Deep Dish Pizza

There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of deep dish pizza. Its buttery, flaky crust holds a treasure trove of toppings, from gooey cheese to savory meats and vibrant vegetables. This recipe will take you step-by-step through creating the perfect deep dish pizza right at home, inviting your friends and family to gather around the table for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or a casual cook, you’ll find that this deep dish pizza is a delightful treat that’s easier to make than you might think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This deep dish pizza is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. The crust is buttery and crisp, while the layers of cheese and toppings create a deliciously cheesy, flavorful experience. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for sharing, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or pizza parties.

Ingredient Rundown

To craft this delicious deep dish pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water – This helps activate the yeast for the dough.
• 1 teaspoon honey – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the yeast thrive.
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast – This is what makes the dough rise.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – For a rich, buttery crust.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of your pizza dough.
• ½ cup cornmeal – Adds texture and a slight sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Olive oil – For coating your pans.
• 1 cup homemade marinara sauce – Rich and zesty, perfect for layering.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The gooey, melty star of the pizza.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – For a salty, nutty flavor on top.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced – Adds crunch and freshness.
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – Earthy and savory, a great addition.
• ½ cup pepperoni – Classic, spicy, and satisfying.
• ½ cup sausage, cooked and crumbled – Adds a hearty touch to your pizza.
• Fresh basil – For garnish and a burst of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning your toppings.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Before you start, gather these kitchen tools to make your pizza-making experience smooth:

• Mixing bowl – For combining your dough ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking.
• Rolling pin – To roll out your dough to the right thickness.
• Pizza pan or cast iron skillet – The perfect vessel for deep dish pizza.
• Spatula – For spreading the marinara sauce and lifting slices.
• Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot pans!

Deep Dish Pizza Made Stepwise

Getting that perfect deep dish pizza is all about following the steps carefully. Let’s dive into the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Add the softened butter, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the crust its structure.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly coat a bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease your pizza pan or cast iron skillet with olive oil, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to fit your pan. Place the dough in the prepared pan, pressing it up the sides to create a crust.

Step 7: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough. Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the diced green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, and crumbled sausage. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, then slice and serve hot.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

If you’re looking to customize your deep dish pizza, consider these swaps:

• Gluten-free flour: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Vegetable toppings: Use any combination of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach.
• Cheese alternatives: Substitute dairy cheese with vegan cheese for a plant-based option.
• Spicy sausage: For a kick, use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular.

Errors to Dodge

To ensure your deep dish pizza turns out perfectly, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Not letting the dough rise enough can lead to a dense crust.
• Overfilling the pizza with toppings can make it soggy. Stick to a reasonable amount.
• Not preheating the oven can result in uneven cooking.
• Using cold water instead of warm can prevent the yeast from activating properly.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This deep dish pizza is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storage: Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Reheating: To maintain the crust’s crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Reader Q&A

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just let it rise, then refrigerate it. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping.

What can I use instead of marinara sauce?

You can substitute marinara sauce with pesto, barbecue sauce, or even a white sauce for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Make sure to pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding toppings, and avoid using overly watery vegetables.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.

If you enjoyed this deep dish pizza recipe, you might want to explore other delicious options:

Final Bite

Making deep dish pizza at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings friends and family together. The combination of a buttery crust, rich marinara, and your favorite toppings creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to beat. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress with your homemade deep dish pizza. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Deep Dish Pizza

This Deep Dish Pizza is a slice of heaven! With a buttery crust and customizable toppings, it’s perfect for gatherings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon honey helps the yeast thrive
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Olive oil for coating your pans

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup homemade marinara sauce rich and zesty
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese gooey and melty
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty flavor
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 1 cup mushrooms sliced
• ½ cup pepperoni classic and spicy
• ½ cup sausage cooked and crumbled
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling Pin
• Pizza pan or cast iron skillet
• Spatula
• Oven Mitts

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the softened butter, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Lightly coat a bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease your pizza pan or cast iron skillet with olive oil.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to fit your pan.
7. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough. Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the diced green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, and crumbled sausage. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, then slice and serve hot.

Notes

• Let the dough rise enough to ensure a fluffy crust.
• Don't overload with toppings to avoid sogginess.
• Preheat your oven for even cooking.