Master the Art of Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza
As you search for the perfect pizza, you may have stumbled upon the coveted Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza. Known for its crispy thin crust and layers of part-skim mozzarella cheese and diced tomatoes seasoned with oregano flakes, pepper, and salt, this pizza has become a beloved classic. But what if we told you that you could have that same taste and experience in your own home? Yes, it is possible with this copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza recipe.
This recipe will guide you through every step of creating the perfect deep-dish or thin crust pizza. Whether you are a fan of tavern-style pizzas or stuffed deep dishes, this recipe is adaptable to any preference. With the right ingredients and cooking technique, you can create a pizza that rivals even some of the best pizza restaurants in Chicago.
Don’t settle for frozen pizzas or expensive deliveries. Why not put your cooking skills to good use and enjoy a homemade pizza made with fresh ingredients? This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves authentic Chicago-style pizza but wants to make it in the comfort of their own home. So roll up those sleeves and get ready to make an outstanding pizza using this copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving authentic Chicago-style pizza but tired of the frozen options or expensive restaurant prices? Look no further than this Copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza Recipe. You’ll love it for its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize toppings and crust thickness to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
This recipe takes all the best parts of Home Run Inn pizza and allows you to recreate it in the comfort of your own home. With delicious part-skim mozzarella cheese that melts perfectly over juicy diced tomatoes, topped with oregano flakes and a hint of pepper, every bite is a guaranteed homerun.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also more affordable than ordering out or buying premade frozen pizzas. You’ll feel like an accomplished gourmet chef without breaking the bank. So why settle for subpar pizza when you can have a copycat version of this beloved pizza chain in your very own kitchen?
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make a Copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza Recipe. Don’t worry, these ingredients are easy to find:
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 2/3 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup corn oil
Toppings
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups of part-skim mozzarella cheese
These ingredients are all you need for a classic copycat Home Run Inn pizza. However, feel free to add any toppings or personal variations as you desire.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Make the Dough
To start, dissolve 1 tsp. active dry yeast and 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar in 1/2 cup warm water. Let them sit until it becomes frothy for about 5-10 minutes. After that, sift 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp. salt into a mixing bowl. Mix the dry ingredients with the yeast mixture. Slowly add in the remaining 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup corn oil, stirring well until you get a dough that is not too sticky to handle.
Step 2: Let It Rise
Take the dough out of the mixing bowl and knead it for 10-15 minutes on a floured surface until soft and pliable. Coat the inside of another mixing bowl with some corn oil, put in the dough, cover it with greased plastic wrap, then let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Preheat Oven and Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). After that, use your fingertips to press down gently on the dough to deflate it. Transfer the dough onto an oiled baking sheet and spread it out evenly using your fingers or a rolling pin to form a thin crust.
Making Of The Pizza
Step 4: Cover It With Toppings
Spread a generous amount of homemade pizza sauce all over the top of the thin crust then add toppings of your choice such as shredded part-skim Mozzarella cheese , diced tomatoes , salt , pepper , and oregano flakes .
Step 5: Bake It And Serve
Pop it into your preheated hot oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pizza crust is golden brown and crispy around the edges. Once cooked, take out your pizza from the oven using oven mitts or gloves and let it cool for a minute before slicing into squares or wedges. Serve this Home Run Inn-style Chicago Pizza recipe hot straight from the oven coupled with a cold drink, salad or breadsticks of your choice!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make to this Copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza Recipe.
First, let’s talk about the crust. While this recipe calls for a thin crust pizza, you can easily make a deep-dish version by using a smaller pan and increasing the dough and topping ingredients accordingly. You could also try making a tavern style crust pizza by tweaking the amount of flour, water, and yeast in the dough recipe. And for those who like their pizza gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Now let’s move on to the toppings. If you’re not a fan of diced tomatoes or prefer something sweeter, try using cherry tomatoes instead. Alternatively, you could use fresh basil leaves in place of oregano flakes to give your pizza a more herby flavor. Experiment with different cheeses too! While part-skim mozzarella cheese is traditional, feel free to use other cheeses like fontina or provolone.
Lastly, don’t forget about the sauce! The homemade pizza sauce recipe used here is fantastic and easy to make, but if you’re short on time or want to switch things up, try using store-bought sauces like marinara or even barbecue sauce.
Get creative with your toppings and experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect pizza that satisfies your taste buds – just be sure not to overload it! Remember: less is often more when it comes to pizza toppings.
Overall, this recipe allows for plenty of flexibility for you to personalize according to your liking so feel free to get creative in choosing the right blend of ingredients that suits your taste-buds.
Serving and Pairing
Now that the copycat Home Run Inn Chicago pizza recipe is ready to serve, it is time to consider the perfect pairings to enhance the experience. This recipe is a meal in itself and can be both satisfying and filling when served with drinks.
Chicago Deep-dish pizzas are characteristically heavy with a rich burst of flavors, making them a popular choice for pairing with a variety of drinks. A classic American beer like Budweiser or Pabst Blue Ribbon can be an excellent choice for an authentic taste of Chicago. Alternatively, you can pair this pizza with a crisp salad or garlic knots as appetizers before digging in.
For something refreshing, a chilled soda or iced tea can complement the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce. However, if you’re looking to try something extravagant to make this meal even more special, then red wine can be perfect. A bottle of Chianti or Zinfandel would work great with this pizza recipe.
While trying out different accompaniments, remember that your choice will depend on your personal tastes. Sticking with what you enjoy will enhance your experience and leave your stomach feeling satisfied after virtually any meal.
