Copycat Home Run Inn Chicago Pizza

The aroma alone takes me back. I can almost hear the rumble of the El train, the chatter of families, and the clinking of glasses at my favorite neighborhood pizza joint. Growing up on the north side of Chicago, Home Run Inn wasn’t just pizza; it was a Friday night ritual, a celebratory feast after a Little League victory (or consolation after a tough loss), and a taste of home that permeated every slice. This recipe isn’t just about replicating a pizza; it’s about recreating a memory, a feeling, a connection to my roots.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
• Servings: 4-5
• Yield: 1 14-inch pizza
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup corn oil

• For the Sauce & Toppings:

  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dry oregano flakes
  • 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 12 ounces shredded low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Clean kitchen towel
• Blender or food processor
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Pizza cutter or knife

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a medium bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in ½ cup of warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast and gently stir. Allow the mixture to “bloom” for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface is frothy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is alive and active, crucial for a good rise.

2. Combine Initial Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add ½ cup of all-purpose flour and mix well until a smooth slurry forms. This creates a starter for the dough.

3. Incorporate Oil and More Flour: Add ¾ cup of all-purpose flour and ⅓ cup of corn oil to the mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine. The corn oil contributes to the signature crispiness of the Home Run Inn crust.

4. Knead the Dough: Add the remaining ¾ cup of all-purpose flour and begin to knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes. The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a moist towel to prevent drying, and let it rise in a warm oven for 2 hours. To create a warm environment, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for just a few minutes, then turn it off completely. Ensure the oven isn’t too hot, as this can kill the yeast.

6. Second Rise: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Replace the moist towel and let it rise for another 2 hours in the same warm oven. This second rise develops the flavor and texture of the crust.

7. Shape the Dough: Remove the dough from the oven. Place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet lightly dusted with flour. Roll the dough out thinly to approximately 14-15 inches in diameter. The key here is to get the crust as thin as possible, mimicking the signature Home Run Inn style.

8. Create the Crust Edge: Pinch up the sides of the dough to create a slightly raised crust edge. This will help contain the sauce and toppings and provide a nice textural contrast.

9. Prepare the Sauce: Pour the canned diced tomatoes into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. This creates a simple yet flavorful sauce. You can add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are particularly acidic.

10. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the desired amount of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the sauce with salt, pepper, and dry oregano flakes. These simple seasonings enhance the tomato flavor and add depth to the pizza. Add any other pizza toppings of your choice at this point.

11. Add the Cheese: Top the pizza generously with 12 ounces of shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese. Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully and provides the perfect cheesy pull.

12. Bake the Pizza: Bake in a preheated 475-degree oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent burning, especially if your oven runs hot.

13. Cool and Serve: Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from sliding off the pizza.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Dough Consistency is Key: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too wet, add flour gradually. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
• Thin Crust Mastery: Rolling the dough out thinly is essential. Use a rolling pin and work from the center outwards, rotating the dough as you go.
• Preheat the Baking Stone: If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps create a crispy crust.
• Customize Your Toppings: While this recipe focuses on replicating the basic Home Run Inn cheese pizza, feel free to add your favorite toppings. Sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions are all classic choices.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier pizza, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them over the cheese.
• Make-Ahead Dough: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just punch it down before using.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this copycat Home Run Inn pizza hot, straight from the oven. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano adds a touch of freshness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pizza in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust. Freezing is not recommended, as the crust may become soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	628.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	293 g	47%
Total Fat	32.6 g	50%
Saturated Fat	11.1 g	55%
Cholesterol	54.5 mg	18%
Sodium	1116.7 mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate	55.2 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	3.6 g	14%
Sugars	3.8 g	N/A
Protein	28.5 g	57%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
• Vegan: Replace the mozzarella cheese with a vegan mozzarella alternative. Look for brands that melt well.
• Whole Wheat Crust: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier crust.
• Garlic Infused Oil: Before adding the toppings, brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it important to let the yeast bloom before mixing it with the other ingredients?
A: Blooming the yeast ensures it’s active and alive. A frothy mixture indicates the yeast is healthy and will properly leaven the dough.

Q: Can I use olive oil instead of corn oil?
A: While you can, corn oil contributes to the signature crispy crust of Home Run Inn pizza. Olive oil will result in a slightly different texture.

Q: How do I get the crust to be thin enough?
A: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, working from the center outwards. Rotate the dough frequently and apply even pressure.

Q: What can I do if my oven doesn’t reach 475 degrees?
A: Bake the pizza at the highest temperature your oven can reach, and add a few minutes to the baking time if needed.

Q: Can I freeze the pizza dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Home Run Inn pizza recipe is a labor of love, but the results are well worth the effort. The crispy, thin crust, the simple yet flavorful sauce, and the generous layer of mozzarella cheese will transport you straight to Chicago. Gather your family and friends, fire up the oven, and get ready to create some unforgettable pizza memories. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Perhaps pair it with an ice-cold local craft beer for the full Chicago experience!