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Homemade Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza

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  • Author: Mari
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Pizza
  • Method: Baked, Cast Iron Cooking
  • Cuisine: American, Chicago-Style

Description

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!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For the Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:

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

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

    • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
    • Grease a cast iron skillet with olive oil.
    • Press the dough into the skillet, pushing it up the sides.
    • Layer mozzarella cheese first, then sauce, and top with pepperoni and Parmesan.
  4. Bake:

    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy.
    • Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Serve & Enjoy:

    • Slice and enjoy this indulgent deep-dish pizza!


Notes

  • Cornmeal in the dough gives the crust its signature crispy texture.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for an extra gooey experience.
  • Try Italian sausage or mushrooms as alternative toppings.