Description
This Deep Dish Pizza Recipe uses a cast iron skillet to create a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying homemade pizza with a golden, bubbly crust and molten cheese filling. It’s a fun and impressive family-friendly meal that’s simpler than it looks, transforming your kitchen into a pizzeria.
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (7 g or 2.25 tsp)
- 1 cup warm water (240 ml), 105-115°F (40-46°C)
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for oiling skillet
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes (794 g)
- 1 lb low-moisture mozzarella, shredded (450 g)
- 0.5 lb provolone cheese, shredded (225 g)
- 6 oz pre-cooked lean ground turkey (170 g), or other toppings (sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, fresh spinach)
- 1 tsp salt
- a pinch sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C), the yeast packet, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foamy layer forms on top.
- Prepare Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, 1 Tbsp olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back slightly when poked. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat, then cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has visibly doubled in size.
- Prep Cast Iron: Generously coat a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet with the remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil, making sure to grease the sides well to prevent sticking. Punch down the risen dough and carefully press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the skillet, forming a deep crust.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and provolone directly onto the dough crust. Next, add your chosen toppings, such as the pre-cooked lean ground turkey or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Finally, spoon the crushed San Marzano tomatoes over the toppings, spreading them gently to the edges.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese underneath is bubbly and molten. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a fiber boost, swap whole wheat flour for up to half the all-purpose flour. Use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes if San Marzano are unavailable, or plant-based cheeses for a dairy-free option. Do not overload with toppings to prevent sogginess. Ensure the cast iron is well-oiled, and allow the pizza to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for the cheese to set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (180 g)
- Calories: 500 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: deep dish pizza, cast iron, homemade pizza, family meal, comfort food, easy dinner, Chicago-style, cheesy, ground turkey, mozzarella