Chicago Wheel

About the Chicago Wheel

The Chicago Wheel is a unique take on the beloved deep-dish pizza that has become synonymous with the city of Chicago. This dish is artistically crafted in a wheel shape, combining rich flavors and robust ingredients. The Chicago Wheel pays homage to the culinary traditions of Chicago, where the deep-dish phenomenon began in the 1940s, with the first pizzas of this kind being served by Pizzeria Uno. The distinctive wheel shape brings a fun and festive twist to the classic, highlighting its indulgent layers: a buttery crust, copious amounts of cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and savory toppings.

Ingredients

To create your own Chicago Wheel, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Flour - 4 cups
• Yeast - 2 teaspoons
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 1 1/2 cups (warm)
• Butter - 1/2 cup (melted)
• Olive Oil - 1/4 cup
• Cheddar Cheese - 2 cups (shredded)
• Mozzarella Cheese - 2 cups (shredded)
• Parmesan Cheese - 1/2 cup (grated)
• Tomato Sauce - 2 cups
• Italian Sausage - 2 cups (cooked)
• Bell Peppers - 1 cup (sliced)
• Onions - 1 cup (sliced)
• Mushrooms - 1 cup (sliced)
• Dried Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Dried Basil - 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper - to taste

Preparation of the Dough

To start preparing the flour dough, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Stir and let it sit for about five minutes until it's foamy. Add salt, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 3 cups of flour to the mixture. Mix until the dough starts to form.

Gradually add the remaining cup of flour and continue to knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 90 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Mix in the dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembly of the Chicago Wheel

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 475°F. Punch the dough down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving an inch from the edges. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the cheese layer.

Tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Twist the log into a spiral shape, like a wheel. Place the wheel in a greased deep dish pan. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. For precise timings, refer to a cooking timer.

Enjoying Your Chicago Wheel

Allow the Chicago Wheel to cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into wheel-shaped slices to appreciate the beautiful spiral pattern. Serve with a side of extra tomato sauce for dipping, if desired. This dish is perfect for a family gathering, game day, or any occasion that calls for hearty comfort food with a twist. Enjoy every bite of this unique and flavorful Chicago culinary icon!