cooking deep dish pizza in cast iron skillet

Cooking Deep Dish Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet

Deep dish pizza, known for its thick and buttery crust, gooey cheese, and generous toppings, is a beloved staple of Chicago-style cuisine. One of the best ways to bring this delicious dish to life is by cooking it in a cast iron skillet. The cast iron provides excellent heat retention, ensuring that the pizza crust becomes beautifully crispy while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a mouth-watering deep dish pizza in a cast iron skillet, covering everything from the dough to the toppings.

Ingredients

For the Dough - 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 cup warm water (about 110°F) - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted), divided - 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) - 1 bell pepper (chopped) - 1 small onion (chopped) - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1 Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This ensures that the yeast is active.

2. Combine Ingredients In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Once the yeast is activated, combine it with the flour mixture. Add ½ cup of melted butter and olive oil.

3. Knead the Dough Turn the mixture onto a floured surface and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

4. Let it Rise Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 2 Prep the Cast Iron Skillet

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take your cast iron skillet (a 12-inch skillet works well) and generously grease it with the remaining melted butter. This will give your crust a delicious buttery flavor and help it crisp up nicely.

Step 3 Assemble the Pizza

1. Shape the Dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down and put it on a floured surface. Roll it out into a circle that’s larger than your skillet, about 12-14 inches in diameter.

2. Transfer to Skillet Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into the skillet, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to create a thick crust.

3. Layer the Ingredients Start layering your pizza. Begin with the mozzarella cheese at the bottom, followed by the ricotta cheese. Add crumbled sausage, chopped bell pepper, and onion next. Finally, pour the crushed tomatoes over the top, and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4 Bake the Pizza

Place the cast iron skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Step 5 Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the pizza cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set a bit, making it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh basil, cut into wedges, and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Deep Dish Pizza

- Experiment with Toppings While traditional deep dish pizza often features sausage and bell peppers, feel free to get creative with your toppings. Mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni can all contribute to a delicious combination. - Use High-Quality Ingredients Quality cheese and fresh vegetables make a noticeable difference in the final dish. Opt for fresh mozzarella from a local deli and vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor. - Make Ahead You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

Cooking deep dish pizza in a cast iron skillet is an easy and rewarding culinary adventure. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, this pizza is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a slice of Chicago right from your kitchen!