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Crispy Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Recipe with Perfect Caramelized Crust Edge

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A quick and easy deep dish pizza made in a cast iron skillet featuring a crispy, caramelized crust edge and gooey cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 105°F/40°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tbsp for skillet coating)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 20–25 pepperoni slices
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Lightly flour a surface and knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled.
  5. Prepare the sauce: Mix crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
  6. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place cast iron skillet inside to heat for 10 minutes.
  7. Shape dough in skillet: Remove hot skillet carefully, coat with 1 tbsp olive oil, stretch and press dough into skillet edges forming a deep dish shape.
  8. Layer toppings: Sprinkle half mozzarella over dough, pour tomato sauce over cheese, add pepperoni slices, then remaining mozzarella, and finish with Parmesan.
  9. Butter the crust edge: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush onto exposed dough edge using a pastry brush.
  10. Bake pizza: Return skillet to oven and bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and crust edge is deeply golden and crispy.
  11. Cool and serve: Let pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing to help cheese set and ease slicing.

Notes

Preheat the skillet to ensure a crispy crust. Use enough olive oil to prevent sticking. Brush the crust edge with melted butter and garlic powder for perfect caramelization. Let pizza rest before slicing. For extra crispiness, finish under broiler 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Avoid too much sauce or toppings to prevent soggy crust. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: deep dish pizza, cast iron pizza, crispy crust, caramelized crust, easy pizza recipe, homemade pizza, pepperoni pizza, quick dinner

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-cast-iron-deep-dish-pizza-recipe-with-perfect-caramelized-crust-edge/