Craving a pizza night but tired of takeout? Then get ready to elevate your pizza game with this incredible cast iron deep dish pizza recipe! This isn't your average flimsy pizza; we're talking a glorious, Chicago-style deep dish experience, bursting with flavor and perfectly crisp crust. Homemade cooking doesn't get much better than this! It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a fun weekend project, or even a quick weeknight dinner if you’re organized. Get ready for a delicious dish that will impress even the most discerning pizza connoisseurs!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This is crucial for a perfectly crisp crust!
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (use oven mitts!). Transfer the rolled-out dough to the hot skillet.
- Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the skillet to form a deep crust.
- Spread a generous layer of sauce over the bottom of the crust, leaving about a ½-inch border.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Pizza Perfection:
- Don't overcrowd the pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your pizza will be directly affected by the quality of your ingredients.
- Pre-cook your meats: Pre-cooking sausage or pepperoni will prevent them from being raw in the center.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Try using a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for a richer flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Deep Dish: Load up on your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
- Spicy Deep Dish: Add some chili flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage for a fiery kick.
- BBQ Chicken Deep Dish: Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce and top with grilled chicken, red onions, and mozzarella.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on toppings, but a general estimate is around 500-600 calories, 25-30g fat, 50-60g carbohydrates, and 20-25g protein. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade cast iron deep dish pizza! This easy recipe and these helpful tips will guarantee a pizza night success – a truly satisfying and delicious homemade meal you can be proud of. It's the perfect way to enjoy a healthy and quick dinner, transforming your weeknight routine into a culinary adventure!