Growing up in Chicago, pizza was more than just a meal. It was a tradition passed down through generations. My grandmother made her own thin-crust pizza, inspired by Home Run Inn. With 61% of Americans loving thin-crust, I wanted to make this chicago home run inn pizza copycat recipe just like hers.
My quest to make a Chicago Home Run Inn pizza copycat started with respect for the restaurant’s 75-year history. Founded in 1923, Home Run Inn is a beloved spot in Chicago. They even sell their pizzas in supermarkets across the country.
This recipe is special because it brings the real taste of Home Run Inn into your home. It has a crispy thin crust and the right toppings. It’s a tribute to Chicago’s pizza tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Chicago-style thin-crust pizza recipe
- Inspired by Home Run Inn’s 75-year pizza-making tradition
- Perfect for pizza lovers seeking a homemade experience
- Uses classic ingredients and techniques
- Yields two 12-inch pizzas in about 1 hour 20 minutes
Introduction to Home Run Inn Pizza
Chicago’s food scene has been shaped by Home Run Inn, a small tavern turned pizza legend. It has won the hearts of pizza fans all over the Chicagoland area. This place is known for its authentic Chicago pizza.
The tale of Home Run Inn starts in 1923, in a small tavern on Chicago’s South Side. It was the beginning of a pizza empire. With decades of passion for pizza-making, it has become a well-known brand across the nation.
A Slice of Chicago Pizza History
Here are some interesting facts about Home Run Inn’s pizza journey:
- Over 70 years of delivering top-quality food
- Operates 9 pizzerias in the Chicagoland area
- Ranked among the top 10 pizza brands nationally
- Official pizza of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
Why This Chicago-Style Pizza Recipe Matters to Me
I love making true Chicago-style pizza. Home Run Inn is more than food; it’s a tradition that brings families together. Its rich crust, tangy sauce, and melted cheese tell the story of Chicago’s food culture.
When I make this recipe, I’m honoring a beloved Chicago tradition. It has been pleasing people’s taste buds for decades.
Gathering Ingredients for the Perfect Pizza
Making a real deep dish pizza starts with picking the right ingredients. I’ll show you the key parts that make a Chicago-style pizza special. From the dough to the toppings, each part is important for great flavor.
Essential Ingredients for the Dough
The secret to a great pizza is its dough. Use top-notch ingredients for your dough:
- 18 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3 3/4 cups)
- 12 ounces lukewarm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 0.25 ounces (2 teaspoons) salt
Toppings That Make It Authentic
The magic of a Chicago-style deep dish pizza is in its toppings. Layering is key for that special taste.
| Topping Category | Recommended Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Meats | Pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon |
| Vegetables | Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions |
| Herbs | Oregano flakes, fresh basil |
Cheese Choices for Best Flavor
Cheese is the heart of a great pizza. For the best deep dish, use a balanced cheese blend. Use 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of low-moisture mozzarella and 2 ounces of Parmesan for extra flavor.
Pro tip: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. The right toppings can make your homemade deep dish pizza amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Dough
Making homemade pizza dough is an art that needs patience and precision. My chicago-style pizza recipe starts with basic techniques. These turn simple ingredients into a great crust.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Salt
Mastering the Dough Preparation
I’ll guide you through making a fantastic homemade pizza dough. It’s all about understanding and doing each step carefully.
- Dissolve salt in warm water
- Add yeast and let it bloom for 5-10 minutes
- Gradually mix in flour
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour
Pro Tips for Perfect Texture
Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add water a little at a time. For the real chicago-style pizza recipe feel, be patient.
“The secret to great pizza dough is in the details and the love you put into each step.” – Pizza Master
| Dough Characteristic | Ideal Condition |
|---|---|
| Kneading Time | 5-7 minutes |
| Rising Time | 1 hour |
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months |
Creating the perfect homemade pizza dough takes practice. Every try brings you closer to making the perfect pizza!
Creating the Flavorful Pizza Sauce
Making the perfect pizza sauce is like an art. It turns a simple Chicago Home Run Inn pizza copycat recipe into a special dish. It’s all about how each ingredient adds to the flavor.
The base of a true Chicago-style pizza sauce is top-notch canned tomatoes. Pureed canned diced tomatoes make a sauce that’s rich and full of flavor. It really captures the spirit of Home Run Inn’s famous recipe.
Essential Sauce Ingredients
- Pureed canned diced tomatoes
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano (1-2 tablespoons)
- Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic salt (½ tablespoon)
- Pinch of sugar
My Secret Flavor Enhancer
I add a little honey to my sauce. This magical addition cuts through the tomato’s acidity and adds a sweet depth. It makes the sauce unforgettable. The honey balances the flavors, making everyone want your recipe.
Pro tip: Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes before using. This lets the flavors mix well. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for 3 months. It’s great for many pizza nights!
