Authentic Grilled Deep Dish Pizza: The Ultimate Illinois Skillet Recipe

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the legendary Illinois deep dish pizza to stir up an appetite. Unlike its thin-crust New York cousin, the Chicago-style deep dish is less of a snack and more of a savory pie, boasting a high, buttery crust that acts as a sturdy vessel for layers of gooey cheese and chunky tomato sauce. While traditionally baked in commercial gas ovens, bringing this recipe outdoors to your grill transforms the experience entirely. The intense, consistent heat of an Arteflame or similar flat-top grill interacts beautifully with a cast iron skillet, frying the dough’s exterior to a golden crisp while keeping the interior soft and flaky.

In this guide, we are recreating that authentic Windy City magic right in your backyard. The secret lies in the layering—cheese goes on the bottom to protect the crust, followed by toppings, and finally crowned with sauce. Whether you are a native Illinoisan missing home or a grilling enthusiast looking to master a new technique, this skillet pizza promises a hearty, flavor-packed meal that demands a knife and fork.

Ingredients

The Dough & Base

• 1 ball of Deep Dish Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade with cornmeal)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (softened, for coating the skillet)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cornmeal (for dusting)

The Filling & Toppings

• 1 lb Mozzarella cheese, sliced thick (not shredded)
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage (bulk, raw)
• 1 cup Pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

The Sauce & Seasoning

• 1 can (28 oz) Crushed tomatoes (drained well)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Skillet

1. Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. If using an Arteflame, aim for a temperature range of 400°F to 450°F on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Generously coat the inside of a 12-inch cast iron skillet with the softened butter. This is crucial for that signature fried crust flavor.
3. Dust the buttered surface with a little cornmeal to prevent sticking and add texture.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

1. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a roughly 14-inch circle.
2. Carefully transfer the dough into the skillet.
3. Press the dough firmly into the bottom and push it up the sides of the skillet to create a high wall (about 1.5 to 2 inches high).
4. Brush the exposed edges of the dough with a little olive oil.

Step 3: Layer the Pizza

1. Place the thick slices of mozzarella cheese directly onto the dough, covering the bottom completely. This creates a barrier so the crust does not get soggy.
2. Pinch off chunks of the raw Italian sausage and distribute them evenly over the cheese layer.
3. Add the pepperoni slices on top of the sausage.
4. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the meats.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Grill

1. In a bowl, mix the drained crushed tomatoes with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the sauce evenly over the toppings. Do not overload it; you want a thick layer, but not a soup.
3. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
4. Place the skillet on the flat cooktop of the grill. Cook for 25-35 minutes, rotating the skillet occasionally for even heat distribution.
5. Cover with a basting dome or grill lid periodically to ensure the toppings cook through and the cheese melts.
6. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and pulling away from the sides, and the sauce is bubbling hot.

Tips

Mastering the deep dish requires patience and heat management. One of the most critical tips for this recipe is to ensure your dough is at room temperature before you start stretching it; cold dough tends to snap back and won't adhere well to the sides of the skillet. Furthermore, because deep dish pizza takes longer to cook than thin crust, you must monitor the bottom of the pan. If you feel the bottom is browning too fast before the sausage is fully cooked, move the skillet to a slightly cooler zone on your flat top grill or use a wire rack to elevate it slightly from direct heat. Finally, the "rest" is non-negotiable. When you pull the pizza off the grill, let it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If you cut into it immediately, the fillings will run out like lava. Resting allows the cheese and sauce to set, ensuring that perfect, photogenic slice.

Variations

While the classic sausage and pepperoni combination is the hallmark of Illinois pizza, the deep dish format is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the fillings to suit your dietary preferences or flavor cravings without sacrificing that iconic structure. The key is to keep the moisture content low so the pizza doesn't become watery. For example, if you are adding vegetables, sauté them quickly on the grill first to release excess water before layering them into the pie. Here are a few popular variations to try on your next cookout:

• The Lou Special: Swap the meat for a layer of fresh spinach mixed with garlic and olive oil, topped with sliced mushrooms.
• Chicago Fire: Add hot giardiniera peppers and spicy capicola under the sauce for a tangy kick.
• Meat Lovers: Add crumbled bacon and Canadian bacon alongside the sausage and pepperoni.
• White Deep Dish: Replace the tomato sauce with a thick garlic alfredo sauce and top with spinach and chicken.
• BBQ Twist: Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce, and fill with pulled pork and red onions.

Best pairings

A meal as heavy and rich as deep dish pizza requires beverages and sides that can cut through the fat and cleanse the palate. Because the pizza is essentially a casserole of cheese and carbs, you want to avoid heavy, creamy side dishes. Instead, opt for something bright, acidic, and crisp. An Italian chopped salad with a sharp vinaigrette is the traditional accompaniment in Chicago steakhouses and pizzerias for good reason—the vinegar balances the rich mozzarella. For drinks, you have excellent options in both the beer and wine categories.

• Beer: A hoppy IPA or a crisp Pale Ale works wonders to scrub the palate between bites.
• Wine: A high-acid Italian red, such as a Chianti or Barbera, complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
• Non-Alcoholic: A classic, frosty mugs of Root Beer or an Italian soda with lemon.

Conclusion

Creating a grilled deep dish pizza in a skillet is more than just cooking dinner; it is an homage to one of America’s greatest culinary inventions. By moving the process from a conventional oven to the grill, you add a layer of rustic charm and a hint of wood-fired flavor that elevates the dish to new heights. The result is a pie with a crispy, buttery crust that stands up to the weight of savory meats and bright tomato sauce.

So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and prepare for a feast. This Illinois-style skillet pizza is a showstopper that proves you don't need a plane ticket to Chicago to enjoy a world-class slice. Just remember to grab a fork and knife—you are going to need them.