Chicago Style Tater Tots Pizza

What is a Chicago deep dish pizza?

Well, this is a pizza that is unique! The crust is an inch deep that gives plenty of room for extra toppings and sauces. Plus the sauce is on top. This makes it easily recognizable and it would make you wonder whether it is a pizza or a pie. 

Why tater tots?

Potatoes are always close to heart for everyone. I guess, the proportion of people who do not love pizza or potatoes would be very less. Potatoes and cheese along with a sauce on a crust is the most amazing meal, though it is a bit carb loaded. There is always a possibility to add proteins of your choice in this pizza. Tater tots are great for a snack as well as for breakfast/dinner casseroles. Though I buy a bag of frozen tater tots now and then, they are easy to make at home and here is a baked version of the same. They are great in pizza too. Try it and you’ll love this option. They cook at about the same time as this deep dish pizza making it a perfect choice. It is best to layer them on top for the crispy bite of tater tots along with the cheesy sauce bite of the pizza.

What sauce is great with this pizza?

This is a deep dish pizza. The sauce is added as the top layer in this style pizza. Like in any pizza, it is better to use store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. The sauce has to be thick, else it would become messy. Make sure to use thick pizza sauce and not pasta sauce.

How to make the crust?

This deep dish crust is easy to make. Instead of shaping on a pizza pan, shape the dough on a cast iron pan or a springform cake pan. I like the springform cake pan, as it is easy to release the sides of the pan and remove the pizza. While shaping, gently push around the edges of the pan at the bottom making its way on the sides of the springform pan to at least half the height or to about one and a half  to two inches. This gives the characteristic deep dish making room for lots of filling and cheese.

Can store bought pizza dough be used?

Absolutely! Pizza dough for a 12 to 14-inch pizza would work best for the deep dish pizza. The crust can be made at home too. 

How long does it take to bake the pizza?

Bake the pizza at 425 degrees F for about 15 minutes covered, and then for another 12-15 minutes uncovered. This way, the crust, toppings, and the tater tots would be perfectly cooked to the right texture and consistency, and the cheese would be oooey and gooey.

What veggies can be added?

I have used onion and colored bell peppers in this pizza. If preferred, sliced zucchini can also be added. Olives or paneer can also be added. I have used a little ranch at the bottom and that is totally optional. Since I love ranch with veggies and tater tots, I added a tiny bit on the base of the pizza. Ranch or sauce can also be served on the sides for extra personal drizzle or for dipping.