Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza recipe inspired by Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet. It's a no-roll, easy-to-make delight that captures the spirit of Chicago's famous Pizzeria Uno. With a rich, thick crust bursting with flavor and a variety of toppings to customize, this recipe is perfect for gatherings and large groups. Whether you're a fan of traditional cheese and tomato or prefer to load on your favorite meats and veggies, this pizza promises to satisfy every craving. Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual family dinners, this Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza will wow your guests with its cheesy goodness and hearty toppings.
N/A
Servings
281
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
quick-rising yeast
2 (1/4 ounce) packages (none)
tepid water
2 cups (90 degrees)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (none)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (none)
cornmeal
1/2 cup (none)
flour
5 1/2 cups (none)
sliced mozzarella cheese
1/3 lb (sliced)
canned plum tomatoes
2 cups (drained and squished)
basil leaves
1 teaspoon (dried)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and crushed)
grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (for topping)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In the bowl of an electric mixer (a KitchenAid works great), dissolve the yeast in tepid water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2
Add the vegetable oil, olive oil, cornmeal, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Beat on medium speed for 10 minutes until smooth and well-combined.
3
Switch to the dough hook attachment and gradually mix in the remaining 2.5 cups of flour. Knead with the machine for several minutes until a rich and moist dough forms.
4
Transfer the dough to a floured surface, cover with a large metal bowl, and allow it to rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
5
Once risen, punch down the dough and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
6
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
7
Oil two round cake pans or deep dish pizza pans generously.
8
Divide the dough in half and press each portion into the prepared pans, stretching it to reach the edges and up the sides, aiming for an even 1/8" thickness throughout.
9
For filling, layer sliced mozzarella cheese on the bottom of each pie, followed by the squished canned tomatoes. Sprinkle the basil, oregano, and crushed garlic evenly over the top. Reserve the grated Parmesan cheese for later.
10
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the pizza filling. If desired, you can add toppings like Italian sausage, sliced onions, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or ham.
11
Finally, sprinkle the reserved Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
12
Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden, gooey, and the crust is lightly golden brown.
13
Remove from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, slice and serve as the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza?
The Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza is a thick-crust, Chicago-style pizza recipe inspired by Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet, designed to be easy to make without rolling the dough.
Who inspired this pizza recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Jeff Smith, famously known as The Frugal Gourmet, and captures the spirit of Pizzeria Uno.
Is this a Chicago-style pizza?
Yes, it is specifically designed to emulate the famous deep dish style of Chicago's Pizzeria Uno.
How much yeast is required for the dough?
The recipe requires 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) of quick-rising yeast.
What should the temperature of the water be for the yeast?
The water should be tepid, specifically around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should I let the yeast sit in the water?
Let the yeast dissolve and sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What kind of mixer is best for this dough?
An electric mixer, such as a KitchenAid, works great for this recipe.
What types of oil are used in the dough?
The dough uses a combination of 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much flour is used in total for the recipe?
A total of 5 1/2 cups of flour is used, divided into 3 cups for the initial mix and 2.5 cups for the kneading phase.
How long should I beat the initial dough mixture?
Beat the initial mixture on medium speed for 10 minutes until smooth and well-combined.
When do I switch to the dough hook attachment?
Switch to the dough hook attachment after the initial 10-minute beating when you are ready to add the remaining 2.5 cups of flour.
How long does the dough need to rise initially?
The dough should rise until doubled in size, which typically takes between 1 to 2 hours.
Does the dough require a second rise?
Yes, after punching down the dough, it should rise again for about 30 minutes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius).
What pans should I use for this pizza?
You can use two round cake pans or specific deep dish pizza pans, ensuring they are generously oiled.
How do I shape the dough in the pan?
Press the dough into the pan with your hands, stretching it to the edges and up the sides to an even 1/8 inch thickness.
What is the layering order for the pizza fillings?
Layer sliced mozzarella on the bottom first, followed by squished canned tomatoes, and then the herbs and garlic.
How are the tomatoes prepared?
Use 2 cups of canned plum tomatoes that have been drained and squished.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, which should be peeled and crushed.
When is the Parmesan cheese added?
The grated Parmesan cheese is reserved and sprinkled on top of the pizza just before it goes into the oven.
What optional toppings can be added?
You can add Italian sausage, sliced onions, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or ham.
How long does the pizza bake?
Bake the pizzas for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and gooey.
How many calories are in a serving of this pizza?
One serving of this pizza contains approximately 281 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 12.5 grams of protein.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, it is described as an ultimate crowd-pleaser and is perfect for large groups, game nights, or family dinners.
Do I need to roll out the dough?
No, this is a no-roll recipe; you simply press the dough into the pans with your fingers.
What texture should the dough have?
The dough should be rich, moist, and smooth after kneading.
How much cornmeal is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of cornmeal in the dough.
Should the pizza cool before slicing?
Yes, allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving.