Gluten-Free Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: Authentic Recipe!

Why This Is The Best Recipe!

Pizza is still one of those things I miss with this gluten-free life. And while I've made an excellent gluten-free pizza crust before, there are so many variations on pizza, I would love to replicate them all!

This gluten-free deep dish pizza recipe definitely hits the mark, especially if you're craving truly authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza, which if you know, is quite different than pan pizza and should not be confused with gluten-free Detroit-style pizza either!

Growing up right here in the heart of Illinois, I've been spoiled with good pizza pretty much my entire life. (That is until I was diagnosed with celiac disease.) The fact that we have the best pizza isn't just a myth either, when locals move away, you're sure to hear them lament that they miss good pizza!

Maybe what makes it so great is the variety. While Chicago may be known for deep dish style pizza, there are actually quite a few legendary styles of pizza here, like square cut tavern-style pizza, stuffed pizza, quad-city style thin crust, or the pizza pot pie just to name a few!

All this good pizza makes me somewhat of a pizza snob, so you can trust me when I say, this gluten-free recipe is not only a darn good take on the Chicago deep dish, it may just be the best deep dish pizza on the internet!

Also, be sure to check out my gluten-free egg noodles recipe, it gets rave reviews and makes the best gluten-free pasta!

What defines Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza?

A true Chicago-style deep dish has very specific characteristics:

• Chicago deep dish pizza does not have a pillowy soft or thick crust, actually it's quite the opposite! This style of pizza is made with a thin, crisp, and buttery, high-sided crust that can handle plenty of fillings.
• Chicago pizza is also made in a very specific way. It is assembled with the crust on the bottom, followed by cheese, your favorite toppings, and lastly a chunky tomato sauce on top.
• The sauce on the top serves a very specific purpose, it allows the pizza to cook all the way through without the top getting burnt. If the cheese or toppings were on top, they would brown to perfection well before the rest of the pizza were finished.
• The deep round pan allows for the perfect balance of crust, cheese, toppings, and sauce. In true midwest fashion, some consider this style of pizza the casserole of pizzas, especially since it's usually so hearty you need a knife and fork to eat it!

History of Chicago Deep Dish

Chicago deep dish pizza has a rich history with several contenders claiming credit for the invention of a 'pizza thick as a sewer lid and almost as heavy'. One popular narrative attributes it to Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, who opened Pizzeria Uno in 1943. However, evidence supporting their actual role in the invention of this iconic pizza is limited, mostly because no one had ever seen them actually make the pizzas.

Rather, Adolpho "Rudy" Malnati, Sr. and Alice May Redmond, who were both associated with Uno's at the time, are believed to have played a significant role in perfecting the deep dish pizza recipe. Although no one knows for sure who made it first.

It was also around this time that Rudy's son, Lou, began working with his father and eventually became a co-manager of Pizzeria Uno in the 1950s. Then in 1971, Lou and his wife Jean opened up the first Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, now one of the most well-beloved restaurants for Chicago deep dish pizza.

Gino's East, another Chicago landmark, was founded in 1966 by Sam Levine and Fred Bartoli. They employed the aforementioned Alice May Redmond and her sister Ruth Hadley, who developed a special dough recipe that made Gino's East famous.

While the exact origins of Chicago's deep dish remain unclear, it's undeniable that these individuals have shaped Chicago's deep dish pizza into the iconic and beloved dish it is today.

Traditional Deep Dish Toppings

If you really want to be authentic, these toppings will pass the test. While it's all relative as far as "good" pizza toppings go, these are the most traditional toppings that truly stand the test of time.

• Plain cheese: This pizza is very satisfying, even if it's only filled with cheese!
• Italian Sausage: Not sausage links, rather bulk Italian sausage. This is arguably the most traditional deep dish pizza topping. Use high quality Italian sausage, which has a flavorful blend of Italian spices, especially fennel.
• Supreme: A traditional combination of toppings here in Illinois is sausage, pepperoni, onions, green bell peppers, mushrooms, and sometimes black olives. You'll find this combination listed right on the menu at most pizzerias.
• Pepperoni: Pepperoni slices are a classic pizza topping most everyone loves and are a great topping for your deep dish pizza.

