Description
A foolproof recipe for restaurant-quality deep dish pizza made in a cast iron skillet. Features a forgiving yeast dough, layers of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, resulting in a crispy, chewy, and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 3 cups (300g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (100g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (100g) sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup (240g) pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan cheese, grated
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Whisk to distribute yeast evenly.
- Make a well in the center and pour in warm water and olive oil. Mix until dough comes together.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with olive oil or butter.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of flour into the skillet and shake to coat the bottom and sides. Tap out excess.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a circle slightly larger than the skillet.
- Press the dough into the skillet, starting from the center and working outward, pressing up the sides to create a wall.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and all of the cheddar cheese onto the bottom of the dough. Sprinkle half of the pepperoni over the cheese.
- Spoon pizza sauce over the cheese and pepperoni, spreading evenly but leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce. Add the rest of the pepperoni.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow cheese to set.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent a soggy crust. Let the pizza rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds its shape. If the sauce is too watery, simmer it first to reduce. Brush exposed dough edges with olive oil for better browning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 20
Keywords: deep dish pizza, cast iron skillet pizza, pepperoni pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, comfort food