese crown.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Pizza pan (deep-dish style)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sauce ladle
- Oven
- Cheese grater
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1⅓ cups warm water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups pizza sauce (marinara)
- ½ pound Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper
Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh for optimal dough rise, as stale yeast can result in a dense crust. Use warm water between 105degF and 115degF to activate the yeast properly without killing it. When layering cheeses, evenly distribute the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan to achieve a creamy and flavorful filling that melts perfectly during baking. Italian sausage should be pre-cooked and crumbled to prevent excess grease from making the pizza soggy. This careful attention to ingredient preparation will help you recreate the rich, buttery crust and gooey cheese crown characteristic of the Stuffed Chicago-Style Pizza from Papa Murphy's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, melted butter, and olive oil to the bowl; mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough on floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Cook and crumble Italian sausage; set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms; set aside.
- Punch down dough; divide into two pieces (one slightly larger).
- Roll out larger dough piece; fit into deep-dish pizza pan dusted with cornmeal.
- Press dough up the sides of the pan.
- Layer mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom crust.
- Add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of mozzarella.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage and mushrooms over cheeses.
- Roll out the second dough piece; lay over the filled pizza.
- Pinch/top edges to seal both dough layers together.
- Trim excess dough if needed.
- Use a knife to cut a few small slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
- Ladle pizza sauce evenly over the top crust.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until crust is golden.
- Brush crust with melted butter if desired.
- Let pizza cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Substitution
Stuffed Chicago-Style Pizza from Papa Murphy's copycat menu relies heavily on a rich combination of cheeses and a thick crust, so if ricotta cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with cottage cheese blended until smooth to maintain creamy texture. If you don't have Italian sausage, spicy ground beef or turkey sausage work well as alternative toppings without compromising flavor. When preparing the dough, using warm water is essential to activate the yeast properly and achieve the perfect rise. If you only have regular Parmesan on hand, grated Pecorino Romano offers a similar salty profile that enhances the cheese blend. Your pizza pan should be deep-dish style to support the layered ingredients and create the iconic golden crust.
Tips
Make sure your water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast to ensure proper proofing without killing the yeast. Kneading the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic is crucial for a tender and chewy crust typical of Chicago-style pizza. When sealing the two dough layers, pinch edges firmly to prevent sauce leakage during baking, and don't forget to cut small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape, preventing sogginess. Finally, allow your pizza to rest for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier while preserving toppings.
Nutritions
Stuffed Chicago-Style Pizza from Papa Murphy's is high in calories, primarily due to its rich combination of cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan, along with Italian sausage that contributes significant protein and fat content. The thick all-purpose flour crust provides carbohydrates needed for energy but also adds to the overall calorie count. You can expect a good amount of calcium and phosphorus from the dairy ingredients, while mushrooms add small amounts of fiber and essential minerals. Keep portion sizes in mind to balance indulgence with your dietary goals.
Storage
Your Stuffed Chicago-Style Pizza should be cooled completely before storing to maintain crust crispness and cheese texture. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pizza in a sealed freezer-safe container or wrap to preserve freshness for up to 2 months, reheating in an oven at 375degF to restore its gooey cheese and crispy crust.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo or ground turkey to change the flavor profile while maintaining the protein content. Swap out the ricotta cheese for cottage cheese or cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture. For a crispier crust, par-bake the bottom dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the fillings. Mixing fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the pizza sauce can bring additional aromatic notes to the dish.
Allergies
Stuffed Chicago-Style Pizza from Papa Murphy's contains common allergens such as dairy from ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, as well as gluten from all-purpose flour in the crust. Italian sausage may contain additional allergenic ingredients like soy or preservatives, so reviewing specific sausage packaging is essential for your safety. If you have allergies to any of these components, you should exercise caution before consuming this pizza.
Why this recipe?
Stuffed Chicago-Style Pizza from Papa Murphy's is beloved for its thick, buttery crust layered with generous cheese, savory toppings, and rich tomato sauce, delivering a hearty and satisfying flavor profile. The unique combination of fresh ingredients and hand-crafted preparation offers a filling meal that stands out from traditional pizzas. Making a copycat version allows you to control the quality and customize toppings to your preference while recreating this iconic deep-dish experience at home. Your efforts in replicating this famous menu item can bring the bold tastes of Chicago-style pizza directly into your kitchen.