Are you ready to elevate your pizza game? Forget flimsy, floppy crusts! This Ooni deep dish pizza recipe delivers a deliciously crispy, buttery crust brimming with flavour, all cooked to perfection in your Ooni oven. It's easier than you think, and the results are unbelievably satisfying. This is the perfect recipe for a fun family night, a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself to a truly magnificent homemade meal. Get ready to experience pizza nirvana!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (175ml) warm water (around 105-115°F)
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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: (Use your favorites!)
- 8 ounces (225g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead and rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a tablespoon or two of flour if the dough is too sticky. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Sauté garlic: In a small saucepan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat your Ooni: Preheat your Ooni oven to its maximum temperature, ideally around 900°F (480°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or deep dish pizza pan generously with butter or olive oil.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out slightly larger than your pan. Gently press the dough into the prepared pan, ensuring it comes up the sides to create the deep dish effect.
- Add the sauce and toppings: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving about ½ inch of space at the edge. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, followed by your desired toppings.
- Bake: Carefully place the skillet in the preheated Ooni oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Ooni Deep Dish Pizza Success:
- Flour Power: Don't be afraid to add extra flour if your dough is too sticky.
- High Heat is Key: A hot Ooni oven is crucial for achieving that crispy crust.
- Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to ensure even cooking.
- Use a Pizza Peel (Optional): For easier transfer to the Ooni, use a pizza peel.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Delight: Load up on vegetables like spinach, onions, zucchini, and roasted red peppers.
- Meat Lovers Dream: Add sausage, bacon, ham, or ground beef.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the tomato sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on toppings) Fat: 20-25g Protein: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This deep dish pizza recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a surefire way to impress your friends and family, and you'll likely find yourself making it again and again. Enjoy the process and the phenomenal results!