Chicago Pizza Pot Pie Recipe – Deep Dish Comfort Food
Growing up in Chicago, the smell of a chicago pizza pot pie brought back memories of my childhood. The flaky crust, melted cheese, and savory tomato sauce were perfect. Now, as an adult, I’ve found a recipe that brings back those cozy feelings. I’m excited to share my chicago-style pizza casserole with you.
Key Takeaways
- The chicago pizza pot pie is a unique twist on traditional deep-dish pizza, featuring a flaky crust and hearty, comforting ingredients.
- This dish originated at the iconic Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, becoming a beloved local specialty.
- The recipe involves layering cheese, toppings, and sauce in an oven-safe bowl, then covering with pizza dough before baking and dramatically flipping to serve.
- With the right techniques and ingredients, you can recreate the authentic flavors of this Chicago classic in your own kitchen.
- This deep dish pizza pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with loved ones.
The History Behind Chicago’s Unique Pizza Pot Pie
The stuffed pizza pot pie is a beloved dish in Chicago, dating back to the 1970s. It was introduced by the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company. This dish offers a unique dining experience.
Origins at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder
The Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company started in 1972. It has been famous for its pizza pot pie casserole ever since. The dish is cooked upside-down and flipped at the table, making it a must-see.
Why This Style Became Popular
The stuffed pizza pot pie became popular for its fresh take on pizza. It’s served at the table, making meals more fun and interactive. The thick provolone cheese and whole mushrooms add a rich flavor that people love.
Traditional vs Modern Interpretations
The original pizza pot pie casserole is still a favorite, but new versions have also appeared. These modern pies offer different toppings and cheeses. Yet, they keep the classic cooking and presentation, delighting pizza fans in Chicago.
“The Pizza Pot Pie has become a true icon of Chicago’s culinary scene, showcasing the city’s unique flair for reinventing classic dishes.”
Essential Equipment and Ingredients for Pizza Pot Pie
To make the perfect chicago deep dish pizza bake or pizza pie chicago recipe, you need the right tools and ingredients. Let’s explore the essential equipment and key ingredients for this iconic Chicago-style dish.
Choosing the Right Oven-Safe Bowls
You’ll need oven-safe bowls or ramekins with a 6-inch opening for the signature deep-dish look. These bowls are sturdy and can handle high heat. They also make flipping and serving your chicago deep dish pizza bake easy.
Key Ingredients Checklist
- Fresh yeast pizza dough – for an authentic, flexible crust
- Canned Mutti Baby Roma tomatoes – for the rich, flavorful sauce
- Pancetta – to add savory, smoky notes to the filling
- Mushrooms – for an earthy, umami-packed element
Cheese Selection Guide
Choosing the right cheese is key for the gooey, melty texture of a pizza pie chicago recipe. Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Boar’s Head Picante Provolone is the best choice.
With the right equipment and ingredients, you’re set to start your chicago deep dish pizza bake journey. Get ready for a truly indulgent and memorable pizza pot pie experience!
Chicago Pizza Pot Pie Recipe – Step-by-Step Guide
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable chicago pizza pot pie dish. It combines the rich flavors of a deep-dish pizza with the heartiness of a pot pie. Follow along as we guide you through the step-by-step process to create this mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen.
- Start by preparing the dough. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of yellow cornmeal, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let the dough rise for 2-3 hours.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, sauté 8 ounces of chopped chicken breast and 2 ounces of diced pepperoni. Add 1/2 cup each of chopped green pepper and sweet onion, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- In a separate saucepan, create the rich tomato sauce by combining 2 cups of tomato sauce with your desired seasonings and spices. Simmer the sauce until it reaches the perfect consistency.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with 2-inch sides and a 9×2-inch cake pan.
- Roll out the dough on a 9×12-inch rectangle, then carefully transfer it to the greased 9-inch cake pan, pressing it against the sides and bottom to form a crust.
- Layer the bottom of the crust with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Top with the chicken, pepperoni, and vegetable mixture, followed by the tomato sauce.
- Brush the edges of the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the deep dish pizza pot pie for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow the pot pie to cool for a few minutes, then carefully flip it onto a serving plate, revealing the delicious layers of cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Serve your chicago pizza pot pie dish hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying dish with family and friends.
