Craving a pizza experience that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey? Look no further than our Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza! This Italian classic combines a buttery, flaky crust with layers of gooey mozzarella and zesty marinara, topped with perfectly sliced pepperoni. With just 50 minutes from prep to plate, you can transform your kitchen into a pizzeria and impress your family and friends with a slice of heaven. Get ready to indulge in a slice of comfort that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pizza dough. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (around 110°F or 43°C) with 1 packet of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza toppings. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of marinara sauce with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease a deep dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to the prepared pizza pan and use your fingers to press it evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a crust.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, ensuring an even layer.
- Layer 1 cup of sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese, distributing it evenly across the surface.
- Place the deep dish pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This will help the cheese set slightly for easier serving.
- Cut the pizza into 8 equal slices and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious deep dish pepperoni pizza!
Tips
- Perfect Your Dough: Ensure your water is warm but not too hot; around 110°F (43°C) is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it.
- Flour Control: If your dough feels sticky while kneading, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more flour. A smooth, elastic dough is key to a great crust!
- Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cool, try placing it in an oven (turned off) with the light on to create a cozy atmosphere for rising.
- Layering is Key: When adding toppings, start with the sauce, then cheese, and finally the pepperoni. This helps prevent the toppings from burning and ensures a deliciously melty texture.
- Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on your pizza as it bakes. Ovens can vary, and you want that crust golden brown and the cheese bubbly, but not overcooked.
- Cooling Time: Let the pizza rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set, making it easier to slice and serve without losing all that delicious gooeyness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
