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Ultimate Cheesy Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza

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A quick and easy homemade deep dish pizza with a crispy cast iron skillet crust, layered with gooey mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy weekends, game nights, or solo treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for dough)
  • 3 cups (340g) shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (dried oregano and basil blend)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped or 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until shaggy dough forms. Knead on floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Proof the dough: Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (45-60 minutes).
  4. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8-10 minutes and set aside.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and place cast iron skillet inside to warm for 10 minutes.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down risen dough and stretch into a circle slightly larger than skillet. Remove skillet from oven, oil it, and press dough into skillet, pushing up sides.
  7. Add cheese: Layer shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over dough.
  8. Add sauce and bake: Pour tomato sauce over cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast.
  9. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Preheat the cast iron skillet before adding dough to achieve a crispy crust. Layer cheese under the sauce to keep it gooey and moist. Let the pizza rest after baking for easier slicing and better texture. Tent with foil if crust browns too quickly. Dough can be rested to relax gluten if hard to stretch. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: deep dish pizza, cast iron pizza, cheesy pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, comfort food, quick pizza

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/ultimate-cheesy-cast-iron-deep-dish-pizza-recipe-easy-homemade-perfection/