Chicago-style Deep-dish Spinach Pizza

Chicago-style Deep-dish Spinach Pizza Recipe - Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, and More!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Chicago-style deep-dish spinach pizza is a delicious and hearty dish that originated in the city of Chicago. This recipe features a thick and buttery crust filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, onions, mushrooms, pepperoni, and spinach, all topped with a generous amount of cheese. It's a perfect meal for pizza lovers looking for a unique and satisfying twist on the classic dish.

History

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Chicago in the 1940s. It is known for its thick crust, which is more similar to a pie crust than a traditional pizza crust. The deep-dish pizza is typically filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The spinach variation of this pizza adds a healthy and flavorful twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) bulk italian sausage
1 cup chopped onion
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can pizza sauce
1 x 4 oz (113 g) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 x 3 oz (85 g) package sliced pepperoni
2 tbsp snipped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried basil, crushed
1 tbsp snipped fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
1 x 16 oz (454 g) loaf frozen whole-wheat bread dough or white bread dough, thawed
1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (6 oz (170 g))
1 x 10 oz (283 g) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 slightly beaten egg
1 tbsp margarine or butter, melted
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese

How to prepare

Meat filling

In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage and onion until the meat is brown and the onion is tender. Drain the fat.
Pat with paper towels to remove any additional fat.
Stir in pizza sauce, mushrooms, pepperoni, basil, oregano, and red pepper.

Crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll 0.67 of the bread dough into a 12-inch circle. If necessary, let the dough rest once or twice during rolling.
Carefully place the circle in a greased 9-inch spring-form pan, pressing the dough 1.5 inches up the sides.

Pizza

Sprinkle the bottom of the dough with 0.5 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
Spoon the meat filling over the cheese.
Pat the spinach dry with paper towels.
Mix the spinach, egg, and remaining mozzarella cheese.
Spread the spinach mixture over the meat filling.
Roll the remaining dough into a 10-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
Cut the circle into 10 to 12 wedges.
Arrange the wedges atop the spinach mixture, slightly overlapping the edges and sealing the ends to the bottom crust along the edge of the pan.
Brush the top with melted margarine or butter and sprinkle with Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Bake in a 375°F (191°C) oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the filling is hot and the bread is done. If necessary, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the sides of the spring-form pan.
Cut into wedges.

Variations

Substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, olives, or artichokes to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent the pizza from becoming too watery.

- Use a spring-form pan to help shape the deep-dish pizza and make it easier to remove from the pan after baking.

- Be sure to let the pizza cool for a few minutes before cutting into it to allow the filling to set and prevent it from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chicago-style deep-dish spinach pizza with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough and shaping it in a spring-form pan is key to achieving the deep-dish pizza's signature thick crust.

- Layering the ingredients in the correct order helps to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough for a quicker preparation.

- Substitute fresh spinach for frozen spinach, but be sure to cook it down and drain it well before adding it to the pizza.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat filling and spinach mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pizza.

- The assembled pizza can also be refrigerated overnight before baking, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicago-style deep-dish spinach pizza directly from the spring-form pan for a rustic and impressive presentation. - Garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this hearty pizza with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.

- A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine complements the savory flavors of the pizza.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 8g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 30%

- Vitamin C: 10%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese)

- Contains wheat (bread dough)

Summary

This Chicago-style deep-dish spinach pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course.

Summary

Chicago-style deep-dish spinach pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines a thick and buttery crust with a savory filling of Italian sausage, onions, mushrooms, pepperoni, and spinach. This recipe is perfect for pizza lovers looking for a unique and flavorful twist on the classic dish. Serve it with a side salad and a glass of wine for a complete meal that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicago-style deep-dish spinach pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished attending a cooking class at the local community center. The instructor, a wise old Italian woman named Maria, had gathered us around the kitchen table and began to share her family's most cherished recipes.

As she pulled out the ingredients for the pizza dough and toppings, my mouth watered in anticipation. I had always been a fan of deep-dish pizza, but I had never tried a spinach version before. Maria explained that this particular recipe had been passed down through generations of her family, originating from her great-grandmother who had immigrated to Chicago from Italy.

She began by showing us how to make the dough, a simple mixture of flour, yeast, water, and olive oil. As she kneaded the dough in her expert hands, I watched in awe at the way it transformed from a sticky mess into a smooth, elastic ball. Maria explained that the key to a good deep-dish pizza crust was to let the dough rise slowly, allowing the flavors to develop and the texture to become light and airy.

While the dough was resting, Maria moved on to the spinach filling. She sautéed fresh spinach with garlic, onions, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, creating a fragrant and vibrant mixture that made my taste buds tingle with excitement. She then added a generous amount of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of heavy cream, blending everything together until it formed a creamy, irresistible filling.

Once the dough had risen and the filling was ready, Maria began to assemble the pizza. She pressed the dough into a deep-dish pizza pan, making sure to create a thick crust that would hold up to the weight of the toppings. She then spread a layer of mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust, followed by the spinach mixture, and finally topped it off with more cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

As she slid the pizza into the oven, the tantalizing aroma of garlic, cheese, and freshly baked dough filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl with anticipation. I watched with bated breath as the pizza baked to a golden perfection, the cheese bubbling and the crust turning a deep, rich brown.

When the pizza was finally ready, Maria took it out of the oven and cut it into slices, the cheese oozing out in a tantalizingly gooey mess. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a culinary paradise, the flavors of the spinach, cheese, and perfectly crisp crust melding together in a symphony of taste and texture.

From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Maria profusely for sharing her family's secret with me, and she smiled warmly, knowing that her legacy would live on through the countless pizzas that I would bake in my own home.

As I look back on that fateful day, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone as skilled and passionate as Maria. Her Chicago-style deep-dish spinach pizza will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious flavors, but for the memories of that magical afternoon spent in the kitchen, surrounded by good food and even better company.