If you love pizza, you have to try this deep dish pizza! Think thick, rectangular crust with crispy edges and a soft interior, layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings that melt together perfectly.
This isn’t Chicago-style pizza—it’s more like Detroit-style or Sicilian-style pizza. The cheese goes all the way to the edges of the pan for that caramelized, crunchy crust reminiscent of childhood Pizza Hut thick crust pizza.
📝 Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the pizza:
- Pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice: pepperoni, Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes
- Optional: oregano in dough or sauce, a few tablespoons of cornmeal in the pan for extra texture
🥖 Dough Instructions
- Stir sugar into warm water, sprinkle yeast on top, and let it activate for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough ball forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly until cohesive.
- Place dough back in the bowl, lightly flour, cover with a towel, and let rise 30–40 minutes, or until doubled.
- Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven to help it rise.
🍕 Assembling the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Oil an 8-inch square baking pan. Roll dough into a square and place in the oiled pan.
- Spread sauce over the dough, leaving edges clear.
- Sprinkle cheese all the way to the edges—this creates that signature crispy edge.
- Add toppings of your choice.
🔥 Baking Instructions
- Bake at 400°F for 15–16 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden brown.
- Slice three times across to make nine squares.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Crispy edges: Cheese touching the pan is key.
- Optional toppings: Red pepper flakes, grated parmesan cheese.
- Pan options: 8-inch square baking pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
✨ This deep dish pizza is thick, fluffy, and full of flavor, perfect for feeding a small crowd with a salad on the side. I love the soft interior with crispy edges—it’s everything pizza should be!
