How to Make Perfect Deep Dish Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet

Cooking Deep Dish Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet

Deep dish pizza, a beloved Chicago classic, is known for its buttery, flaky crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and rich tomato sauce. While traditional recipes often call for a special deep dish pan, a cast iron skillet is an excellent alternative that can yield equally delicious results. Here’s a guide on how to make a mouthwatering deep dish pizza using your trusty cast iron skillet.

Ingredients

To start, you’ll need the following ingredients

For the Dough - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast - 1 tsp sugar - 1 tsp salt - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup warm water

For the Toppings - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sliced pepperoni or your choice of toppings (like sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.) - 2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned is fine) - 2 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Making the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Let the Dough Rise Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Prepare the Skillet Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet with olive oil to ensure the crust gets that perfect crispy texture.

2. Shape the Dough Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to the prepared skillet, pressing it into the sides to create a high edge.

3. Layer the Ingredients Start by adding a generous layer of mozzarella cheese at the bottom. This will act as a barrier to keep the crust from becoming soggy. Next, add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, or veggies. Finally, pour the crushed tomatoes over the top, and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Baking the Pizza

1. Bake Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

2. Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making slicing easier. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Enjoying Your Deep Dish Pizza

Once cooled, carefully slice your deep dish pizza into wedges and serve hot. The combination of the buttery crust, melty cheese, and savory toppings is simply irresistible. Cooking deep dish pizza in a cast iron skillet not only produces a beautiful and delicious result but also creates a fun and interactive dining experience. Enjoy your homemade pizza night with family or friends, and don’t forget to experiment with different toppings to find your perfect flavor combination. Bon appétit!