If you’ve ever dreamed of making a restaurant-quality pie right in your own kitchen, this Deep Dish Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Custom Toppings Recipe is your ticket to pizza nirvana. Imagine sinking your teeth into a thick, buttery crust layered with gooey mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, tangy tomato sauce, and all your favorite toppings baked to melty perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it the perfect dish to share with friends and family or savor solo on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a mouthwatering deep dish pizza that balances texture, taste, and vibrant color beautifully. Each component plays a role, from the crisp cornmeal in the crust to the aromatic spices in the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups): Forms the sturdy, chewy base of your pizza crust.
- Cornmeal (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle crunch and a lovely golden hue to the dough.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness in the dough.
- Sugar (2 teaspoons): Feeds the yeast to help the dough rise and lightly sweetens the crust.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magical ingredient that makes your dough rise to perfection.
- Warm water (1 1/4 cups): Necessary to activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Brings richness and tenderness to the crust.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Your pizza’s gooey, melty heart everyone will love.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a sharp, salty kick to complement the mozzarella.
- Crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce (2 cups): The vibrant, tangy foundation for your toppings.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings classic Italian herbaceous notes to the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Balances the acidity in your sauce for a smoother taste.
- Custom toppings: Choose your favorites—bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, cooked chicken, or anything you love!
- Olive oil: For brushing the crust and giving it a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Deep Dish Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Custom Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by dissolving the yeast in warm water and letting it activate until foamy—this step wakes up the yeast to ensure your dough rises beautifully. Then mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar before adding the yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead the dough until it becomes soft and elastic. Patience is key here, so cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a deep dish pizza pan or a sturdy cast-iron skillet—the oil prevents sticking and helps develop that irresistible golden crust we crave.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Once risen, press your dough firmly into the pan, making sure to spread it up the sides. The thickness of the crust is what sets deep dish apart, so don’t be shy—make it generous and inviting!
Step 4: Layer Cheese and Toppings
Here’s a little insider tip: create a base layer of mozzarella cheese directly on top of the dough. This barrier keeps the crust from getting soggy from the sauce. Next, pile on your choice of custom toppings—think colorful peppers, earthy mushrooms, or savory cooked chicken. Finish by spreading the crushed tomatoes or sauce evenly over everything, then sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and the optional sugar to round out the flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and golden. That aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, give your pizza about 5 minutes to cool and set — this helps those layers stay put. Brush the crust with olive oil to add a glossy finish and an extra hint of richness before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Deep Dish Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Custom Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your deep dish pizza with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor and presentation, adding a refreshing or spicy kick to each slice. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving also enhances richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Complement this hearty pizza with crisp green salads dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, or serve with garlic breadsticks for extra indulgence. A bowl of tomato basil soup pairs delightfully, creating a comforting, cohesive meal perfect for sharing.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your deep dish pizza into generous wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, casual vibe. If you want to impress, arrange slices on colorful plates and garnish with fresh herbs or even grated Parmesan right before serving, making each portion look as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain that gooey cheese texture without drying out the crust.
Freezing
This Deep Dish Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Custom Toppings Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the unbaked or fully baked pizza tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freezing it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust chewy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating it is a fantastic time-saver. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and going through the baking steps.
Can I freeze the pizza?
You absolutely can. Both unbaked and baked versions freeze wonderfully. Just be sure to wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
Is a deep dish pizza pan necessary?
While a deep dish pan or cast-iron skillet is ideal to develop that signature thick crust, you can substitute with a high-sided baking pan or a springform pan if needed.
What toppings work best?
Anything goes! From classic pepperoni to sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or cooked chicken, you can customize your pizza to match your cravings perfectly.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Layering cheese directly on the dough before toppings and sauce acts as a moisture barrier. Also, pre-cook watery toppings like mushrooms or spinach to reduce moisture during baking.
Final Thoughts
Making a Deep Dish Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Custom Toppings Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience. It’s not just about the incredible flavors and textures—it’s the joy of crafting something special from scratch that brings loved ones together. Give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes your go-to comfort meal, full of endless possibilities for customization and celebration.
Print
Deep Dish Pizza with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Custom Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Chicago-Style Pizza
Description
This deep dish pizza recipe delivers a thick, buttery crust loaded with melted mozzarella, savory toppings, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for an indulgent homemade Chicago-style pizza experience, it features a cornmeal-enriched dough that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside, baked in a deep pan for the ultimate cheesy and saucy delight.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Pizza Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, cooked chicken, etc.)
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar. Mix well to distribute evenly.
- Form the Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Knead everything together until a soft, elastic dough forms, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm environment. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, ensuring a light and airy crust.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pizza.
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly oil a deep dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking. Press the dough into the pan, spreading it evenly and up the sides to form a thick crust that will hold all the delicious toppings.
- Layer Cheese: Begin by spreading a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese directly onto the dough. This base layer prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Add Toppings: Arrange your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese layer, customizing your pizza to your preference.
- Spread Sauce: Spoon the crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce evenly over the toppings. Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and optional sugar atop the sauce to enhance flavor complexity.
- Bake Pizza: Place the pizza pan in the preheated oven, baking it for 25-30 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles enticingly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to allow the layers to set. Brush the crust edges with olive oil to add a flavorful shine and richness. Slice and enjoy your homemade deep dish masterpiece.
Notes
- Be patient while letting the dough rise to achieve a perfect crust.
- Layer cheese directly on the dough to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting to keep the layers intact.
- If you don’t have cornmeal, semolina flour can be used as a substitute for similar texture.
- Pre-cook watery or raw toppings like mushrooms or spinach to avoid excess moisture.
- Use fresh mozzarella and high-quality tomatoes for enhanced flavor.
