This homemade deep-dish pizza is a rich and indulgent take on a classic favorite. With a buttery crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your choice of toppings, this pizza is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Each bite delivers layers of bold flavors and a hearty texture that makes it perfect for pizza night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Buttery Crust: A layered, flaky dough that holds up to all the delicious toppings.
• Homemade Sauce: The fresh tomato sauce adds a burst of flavor that rivals any pizzeria.
• Customizable Toppings: Make it your own with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup yellow cornmeal
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1¼ cups water, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon + 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup grated onion
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
For the Toppings:
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 4 cups)
• Pepperoni or other toppings of choice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
2. Add the water and melted butter. Mix until combined, then knead the dough (by hand or using a dough hook) until smooth and glossy, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Transfer the dough to a bowl greased with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Turn the dough to coat it in oil, cover tightly, and let it rise at room temperature until nearly doubled, about 45–60 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add grated onion, oregano, and salt. Cook until the onion is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add crushed tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook until the sauce thickens to about 2½ cups, about 25–30 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in basil, olive oil, and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Laminate the Dough
1. Roll the risen dough into a 15×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border.
2. Roll the dough into a tight cylinder, flatten into an 18×4-inch rectangle, and cut in half. Fold each half into thirds like a letter, form into balls, and refrigerate for 40–50 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Pans and Dough
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with 2 tablespoons olive oil each.
2. Roll out each dough ball into a 13-inch circle. Transfer to the pans, pressing the dough into the corners and up the sides by about 1 inch. Let rest if it resists stretching.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizzas
1. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over each pizza. Add desired toppings and spread 1¼ cups of sauce evenly over the top.
2. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
2. Let the pizzas cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
• Resting the Dough: If the dough resists stretching, let it relax for a few minutes before retrying.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and sauce a day in advance for convenience.
• Customize Toppings: Use cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a unique flavor combination.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: Wrap fully baked and cooled pizza slices in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
This deep-dish pizza recipe delivers a crispy, buttery crust and a satisfying blend of flavors that will make it a staple in your home kitchen!
