Super Bowl food just has to be fun and easy. Chili, wings, nachos, dips and pizza seem to be “required.” No, I am not planning a big gathering, but between kickoffs, touchdowns and those memorable commercials, the food has to be a part of the game plan. I am going to make a Deep Dish Chicago-Style Pizza.

Roxanne and I will be in Chicago for the International Home and Housewares Show, an annual event for us and as we have been planning our trip and our demonstration, Chicago is on my mind. We have several restaurants we love in Chicago–and pizza is always in the offerings.  I can almost taste it now.

This is an easy, home version of that pizza. You can make your own pizza dough quickly in a food processor, or purchase it from many grocery stores or pizza shops. Same with the pizza sauce—make this spicy, chunky style pizza sauce, a favorite of mine and more similar to the ones we have enjoyed in Chicago, or purchase your favorite store brand. Then, add the filling—such as Italian sausage and vegetables for a supreme pizza. Hot, out of your oven, and ready to serve on game day or anytime you crave a deep dish style pizza.

Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

1 tablespoon olive oil
10 to 12 ounces pizza dough (this homemade dough makes 10 ounces, or purchase dough from the grocery store deli or pizza shop)
3/4 pound bulk Italian sausage, sweet or spicy
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
1-1/2 cups pizza sauce (homemade or bottled pizza sauce)
1 package (8 ounces) shredded Italian blend cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush an 11 to 12-inch cast iron skillet with oil.

On a lightly floured board, roll pizza crust until quite thin and about 18-inches round. Transfer crust to prepared skillet. Press to shape evenly across bottom and up the sides of skillet. Prick the crust all over using tines of a fork. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until crust is set, but just very lightly browned.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium high heat, cook sausage until browned, stirring frequently to crumble. Drain. Stir in onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in green pepper and mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender. Stir in pizza sauce and heat until mixture comes to a boil. Spoon hot meat mixture into baked crust. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow to stand 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.

Makes 6 generous slices.

Tips: What do you like in your pizza? Add sliced pepperoni, sliced pitted ripe olives or other toppings as desired.