Chicago Tavern Pizza with Thin, Crispy Crust
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Chicago Tavern Pizza recipe is a delightful take on the classic thin crust pizza that many Chicagoans swear by. The process begins with a simple dough made from all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast, which is mixed in a food processor for ease. After a brief resting period, the dough is rolled out to a thin 12-inch round, ensuring that it will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
The sauce is a quick uncooked mix of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and spices, which adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the pizza. Toppings include a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and Italian sausage, which are essential for that authentic Chicago taste. The pizza is baked at a high temperature to achieve that perfect crispy crust.
What makes this recipe stand out is the option to drizzle hot honey on top before serving, adding a unique sweet and spicy element that elevates the entire dish. This pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together friends and family, making it ideal for casual gatherings or game day celebrations. Whether you’re a fan of deep dish or thin crust, this Tavern Pizza is sure to impress.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Combine flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, oregano, garlic powder, olive oil, and warm water in a food processor.
Knead the dough for 30-45 seconds until smooth.
Place the dough in a Ziploc bag and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Tip: Let the dough sit out for an hour before refrigerating for better texture.
Mix crushed tomatoes, olive oil, squeeze garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar in a bowl.
Tip: Use a little semolina flour to help the pizza slide off easily.
Take the dough out, flour the surface, and shape it into a bowl.
Cover the dough with Saran wrap and let it rise at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Roll out the dough to about a 12-inch thin pizza.
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a semolina-floured surface.
Spread sauce almost to the edge of the dough.
Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella on top.
Tip: Shred your own mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded for better flavor.
Place small pieces of Italian sausage and pepperoni evenly on the pizza.
Scatter roasted red peppers over the pizza.
Tip: Add kosher salt to enhance the flavor of your toppings.
Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 550°F for about 12 minutes.
Tip: Preheat your oven with a pizza stone for at least 45 minutes for a crispy crust.
Tip: Drizzle hot honey on top for a sweet and spicy finish.
Cut the pizza into bar-style slices.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Chicago Tavern Pizza is known for its ultra-thin crust, often cut into squares for easy serving.
- •The dough can be prepared in a food processor and chilled for 24 hours to enhance flavor.
- •Using fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese improves the texture and flavor of the pizza.
- •Hot honey can be drizzled on top for a sweet and spicy finish.