Gluten-Free Pizza Dough Ingredients

• Caputo Fioreglut Gluten-Free Flour Blend: This is the only flour recommended for this recipe. Please note: it does contain gluten-free wheat starch and is not suitable for those with a wheat allergy. I have not tested this, but Cup4Cup may be a suitable substitute.
• Yellow Cornmeal I've tried to determine if this is truly an authentic addition to the dough, and it may not actually be, but I do appreciate the flavor and texture the cornmeal provides in this pizza.
• Instant Yeast or Rapid Rise Yeast: This type of yeast is highly active, fast-rising yeast is the easiest to use, especially for gluten-free baking! You can mix the yeast right in with the dry ingredients without dissolving in water first. If you only have active dry yeast, be sure to dissolve it first in the warm milk for five minutes before adding it to the rest of the recipe.
• Kosher Salt
• Butter: Part of what sets true Chicago-style pizza apart from other deep dish pizzas, which call for olive oil, is that there's butter in the crust. Butter adds a rich flavor and flakiness to the crust.

Deep Dish Sauce and Filling Ingredients

• Crushed Tomatoes: Be sure to use good quality crushed tomatoes. The better the tomato, the more delicious the sauce will be! If you can find San Marzano crushed tomatoes, that's the best option. Here are a few brands I like:
  • San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes
  • DeLallo San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes
  • Bianco Dinapoli Organic Crushed Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Italian Seasoning
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated is always best, but pre-shredded cheese is gluten-free and works just fine as well.
• Provolone Cheese: Either grated or sliced.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan is more authentic, rather than shredded.
• Your favorite pizza toppings: Such as Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, and/or peppers.

Equipment Needed

Aside from the ingredients above, you'll need some equipment to make this recipe.

• A digital kitchen scale is highly recommended, especially for measuring the dough ingredients. This is the best way to get accurate measurements.
• A KitchenAid Stand Mixer makes mixing the dough much easier.
• A 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet or deep dish pizza pan is essential for this pizza. A properly sized cake pan or springform pan will also work.
• A fine mesh strainer is needed to make the simple tomato sauce.
• A rolling pin for rolling out the dough.

How to Make the Dough

If you can measure ingredients and turn on a mixer, you can make this gluten-free deep dish dough.

1. Whisk together all of the dry ingredients. This includes the gluten-free flour, cornmeal, yeast, and kosher salt.
2. Warm the water to 120-130°F. With the mixer on medium speed, blend the warm water into the flour mixture using the paddle attachment.
3. Add the softened butter and continue to mix for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Transfer the dough to a bowl and cover. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.

How to Make the Sauce

The key to making the best Chicago deep dish lies in the chunky tomato sauce. It's surprisingly simple to make. It all starts with a can of crushed tomatoes.

1. Open the can of crust tomatoes and pour the contents into a fine mesh strainer.
2. Allow gravity to do it's thing, or use the back of a spoon to coax the excess juice from the tomatoes.
3. Place the strained tomatoes into a small bowl along with the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir until combined.

Assembling a Deep Dish Pizza

1. Generously grease your pizza pan with butter.
2. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with cornmeal and grated parmesan cheese. This not only prevents the crust from sticking but adds flavor and crispness.
3. Roll out the dough on a piece of parchment paper.
4. Then, flip the dough into the prepared pan and peel the parchment off.

5. Now, press the dough evenly in the bottom and up the sides of the pan, don't go past the top edge. If your dough does go past the edge, just fold it under and press against the sides to make it even.
6. Place the sliced provolone cheese on top of the crust.
7. Followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Lastly, dollop the tomato sauce on top of the cheese and spread it into an even layer with the back of a spoon.
9. Sprinkle with grated parmesan before placing the pizza into a preheated oven to bake.

How to Serve Deep Dish Pizza

• Once you've removed the pizza from the oven, allow the pizza to rest for about 10 minutes.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the pizza right in the pan or remove the pizza to a cutting board to slice. A serrated knife can be helpful for getting through the crust.
• Slice the pizza into 8 slices. Each slice tends to be quite filling, so a little goes a long way!

Storage

Deep dish pizza is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven. Any leftovers can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for even longer.

The method of reheating depends on what is more important to you, immediate hunger satiation or maintaining crust integrity:

• If you're just hungry and want to heat it through as quickly as possible, reheat a slice in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• If you want the pizza to taste like it came fresh from the oven, reheat the pizza slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven or in the air fryer until warmed through.

What to Serve with Deep Dish Pizza

While deep dish pizza can be a filling meal all by itself, it does pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options to serve with your deep dish pizza:

1. Salad: A fresh garden salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Antipasto platter: Create a spread of cured meats, cheeses, olives, pickles, and marinated vegetables for a delicious and satisfying appetizer or side.
3. Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant add a touch of freshness and color to your meal.
4. Buffalo wings: For those who enjoy a little heat, serving some spicy buffalo wings alongside the pizza can add an extra kick to your meal.