Deep-Dish Pizza

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Deep-Dish Pizza

 

Ingredients

For the Dough
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cups cornmeal
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp)
  • 0.75 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for mixing
For the Sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz/794 g)
  • 1 can tomato paste (6 oz/170 g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping
  • 1 lb Italian sausage browned
  • 1 bell pepper , diced (optional)
  • 1 small onion , diced (optional)
  • 0.5 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 lb provolone cheese, shredded
  • 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Olive oil for greasing the pan

Method

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and yeast into the warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and olive oil.
  3. Stir until a dough forms and then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
Prepare the Filling
  1. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the excess grease.
  2. If you’re using bell pepper and onion, sauté them in the same skillet until they are tender, then set aside.
Assemble the Pizza
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9- or 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil.
  2. Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12-inch circle. Press the dough into the pan, making sure to create a thick crust along the edges.
  3. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese first, then add provolone and Parmesan.
  4. Follow with the sausage and any sautéed vegetables, and finally spread the tomato sauce over everything.
Bake
  1. Bake your pizza for 30–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. If the crust turns brown too quickly, loosely cover the edges with foil.
Cool and Serve
  1. Allow the pizza to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve it warm and enjoy every delicious bite!

Notes

Feel free to mix and match cheeses and get creative with toppings. You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Leftovers can be frozen for up to three months.

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