Deep dish pizza is all about a thick, buttery crust that holds a generous layer of toppings and cheese. Making a 7-inch deep dish at home allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza with customizable ingredients, and it’s surprisingly easy with the right recipe. This recipe produces a rich, hearty pizza with a crispy crust and gooey cheese, perfect for sharing or a satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) marinara or pizza sauce
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, cooked sausage, vegetables, basil, etc.
- Extra olive oil for brushing
< 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a spoon or dough hook until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
- Let it rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the pan: Lightly oil a 7-inch deep dish pizza pan or a similar-sized oven-safe skillet. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Using your fingers, press and stretch the dough evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan to create a thick crust.
- Pre-bake the crust: Bake the crust alone for 10 minutes to prevent sogginess, brushing lightly with olive oil halfway through.
- Add toppings: Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your chosen toppings.
- Bake the pizza: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven, let sit for 5 minutes, then brush the crust with a little olive oil. Slice and serve hot.
Tips
- Substitutions: Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for different dietary needs. For a richer crust, add a tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil to the dough.
- Storage: Leftover deep dish pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for best results.
- Avoid sogginess: Pre-baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy once toppings are added. Also, don’t overload with sauce or toppings.
- Crust thickness: For a thicker crust, press the dough more firmly into the pan and consider letting it rise for an extra 30 minutes before shaping.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty 7-inch deep dish pizza pairs well with a simple green salad, such as arugula or mixed greens tossed with vinaigrette. For drinks, consider a light beer, a sparkling water with lemon, or a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio. To complete the meal, serve garlic bread or breadsticks on the side.
Variations
Customize your deep dish pizza by experimenting with different toppings and cheeses. For a meat lover’s version, add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ham. Vegetarians can load up on roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and olives. You can also switch up the sauce—try pesto or Alfredo for a different flavor profile. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños before baking.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover deep dish pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. For quicker reheating, you can microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, but the crust may lose some of its crispness. To restore some crunch, reheat in a hot skillet for a few minutes on the stove, covered lightly to melt the cheese evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, place it in an oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
What if I don’t have a 7-inch pan?
You can use a similar-sized oven-safe skillet or a small deep-dish pizza pan. If your pan is slightly larger or smaller, adjust the shape and thickness of the dough accordingly. The baking time may vary slightly.
How do I prevent the crust from burning?
Pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes helps prevent burning while ensuring it stays crispy. Also, avoid placing toppings too close to the edges during the initial bake. Using an oven temperature of 425°F (220°C) balances browning and baking speed.
Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes, you can freeze cooked or unbaked deep dish pizza. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and crust is crispy.
What’s the best cheese for a deep dish pizza?
Shredded mozzarella is traditional for its meltability and flavor, but you can also mix in provolone, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for added depth. Using a good-quality cheese enhances the overall taste and texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t contain it. The dough may require a slightly longer rise or different hydration levels.
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