Crafting the Perfect Pizza Pot Pie Sauce
The sauce is the heart of a great chicago-style pizza casserole or stuffed pizza pot pie. It’s where the rich fillings come to life. This sauce is the foundation of these beloved Chicago dishes.
Pancetta and Tomato Base
Begin by cooking diced pancetta until it’s crispy. Then, add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until they’re soft and smell great.
After that, mix in canned diced tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This lets the flavors blend together beautifully.
Seasoning and Spice Combinations
- Fresh thyme and oregano add a deep, herbal taste.
- Red pepper flakes give a gentle warmth.
- A bit of sugar balances the tomatoes’ acidity.
Achieving the Right Consistency
The sauce should be smooth and clingy. Let it simmer until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning, adding sugar if it’s too tangy.
This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for your chicago-style pizza casserole or stuffed pizza pot pie.
Mastering the Dough and Assembly Process
Making a perfect pizza pot pie casserole or chicago deep dish pizza bake begins with the dough. You can use store-bought or homemade dough. The key is to handle it carefully and pay attention to details.
Start by splitting your 1 lb of dough into two equal parts. Roll or stretch each part to fit an oven-safe bowl. Make sure to butter the bowl well to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Layer the bottom of the bowl with a generous helping of provolone cheese.
- Next, add your desired mushroom toppings, distributing them evenly.
- Finish off the layers by pouring in your flavorful pizza sauce.
- Finally, drape the dough over the top, crimping the edges to seal in the delicious filling.
To finish, brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. This will give you a golden-brown, crispy crust that enhances the flavors inside.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pizza Dough | 1 lb, divided in half |
| Provolone Cheese | Generous layer |
| Mushrooms | Desired amount |
| Pizza Sauce | Enough to cover |
| Butter | For brushing |
| Parmesan Cheese | Sprinkle |
| Garlic Powder | Sprinkle |
With these steps, you’re ready to make a delicious pizza pot pie casserole or chicago deep dish pizza bake. It will surely impress your loved ones.
The Art of Layering Your Pizza Pot Pie
Making the perfect pizza pie chicago recipe is all about the layers. These layers come together to make a dish that’s truly special. The chicago pizza pot pie dish is all about mastering these layers for that deep-dish taste and feel.
Cheese Layer Technique
Start by covering the oven-safe bowl with provolone cheese slices. Use about 7-8 slices for each bowl. This cheese base will melt and ooze, making every bite cheesy.
Adding Toppings Strategically
- Place whole mushrooms in the center of the bowl, stem-side up, for a flavorful and visually appealing touch.
- Cover the mushrooms completely with your homemade tomato-based sauce, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
- Set up a buffet of your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, onions, and bell peppers, so you can customize each pie to your liking.
Sealing the Pot Pie
The last step is to stretch the dough over the filling. Seal it around the bowl’s edges. This creates the deep-dish shape and helps the chicago pizza pot pie flip well when served.
The secret to a great pizza pie chicago recipe is in the details. Mastering layering will help you make a chicago pizza pot pie dish that wows everyone.
Baking Tips and Temperature Guidelines
For a perfect deep dish pizza pot pie or chicago-style pizza casserole, temperature control is key. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the crust turns golden and the filling bubbles up right.
To avoid leaks, put the deep dish pizza pot pie on a baking sheet before baking. This catches any drips and makes cleaning easy. Bake for about 20 minutes, watching it to prevent overbrowning.
For individual servings, use small ramekins or oven-safe bowls. Adjust the baking time to avoid burning. When it’s golden and bubbly, let it cool for 5 minutes before flipping to serve.
Proper temperature is essential for a great chicago-style pizza casserole. With a few tips and patience, you’ll serve Windy City classic slices soon.
The Famous Flip: Serving Your Pizza Pot Pie
The final step in making your Chicago-style pizza pot pie is the dramatic reveal. After it cools a bit, flip it onto a serving plate. This “famous flip” adds a touch of theater to your meal.
Proper Flipping Technique
To flip it, loosen the dough edges from the bowl with a knife or spatula. Place a dinner plate or serving platter over the pot pie. Then, flip the bowl and plate together, letting the pizza pot pie land on the plate.
Gently pull the bowl straight up. This will show off the golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese of your Chicago-style masterpiece.
Presentation Tips
Serve the chicago pizza pot pie recipe right away for the best taste and texture. Enjoy it fresh from the oven. The stuffed pizza pot pie will be hot, so let your guests admire it before they eat.