Nutrition per 2 tablespoon serving:
– Calories: 23.3 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 5.4g
– Protein: 1g
– Fat: 0.2g
Assembling the Pizza
Making the perfect deep dish pizza is all about precision and care. As someone who loves pizza, I’ve found that putting it together is more like art than science. The way you layer the ingredients is key to a great pizza.
Now, let’s get into the steps for a real Chicago-style deep dish pizza. It’s sure to wow even the pickiest pizza fans.
Mastering the Topping Layers
The secret to a fantastic deep dish pizza is in how you layer the ingredients. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a perfectly stretched dough – Roll it out to about 14-15 inches, ensuring an even thickness
- Press the dough into a deep dish pan, creating a sturdy base
- Pinch up the sides to form a distinctive crust edge
- Layer ingredients in this specific order for maximum flavor:
- Thin layer of cheese (helps prevent soggy crust)
- Generous meat toppings (like authentic Chicago Italian sausage)
- Additional vegetable toppings
- Rich pizza sauce
- Final layer of cheese on top
Tips for Even Cooking
To make sure your pizza cooks evenly, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F
- Use a well-seasoned deep dish pan for best results
- Avoid overloading with too many toppings
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to set the layers
By sticking to these tips, you’ll make a deep dish pizza that’s as good as the famous Home Run Inn pizzas of Chicago.
Baking Your Home Run Inn Pizza
The moment of truth has arrived! Baking an authentic Chicago pizza requires precision and passion. I’ll guide you through the perfect baking technique. This will transform your homemade cast iron skillet pizza into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.
Achieving the ideal crust is an art form in authentic Chicago pizza making. The key is high heat and careful timing. I recommend using a cast iron skillet to replicate the intense heat of a professional pizza oven.
Oven Temperature and Timing
For the ultimate Home Run Inn pizza experience, follow these critical baking guidelines:
- Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bake the pizza for 8-12 minutes
- Watch for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese
How to Achieve a Crispy Crust
Creating that signature crispy crust requires a few professional tricks. My top recommendations include:
- Preheating your cast iron skillet before adding the pizza
- Using minimal moisture in your dough
- Avoiding overloading toppings
Pro tip: Let your pizza rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set and makes slicing much easier. With these techniques, you’ll create a Home Run Inn pizza that rivals the original Chicago classic!
Personalizing Your Copycat Recipe
Making a chicago-style pizza recipe is all about making it your own. You can keep it classic like Home Run Inn or try new toppings. This way, your homemade pizza becomes a unique adventure.
Creative Topping Combinations
- Classic Meat Lovers: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, and bacon
- Vegetarian Delight: Roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach
- Gourmet Option: Prosciutto, arugula, and truffle oil
- Spicy Twist: Jalapeños, chorizo, and pepper jack cheese
Dietary-Friendly Pizza Options
Even if you have dietary restrictions, you can enjoy pizza. Here are some ideas:
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and meat alternatives
- Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend
- Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor in vegan recipes
- Experiment with alternative cheese options like cashew or almond-based cheese
The best pizza is the one that makes you happy. Whether you stick to the classics or try new things, there’s always something new to try!
Serving Suggestions for Your Pizza
Turning your Chicago pizza into a full meal is easy with the right sides and drinks. After making this tasty deep dish pizza, add some special touches. Choose side dishes and wines that bring out the pizza’s rich flavors.
Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Deep Dish Pizza
Here are some great side dishes for your homemade deep dish pizza:
- Crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons
- Garlic parmesan roasted vegetables
- Classic Italian antipasto platter
- Herb-infused focaccia bread
Wine Pairings to Enhance Your Authentic Chicago Pizza
The bold flavors of Chicago pizza need bold wines. Here are some great choices:
- Chianti Classico: Cuts through the pizza’s richness
- Medium-bodied Zinfandel: Complements tomato sauce
- Barbera: Balances cheese and meat toppings
Choosing the right wine is key. It can make your meal go from good to great.
Final Thoughts on Home Run Inn Pizza
My journey to make this authentic Chicago Home Run Inn pizza copycat recipe has been fun. It’s a deep dive into Chicago’s pizza history. Making this dish is more than just cooking; it’s about connecting with a tradition that’s part of the city’s soul.
Passion for authentic Chicago pizza has taught me something special. The magic is in the ingredients and the love that goes into every slice. Chicago’s deep-dish pizza has a story that shows the city’s creative spirit in food.
Why This Recipe Matters
This Home Run Inn pizza copycat recipe lets home cooks taste a piece of Chicago’s food history. It’s perfect for those who miss classic deep-dish pizza or want to wow their loved ones. This recipe brings a taste of Chicago’s pizza tradition into your home.
Sharing the Love
I invite you to make this recipe your own and try different toppings. Most importantly, share it with those you care about. Pizza is all about bringing people together. This Chicago-style pizza is a great way to make tasty memories at your table.