Homemade Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza

A thick, crispy, buttery crust loaded with layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and crispy pepperoni, all baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet—this Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for pizza night, this homemade version delivers that signature deep-dish texture with a golden crust and mouthwatering layers of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Chicago-Style Crust – A rich, buttery crust with a hint of cornmeal for extra crunch.
• Layered with Cheese & Sauce – The mozzarella sits under the sauce to create that perfect deep-dish texture.
• Cast Iron Perfection – Baked in a cast iron skillet for even heat and a crispy edge.
• Customizable Toppings – Make it your own with different cheeses, meats, or veggies.
• Perfect for Pizza Night – A fun and impressive dish for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Melted butter

For the Sauce:

• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed tomatoes
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sugar

For the Toppings:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Sliced pepperoni
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and melted butter. Knead until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Make the Sauce:

4. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Pizza:

6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a cast iron skillet with olive oil.
7. Press the dough into the skillet, pushing it up the sides to form a thick crust.
8. Layer mozzarella cheese first, then spread the tomato sauce evenly on top.
9. Add sliced pepperoni and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

Bake:

10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Serve & Enjoy:

12. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the cheesy, buttery goodness.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Variations

• Veggie Deep-Dish – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a vegetarian version.
• Meat Lovers – Include crumbled sausage or cooked bacon for extra protein.
• Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
• Cheesy Delight – Mix in provolone or fontina cheese for a richer taste.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza – Swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce and top with shredded chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.

FAQs

What makes deep-dish pizza different from regular pizza?

Deep-dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust, with cheese placed under the sauce to prevent burning and create a gooey, rich texture.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but you can skip the step of dissolving it in water and mix it directly into the dough ingredients.

Why is cornmeal used in the dough?

Cornmeal adds a slight crunch to the crust, giving it the signature deep-dish texture.

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a crispy crust, but a deep cake pan or pizza pan can also work.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and let it come to room temperature before pressing it into the pan.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Press the dough firmly into the skillet and avoid overloading with sauce or wet toppings. Preheating the skillet can also help.

Can I make a stuffed deep-dish pizza?

Yes, add an extra layer of dough on top before adding sauce for a stuffed version.

What’s the best cheese for deep-dish pizza?

Mozzarella is the classic choice, but provolone, Parmesan, or fontina can add extra flavor.

Is deep-dish pizza healthier than thin-crust pizza?

Deep-dish pizza is typically higher in calories due to the thick crust and cheese layers, but you can adjust portions or ingredients to fit your preference.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough can work, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza is the perfect way to bring Chicago-style flavor into your kitchen. With its buttery, crispy crust, layers of gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, this pizza is an indulgent, comforting meal. Whether enjoyed for a family dinner or a special occasion, this deep-dish pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it for your next pizza night and experience the ultimate homemade treat!