Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno features a thick, buttery crust layered with tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and savory Italian sausage, creating a hearty and flavorful Chicago-style classic.
Equipments
- Deep dish pizza pan (round, high-sided)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional, for dough)
- Dough scraper or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cheese grater
- Ladle or large spoon (for sauce)
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted, for dough)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened, for pan lining)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Using both all-purpose flour and yellow cornmeal is essential for achieving the signature thick and buttery crust of Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza, while the active dry yeast ensures proper dough rise. Melted unsalted butter in the dough and softened butter for lining the pan contribute to a rich flavor and help create a crispy, golden crust. Italian sausage without casings adds a savory, meaty texture that complements the tangy crushed tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil. You can use shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melty topping and a touch of grated Parmesan to enhance the overall taste profile. This careful combination of ingredients is what makes the Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno a beloved Chicago-style classic you can recreate at home.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water; let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- Add flour, cornmeal, salt, melted butter, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms (about 7-10 minutes); use a mixer or knead by hand.
- Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1–2 hours).
- Punch down dough and roll out to a large circle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the bottom and sides of the deep-dish pizza pan.
- Press dough into the pan, covering the bottom and sides; trim any excess.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough.
- Cook Italian sausage in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Distribute cooked sausage evenly over the cheese layer.
- In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Spoon tomato mixture evenly over the sausage layer.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of the tomato layer.
- Bake pizza for 25–30 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven; let cool in pan on a rack for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove pizza from pan; slice with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno copycat requires a deep dish pizza pan for the classic thick crust and proper layering. If you don't have yellow cornmeal, fine semolina can serve as a substitute to maintain the crust's texture. When fresh Italian sausage is unavailable, ground pork seasoned with fennel seeds and garlic provides a similar flavor profile. Ensure your water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast correctly and yield a fluffy dough. Using a stand mixer for the dough is helpful but you can also mix by hand with a spatula or dough scraper if needed.
Tips
Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by confirming the mixture becomes foamy after dissolving sugar and yeast in warm water; this step is crucial for proper dough rising. When pressing the dough into your deep dish pan, coat the pan thoroughly with softened butter to prevent sticking and create a rich, crispy crust. Cook the Italian sausage until fully browned and drain off excess fat to avoid a greasy pizza. Allow the pizza to cool for 10 minutes in the pan after baking to help the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Nutritions
Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza provides a rich balance of macronutrients with carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour and cornmeal in the crust, protein from the Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese, and healthy fats from olive oil and butter. This pizza offers calcium and vitamin A through generous amounts of cheese, while crushed tomatoes contribute antioxidants like lycopene, along with vitamin C. Keep in mind that due to the butter and cheese content, it is calorie-dense and relatively high in saturated fat, so your portion size will impact the nutritional intake significantly. Your meal choice can be complemented with a side of vegetables or a salad to increase fiber and micronutrient consumption.
Storage
Store your leftover Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain its moisture and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the pizza promptly, ideally within two hours of baking, and consume it within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. When reheating, use an oven or toaster oven set to 375degF (190degC) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crust's crispness without drying out the toppings.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo or ground turkey to alter the protein profile while maintaining a savory flavor. You can also replace crushed tomatoes with a chunky marinara sauce for a thicker, more textured topping. Use provolone or fontina cheese in place of mozzarella to add a different creamy, slightly tangy dimension to your pizza. Try brushing the crust with garlic-infused olive oil before baking to elevate the aroma and add a subtle garlicky crispness to your deep-dish pizza.
Allergies
Your Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza contains common allergens including wheat from all-purpose flour, dairy in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and potential allergens in Italian sausage such as pork and various spices. The crust includes butter and olive oil, which may impact those with specific fat intolerances or allergies. If you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or certain meats, it's important to verify all ingredients and consider suitable substitutions to avoid allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno is celebrated for its rich, buttery crust, generous layers of mozzarella cheese, and a tangy, slow-cooked tomato sauce that perfectly balances flavors. The unique combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and its authentic Chicago-style preparation sets it apart from typical pizzas. Your taste buds will appreciate the hearty, satisfying texture and bold flavors that make this pizza a standout for deep dish enthusiasts. Crafting a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic taste at home, offering a delicious experience without the need for a restaurant visit.