Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Deep Dish Pizza recipe. This savory delight combines a buttery, flaky crust with layers of flavorful Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and gooey cheeses, making it a dish that stands out. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is a must-try for pizza lovers.
This Deep Dish Pizza has become a beloved staple in our household. My husband and kids can’t get enough of it! Every time I bake this pizza, the aroma fills our home, drawing everyone into the kitchen. It all started one Friday night when I decided to try something different for our weekly pizza night. The moment we took our first bite, we were hooked. Now, it’s a highly requested dish, especially on movie nights or when we have guests over. The joy on my family’s faces when they see this pizza coming out of the oven is priceless.
Why This Deep Dish Pizza?
Unique Layers of Flavor
Our Deep Dish Pizza is special because of its rich layers of ingredients. From the buttery, flaky crust to the blend of savory meats and creamy cheeses, every bite is a taste sensation.
- Buttery Crust: The dough is enriched with butter, giving it a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Savory Fillings: Italian sausage, bacon, and pepperoni provide a hearty and flavorful base.
- Cheesy Goodness: A mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and optional provolone creates a gooey, delicious layer.
- Perfect Sauce: Topped with a tangy pizza sauce that perfectly complements the rich fillings.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 295 ml (1 1/4 cups) lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (1 packet)
- 57 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 410 g (3 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 65 g (1/2 cup) yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 57 g (1/4 cup) butter, room temperature
For the Pizza:
- 450 g (1 pound) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 225 g (8 ounces) bacon, cut into 1/3-inch pieces
- 115 g (4 ounces) pepperoni, thinly sliced
- 450 g (1 pound) mozzarella, shredded
- 30 g (1/4 cup) Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
- 115 g (4 ounces) provolone, deli sliced (optional)
- 240 ml (1 cup) pizza sauce
Directions:
For the Dough:
- In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water, then add the yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Stir in the melted butter. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, forming a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s soft and elastic, about 10 minutes. Divide it into two portions, place each in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 2 hours.
- Roll out each dough portion into large discs. Spread half the room temperature butter on half of each dough, fold in half, then fold again and again until you form balls. Return to the bowls, cover, and let them rest while you prepare the filling.
For the Pizza:
- Cook the Italian sausage in a pan, breaking it apart as it cooks. Set aside.
- In the same pan, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one portion of the dough and place it in a greased 10-12 inch cast iron or springform pan, ensuring it comes up the sides.
- Layer the cooked sausage, pepperoni, bacon, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and provolone slices (if using) over the dough.
- Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the toppings. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
- Poke a few holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Notes:
- Substitutions: Feel free to substitute the meats with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a vegetarian option.
- Cooking Tips: Ensure the yeast is active by checking if it foams during the initial step. If not, your yeast may be expired.
- Nutritional Information: This pizza is rich and hearty, perfect for an indulgent treat. Serve with a fresh salad to balance the meal.
