Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill features a buttery, thick crust layered with tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and generous slices of spicy pepperoni, delivering a hearty and savory classic Chicago-style experience.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowls
- Deep-dish pizza pan (or cast iron skillet)
- Rolling pin
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven
- Ladle
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (70g) cornmeal
- 1 1/8 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the pan)
- 2 cups (475ml) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (340g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 30-40 slices pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melty texture typical of authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizzas. Cornmeal in the dough adds a subtle crunch and enhances the crust's buttery richness. Opt for crushed tomatoes in the sauce to avoid excess liquid, which can make the crust soggy. Fresh garlic combined with dried oregano and basil creates a balanced, aromatic tomato sauce. Your homemade Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill will closely mimic the hearty, savory flavors of the original restaurant classic.
Instructions
- Prepare yeast mixture with warm water and sugar; let sit until foamy.
- In stand mixer, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and softened butter.
- Add yeast mixture and olive oil to dry ingredients; mix with dough hook.
- Knead until smooth and elastic; transfer to a greased bowl.
- Cover and let dough rise until doubled in size.
- Grease deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Punch down dough and roll out to fit pan, pressing up the sides.
- Sprinkle half of shredded mozzarella over dough base.
- Layer pepperoni slices over cheese.
- In saucepan, sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and sugar; simmer to thicken.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over pepperoni layer.
- Add remaining mozzarella cheese on top of sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake 25-30 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool on rack 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Substitution
Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill copycat menu calls for a deep-dish pizza pan, but you can substitute a cast iron skillet for similar heat retention and crust texture. If you don't have cornmeal, fine semolina or polenta can be used to add that signature crunchy base to your dough. When active dry yeast is unavailable, instant yeast can replace it without the need for proofing in warm water, streamlining the process. Your crushed tomatoes can be swapped with high-quality canned tomato sauce or fresh tomato puree if preferred. To keep cheese layers melty and flavorful, a blend of part mozzarella and provolone works if mozzarella alone isn't on hand.
Tips
Your yeast mixture must be foamy before adding it to the dough to ensure proper rising. Use a deep-dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet to achieve the authentic thick crust characteristic of Chicago-style pizza. Roll the dough carefully to press it up the sides of the pan, creating a sturdy base that holds all the toppings without collapsing. Let the pizza cool for at least 10 minutes on a rack to allow the cheese to set, making slicing easier and preventing toppings from sliding off.
Nutritions
Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill contains a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from its robust ingredients like all-purpose flour, olive oil, butter, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. The crust provides complex carbs and fiber from the cornmeal, while the cheese offers a significant source of calcium and protein. Pepperoni adds protein and essential vitamins, but also contributes saturated fat and sodium, so portion control is key for your overall nutrition. Tomato sauce delivers antioxidants such as lycopene, enhancing the pizza's nutritional profile.
Storage
Store your Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil to maintain its freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly and consume within 3-4 days to ensure optimal taste and safety. Reheat slices in an oven or cast iron skillet for a crispy crust and melted cheese experience similar to fresh-baked quality.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap low-moisture mozzarella with a blend of provolone and fontina for a creamier, more complex cheese layer. Substitute crushed tomatoes with fire-roasted tomatoes to enhance the sauce's smoky depth and add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Use a cast iron skillet seasoned with garlic butter instead of olive oil in the pan to enrich crust flavor and texture. You can replace pepperoni with spicy Italian sausage or add vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for varied toppings.
Allergies
This Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and corn found in the cornmeal crust, which may affect those with gluten or corn allergies. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses introduce dairy allergens, and the presence of yeast and garlic could also trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. You should carefully review these ingredients if you have food allergies or intolerances before enjoying this classic Chicago-style pizza.
Why this recipe?
The Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza at Uno Pizzeria & Grill features a thick, buttery crust layered with rich tomato sauce, generous mozzarella cheese, and perfectly spiced pepperoni slices that create an authentic Chicago-style experience. Its unique cooking method ensures a crisp exterior while maintaining a gooey, cheesy interior, making each bite satisfyingly flavorful. You will appreciate the balance of hearty ingredients and bold spices that make this pizza a standout in any pizzeria menu. Attempting the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this iconic comfort food at home, tailoring the flavors to your preference while enjoying the satisfaction of homemade quality.