Recipe: Italian Sausage & Green Pepper Chicago Pizza

Introduction

Chicago-style pizza is known for its deep-dish crust, generous toppings, and unique flavor. One of the most popular variations is the Italian Sausage & Green Pepper Chicago Pizza. This recipe combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the freshness of green peppers, all on a thick and crispy crust. If you’re a pizza lover, this is a must-try recipe!

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• For the toppings:
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Making the dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Stir the ingredients together until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Preparing the toppings:

1. In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the green pepper slices until slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling and baking the pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet. Press the dough evenly onto the bottom and sides of the pan.
3. Spoon the pizza sauce over the dough, spreading it evenly.
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Evenly distribute the cooked Italian sausage and sautéed green peppers over the cheese.
6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
7. Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired) on top.
8. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage & Green Pepper Chicago Pizza is a delicious and hearty dish that captures the essence of Chicago-style pizza. The combination of savory Italian sausage, fresh green peppers, and gooey mozzarella cheese on a thick crust is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or simply craving a slice of authentic Chicago pizza, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.