Overall, this pizza recipe offers endless flexibility for pairing and serving options, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even storing leftovers in the fridge. The thin crust version is perfect for a lighter supper option while deep-dish provides a more filling option for parties or gathering. With some creativity and exploration, you can make this copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza Recipe a tasty treat any day of the week!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Pizza is a dish that most people prefer to make on demand and serve hot out of the oven, but sometimes life just gets in the way. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for those rushed meals when you don’t have time to make pizza from scratch. And if you’re lucky enough to end up with leftover pizza, there are ways to store and reheat it that will keep it tasting fresh.
When making the Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza recipe ahead of time, you can either make the pizza dough and freeze it or pre-bake the crusts and freeze them. To freeze the pizza dough, simply follow the instructions for making the dough and divide it into smaller portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To use frozen pizza dough, let it thaw overnight in your refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
If you pre-bake your crusts ahead of time, wait for them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Pre-baking your crust will also save you some time if you’re in a hurry on pizza night.
Leftover pizza should be stored properly so that it stays fresh. Let the pizza cool on a wire rack before wrapping it tightly or putting it in an airtight container. You can store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for future meals.
To reheat leftover pizza, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on the oven rack. Allow the slices to bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on their thickness. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a skillet over medium-high heat, adding a few drops of water to help create steam.
While nothing beats freshly baked Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza straight out of the oven, these make-ahead and reheating tips should help ensure that even on hectic nights, you can still enjoy a delicious homemade slice.
Tips for Perfect Results
Let me share with you some tips that I’ve learned while making the Copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza Recipe. These tips can help you achieve perfect results every time you make this pizza.
First, don’t overmix the dough. When making the dough, mix it until just combined – this will prevent the crust from becoming tough. Overworked dough tends to develop gluten, and an excess of gluten makes the crust chewy and hard to digest. So, for a tender crust, mix the dough ingredients gently and briefly.
Second, let the dough rest. After mixing the dough ingredients, give the dough some time to rest. Place it in a bowl covered with a damp cloth for at least 30 minutes. This helps make the dough more pliable and easier to shape.
Third, use high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor. The quality of ingredients you use, especially when it comes to cheese and tomatoes, can significantly affect the taste of the pizza. For instance, use part-skim mozzarella cheese and diced tomatoes in their juices for an authentic flavor—these ingredients are used in Home Run Inn Pizza.
Fourth, pick your toppings with harmony in mind. One of the best things about homemade pizza is that you can create your own topping combinations. But keep in mind that not all ingredients work well together; they should complement each other’s flavors rather than clash.
Fifth, keep a watchful eye on your pizza while baking. The Copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza Recipe has two oven temperatures involved in cooking: preheating at 500°F (260°C) and baking at 450°F (232°C). Make sure you preheat your oven properly as per instructions given in step-by-step procedure earlier to ensure that your crust cooks well.
Sixth, cut your pizza only after 5 minutes once out of an oven using a pizza cutter or scissors if cutting deep dish pizza.
Lastly, enjoy your creation! You’ve created a masterpiece so savor it like one too!
FAQ
As I share this recipe on how to recreate the famous Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza from the comfort of your own home, I know there may be some questions that will arise. To make sure you have all the answers you need for a successful pizza-making experience, let me answer some common FAQs.
How to make Home Run Inn pizza?
To begin, get the pizza out of all its packaging and shrink wrap. Next, set the oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to a temperature of 450°F. Once the oven is heated up, carefully place the pizza right on the middle rack. Be sure not to utilize any pans or cookie sheets to bake the pizza. Allow the pizza to bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until it looks golden brown in color.
What kind of cheese does Home Run Inn pizza use?
Get ready to dive into the world of rich and flavorful cheeses with this pizza recipe that features a classic crust and a delightful mix of four distinct cheeses. The toppings include the deliciously creamy Mozzarella Cheese, savory Cheddar Cheese, tangy Provolone Cheese, and the bold flavor of Romano Cheese.
What kind of crust is Home Run Inn pizza?
Bring the flavor of traditional Chicago-style thin crust pizza straight to your kitchen with Home Run Inn’s classic pizza recipes.
Did Home Run Inn change their recipe?
The Home Run Inn recipe has stood the test of time, but the world of frozen pizza has undergone significant changes since the 1960s.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza Recipe has the power to transport you to the bustling city streets of Chicago with every bite. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese and savory tomato sauce, it is a dish that you’ll want to savor slowly and share with your loved ones.
This recipe is perfect for those who crave a taste of deep-dish heaven, but also for those who prefer something on the lighter side with its thin-crust variation. Its simplicity is a testament to how few ingredients are needed to create an exceptional pizza.
It’s time to ditch those frozen pizzas and impress your family and friends like a pro pizzeria chef with this restaurant-style pizza recipe. The substitution and variation section enables you to customize the recipe according to your preferences, which opens up endless possibilities.
With these easy-to-follow instructions, it has never been easier to make homemade pizza. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get ready to make the best pizza that will make your taste buds dance!
Copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup corn oil
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon dry oregano flakes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 12 ounces shredded low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in warm water. Add yeast and stir. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup flour and mix well.
- Add 3/4 flour and corn oil. Mix, combine well.
- Add remaining 3/4 cup flour and knead 5 minutes.
- Place in bowl, cover with moist towel to prevent dough from drying out, and let rise in warm oven for 2 hours.
- Punch down, replace moist towel, and let rise for another 2 hours. Remove from oven.
- Place dough on pizza stone or sheet and roll out thinly to approximately 14-15 inches across. Pinch up sides to make crust.
- Puree tomatoes in blender. Spread desired amount of sauce over dough then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add any pizza toppings of your choice.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in 475 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.