Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: A Cheesy Delight!

The first bite of deep dish pizza is like diving into a warm, cheesy hug that wraps around your taste buds. The rich aroma of bubbling mozzarella and robust tomato sauce fills the air, promising a flavor explosion that’s nothing short of magical. Just imagine sinking your teeth into that flaky, buttery crust, with layers of savory toppings peeking out like they’re ready for a party.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an event! I remember the first time I tried deep dish pizza at a family gathering—everyone gathered around the table, eyes wide with anticipation. It quickly became the star of our dinners, making every occasion feel like a celebration. Whether it’s game night or a cozy movie marathon, deep dish pizza is always the perfect companion, ready to elevate any moment.

I still chuckle when I think about my friends’ faces when they first tried my homemade deep dish pizza—pure bliss followed by the inevitable food coma.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for that perfect crust; opt for unbleached for better results.

• Active Dry Yeast: Use fresh yeast to ensure your dough rises beautifully and stays fluffy.

• Warm Water: The key to activating the yeast; make sure it’s comfortably warm, not hot enough to scald.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough; don’t skimp on quality here for maximum flavor.

• Salt: Essential for taste; use kosher salt for even seasoning throughout.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty goodness; aim for whole milk mozzarella if you can find it.

• Italian Sausage: Adds depth and spice; opt for mild or spicy depending on your preference.

• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Choose high-quality tomatoes to achieve that vibrant sauce flavor.

• Fresh Basil leaves: For garnish and a pop of freshness right before serving.

• Your Favorite Toppings!: Go wild with veggies, pepperoni, or anything else your heart desires!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Dough: Start by mixing warm water with active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy—this shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Add Flour & Knead Away!: In another bowl, combine flour and salt before creating a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth—about 8-10 minutes—your future self will thank you!

Let it Rise!: Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour. This is where all that fluffy goodness happens!

Prep Your Sauce & Toppings!: While waiting for the dough to rise, mix crushed tomatoes with some salt and seasonings in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until slightly thickened—around 15 minutes—and set aside.

Shape Your Pizza Base!: Once risen, punch down the dough (it feels satisfying!). Roll it out into a circle and press it into a greased deep-dish pan. Make sure there’s some overhang—that crust needs love too!

Layer It Up!: Start layering with shredded mozzarella at the bottom (so it doesn’t get soggy), followed by cooked sausage or any other toppings you desire. Top with luscious tomato sauce and sprinkle more cheese on top.

Bake to Perfection!: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake your deep dish pizza for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing—it’ll be hard to resist but trust me on this one!

Now you’ve created something truly special! Deep dish pizza isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about creating lasting memories over shared slices of gooey goodness. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the dough. Bake the crust first, then add toppings for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add a sprinkle of oregano for extra flavor. Creativity is key!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover deep dish pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for best results.

Cooking deep dish pizza became a family tradition during game nights, and every bite sparks joy and laughter around our table.

FAQ

What makes deep dish pizza different from regular pizza?

Deep dish pizza has a thick crust, layered with cheese and toppings, unlike traditional thin crust.

Can I freeze leftover deep dish pizza?

Yes, wrap slices tightly in foil and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

How do I know when my deep dish pizza is done?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbly cheese, usually around 25-30 minutes of baking time.

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Deep Dish Pizza

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Deep dish pizza is a comforting classic that wraps your taste buds in a warm embrace of gooey cheese, savory sauce, and flaky crust. This recipe transforms any meal into a celebration, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. With customizable toppings and an irresistible aroma, homemade deep dish pizza is sure to impress friends and family alike. Get ready to create delicious memories with every cheesy slice!

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk preferred)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (cooked)
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Your favorite toppings (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm water with active dry yeast and let it sit until foamy.
2. In another bowl, combine flour and salt; create a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
3. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
4. While dough rises, prepare the sauce by cooking crushed tomatoes with salt over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough, roll it out, and press it into a greased deep-dish pan with some overhang.
6. Layer mozzarella on the bottom, followed by sausage and other toppings. Top with sauce and sprinkle more cheese on top.
7. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (145g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 40mg