From Oven to Table: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Deep Dish at Home
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is more than a meal—it’s a celebration. The buttery crust, gooey cheese, and robust toppings layered high and deep capture the heart and soul of Chicago’s culinary legacy. Since 1966, Gino’s East has been at the forefront of this tradition, crafting deep dish pizzas with love and precision. Now, with their frozen pizza line, you can recreate this iconic experience at home, no matter where you are.
This step-by-step guide is designed to help you bring Gino’s East-style magic to your kitchen. Using their lineup of frozen deep dish pizzas, you’ll learn the techniques and tricks to achieve pizzeria-quality results at home.
The Stars of the Show: Gino’s East Frozen Deep Dish Flavors
Gino’s East frozen deep dish pizzas are crafted with the same care as their restaurant pies, featuring premium ingredients and bold flavors. Here’s the lineup:
Sausage: The quintessential Chicago pizza, topped with flavorful Italian sausage.
Supreme: A loaded masterpiece with Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions.
Deluxe Cheese: A pure, cheesy delight made with whole milk mozzarella.
Meaty Legend: For the carnivores—Italian sausage, uncured pepperoni, bacon, and Canadian bacon.
Sausage & Pepperoni: A dynamic duo of Italian sausage and uncured pepperoni.
With these options, there’s a deep dish for every pizza lover.
The Recipe: How to Perfectly Cook Gino’s East Frozen Deep Dish Pizza
1. Preheat Your Oven to 375°F
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Be patient and allow it to fully heat before placing your pizza inside. The right temperature ensures an even bake, crispy crust, and bubbling cheese.
2. Position Your Pizza in the Oven
Place your frozen pizza directly on the oven rack, ensuring it’s centered for even cooking. Avoid using a baking sheet or stone—these can interfere with the crust’s texture. If you’re concerned about spills, place a piece of aluminum foil on the rack below the pizza.
3. Bake for 40–50 Minutes
Gino’s East deep dish pizzas are generously thick, so they take time to bake to perfection. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the sauce to bubble and the cheese to melt into golden, gooey perfection.
4. Let It Rest
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven using a spatula and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This crucial step allows the layers to set, making slicing much easier.
5. Slice and Serve
Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut through the deep layers of crust, cheese, and toppings. Serve with a spatula to keep each slice intact. Pair with a fresh salad or your favorite drink for the full experience.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Homemade Deep Dish
Customize Your Experience
Want to add your personal touch? Sprinkle fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving.Pairings Matter
Balance the richness of the pizza with a crisp side salad. A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and Gino’s signature house dressing complements the deep dish beautifully.
A Slice of History in Every Bite
Gino’s East isn’t just a pizzeria—it’s a legacy. Since 1966, they’ve been crafting Chicago’s most famous deep dish pizzas, honoring the traditions of founder Alice Mae Redmond. Her signature dough recipe, made with a secret dough conditioner, is the foundation of every Gino’s East pizza, giving the crust its unparalleled buttery flavor and flaky texture.
The frozen pizza line carries on this tradition, using the same high-quality ingredients: California tomatoes, whole milk mozzarella from Wisconsin, and locally made Italian sausage. Each bite is a testament to the care and craftsmanship that’s been at the heart of Gino’s East for decades.
Bringing Chicago to Your Table
Whether you’re enjoying the classic Sausage, the fully loaded Supreme, or the indulgent Meaty Legend, Gino’s East frozen deep dish pizzas make it easy to experience the magic of Chicago deep dish at home. Follow this guide, and you’ll transform your kitchen into a slice of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
So preheat your oven, invite some friends or family over, and dig into a pizza night to remember. With Gino’s East, every meal is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and Chicago pride.