Craving that iconic Little Caesars deep dish pizza but don't want to leave the house? You're in luck! This recipe recreates that signature thick, cheesy, and saucy goodness right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think to make this delicious, family-friendly meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade deep dish pizza, bursting with flavor and delivering that satisfying Little Caesars taste you love. This recipe is a fantastic option for healthy meals, too, if you adjust some ingredients!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in olive oil.
- Gradually add dry ingredients: Add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: 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.
Making the Sauce:
- Sauté garlic: In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant.
- Simmer sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Press the dough: Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a thin crust.
- Add sauce and cheese: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Top with remaining dough: Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the toppings. Seal the edges gently.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Deep Dish Pizza:
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in a tough crust.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the pizza will taste.
- Don't overcrowd the pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your pizza and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Deep Dish: Substitute your favorite vegetables for the meat toppings.
- Spicy Deep Dish: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Supreme Deep Dish: Load it up with all your favorite toppings!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on toppings and crust thickness. Consider using a nutrition calculator for a precise estimate with your ingredient choices. However, this recipe is a great base for a satisfying and relatively healthy meal, especially compared to takeout options.
Enjoy your homemade Little Caesars-inspired deep dish pizza! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying pizza cravings. It's a delicious dish the whole family will love!