Deep Dish Pizza Skillet

Deep dish pizza skillet is a hearty and delicious homemade version of the classic Chicago-style pizza, featuring a thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. Made in a skillet, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family meal or game night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavors of a deep-dish pizza without needing a special pan.
• A thick, crispy crust that holds plenty of cheese and toppings.
• Easy to make in one skillet, reducing cleanup.
• Fully customizable with different cheeses, meats, and vegetables.
• Great for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Instant yeast
• Olive oil
• Sugar
• Salt

For the Sauce:

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Garlic (minced)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

For the Toppings:

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese
• Pepperoni, sausage, or other meats (optional)
• Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or olives (optional)

Directions

Making the Dough:

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Making the Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Assembling and Cooking the Pizza:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
3. Press the dough into the skillet, pushing it up the sides.
4. Layer mozzarella cheese at the bottom, followed by sauce and toppings.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Meat Lovers: Add sausage, bacon, and pepperoni.
• Vegetarian: Load with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
• Cheesy Crust: Brush the edges with butter and sprinkle with Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over low heat.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough saves time and works well for this recipe.

What’s the best skillet to use?

A 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet is best for even cooking and a crispy crust.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and let it come to room temperature before using.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Layer cheese first before adding the sauce to prevent sogginess.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?

Yes, cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, but the crust will not be as crispy.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is traditional, but a blend of provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan enhances the flavor.

Can I make a thinner crust?

Use half the dough for a thinner crust and reduce baking time by 5 minutes.

How do I get a crispy crust?

Preheat the skillet before adding the dough and brush the edges with olive oil.

Can I make this in a regular baking dish?

Yes, a deep baking dish works, but a skillet gives the best results.

What’s the difference between deep dish and regular pizza?

Deep dish has a thicker, buttery crust and layers cheese first, while regular pizza has a thinner crust with sauce on top.

Conclusion

Deep dish pizza skillet is a fun and delicious way to enjoy homemade pizza with a crispy crust, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. Whether making it for family dinner or entertaining guests, this easy skillet version delivers all the flavors of classic deep-dish pizza without the need for special equipment. Try it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a slice of homemade comfort food!

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A delicious and cheesy deep dish pizza skillet packed with layers of sauce, meats, and veggies. A must-try for pizza lovers!

• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage
• 1/4 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/4 cup green bell peppers (diced)
• 1/2 tsp oregano

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Press pizza dough into a greased cast iron skillet.
• Spread pizza sauce over the dough, followed by cheese, meats, and veggies.
• Sprinkle oregano on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
• Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!

Notes

• Use a store-bought crust for a quicker version.
• Add red pepper flakes for spice.