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Crispy Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Recipe Easy Homemade from Scratch

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A quick and easy deep dish pizza made in a cast iron skillet with a crispy crust, melty cheese, and savory sauce using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 2 cups (240 g), sifted
  • Warm water – ¾ cup (180 ml), around 110°F (43°C)
  • Active dry yeast – 1 teaspoon (3 g)
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
  • Sugar – 1 teaspoon (4 g)
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon (6 g)
  • Canned crushed tomatoes – 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon (1 g)
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon (3 g)
  • Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon (1 g)
  • Red pepper flakes – optional, a pinch
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 2 cups (about 200 g)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated – ¼ cup (25 g)
  • Fresh basil leaves – a few, torn (optional)
  • Your favorite pizza toppings – pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast by mixing warm water (about 110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms (about 10 minutes).
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface by hand or mixer until smooth and elastic (7 minutes). Form into a ball.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (30–45 minutes).
  5. While dough rises, prepare the sauce: heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds). Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place cast iron skillet inside to heat (10 minutes).
  7. Punch down the risen dough and roll or stretch into a 10-inch circle about ½ inch thick.
  8. Carefully remove hot skillet from oven, drizzle with olive oil, and press dough into skillet, pushing up the sides.
  9. Layer shredded mozzarella evenly over dough, pour sauce over cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan, and add optional toppings.
  10. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until crust is deep golden and crispy, cheese is bubbly, and sauce is set.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Preheat the cast iron skillet to ensure a crispy crust. Avoid overloading toppings to keep crust crispy. Let pizza rest after baking for clean slices. Dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours after first rise. For gluten-free, use almond flour with xanthan gum. For vegan, substitute cheeses accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: deep dish pizza, cast iron skillet pizza, homemade pizza, crispy pizza crust, easy pizza recipe, quick dinner, family meal

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