Deep-Dish Pizza

Name: Deep-Dish Pizza
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornmeal; 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast; 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup olive oil; TOPPINGS:; 6 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil and pepper; 1 pound bulk Italian sausage; 48 slices pepperoni; 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Total Time Prep: 35 min. + rising Bake: 40 min. + resting

Yield 2 pizzas (8 pieces each)

Test Kitchen Approved

Learn how to make deep-dish pizza in a cast-iron skillet at home. This recipe makes a thick crust topped with a no-cook sauce, savory toppings and plenty of melty cheese.

Ingredients

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
TOPPINGS:
6 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil and pepper
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
48 slices pepperoni
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar and salt. In a saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Punch dough down; divide in half. Roll each portion into an 11-in. circle. Press dough onto the bottoms and up the sides of 2 greased 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillets. Sprinkle each with 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste and seasonings. Spoon 1-1/2 cups over each pizza. Layer each with half each of the sausage, pepperoni and mushrooms, and 1 cup mozzarella. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
Cover and bake at 450° for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake until lightly browned, about 5 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 407 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 872mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.

My husband and I tried to duplicate the deep-dish pizza recipe from a popular restaurant, and I think our Chicago-style deep-dish pizza turned out even better. The secret is baking it in a cast-iron skillet! —Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois

Recipe Creator