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Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

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4.1 from 76 reviews

This Deep Dish Pizza recipe features a rich, buttery crust with a crispy cornmeal edge, layered with gooey mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a generous topping of pizza sauce. Baked in a skillet or cake pan, this hearty pizza is perfect for sharing and offers a deliciously comforting meal with a golden, melty cheese interior and a crisp, flavorful crust.

Ingredients

Dough

  • ⅔ cup warm water (100-110°F) (160mL)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
  • ¼ cup fine yellow cornmeal (40g)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted and cooled slightly)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Pizza Toppings

  • 8 ounces sliced mozzarella or provolone cheese (226g)
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage (cooked and drained) (340g)
  • 2 ounces pepperoni slices (56g)
  • 8 ounces grated mozzarella cheese (226g)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (250g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Freshly chopped basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes very frothy on top, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, fine yellow cornmeal, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute until a shaggy dough forms. Scrape down the bowl sides, then increase to medium-low speed and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball that springs back when pressed.
  3. Let Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set in a warm, draft-free area to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: After 45 minutes of rising time, position an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat it to 425°F. Prepare a 9-inch or 10-inch uncoated cake pan or cast-iron skillet for baking.
  5. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and place it on a floured surface. Bundle the edges toward the center to form a tight ball and flip it seam-side down. Roll out the dough to a 13-inch circle for a 9-inch pan or 14-inch circle for a 10-inch pan. If the dough resists stretching, cover and rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
  6. Fit Dough in Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it up the sides, leaving a ¼-inch overhang at the top. Pinch the overhang to stick it to the pan rim, preventing the dough from sliding down during baking.
  7. Layer Cheese and Meats: Lay the sliced mozzarella or provolone evenly over the crust bottom, shingling as needed. Add the cooked Italian sausage, then pepperoni slices, and sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  8. Add Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the cheese and meat layers.
  9. Bake Pizza: Bake the pizza for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is hot, cheese is melty, and the crust is golden brown. If the crust browns too quickly, tent the pizza with foil after 10 to 15 minutes. Brush the crust rim with olive oil for extra crispness and shine.
  10. Rest and Serve: Let the pizza rest for 15 minutes after baking. Optionally, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • For best texture, use a stand mixer with a dough hook; kneading by hand may require additional time to achieve the right dough consistency.
  • Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Letting the dough rest if it springs back when rolling will make it easier to stretch.
  • If you prefer a spicier pizza, consider adding red pepper flakes or using a spicy sausage.
  • The pizza tastes best when allowed to rest before slicing; this helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner slices.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for a crispier crust with a slight charred flavor.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven or skillet to maintain crust crispness.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/deep-dish-pizza-recipe/