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Crispy Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Recipe Easy Spicy Pepperoni Perfect for Dinner

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A crispy deep dish pizza made in a cast iron skillet featuring a golden crunchy crust, spicy pepperoni, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz (225g) spicy pepperoni slices
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough (10 minutes active, 1 hour rise): In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 cup warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the Dough (8-10 minutes): Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic—about 8 minutes. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook for 6-7 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from your hands.
  3. Let Dough Rise (1 hour): Place dough back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
  4. Prepare the Sauce (5 minutes): While dough rises, mix 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Preheat Oven & Skillet (10 minutes): Place your 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). Let the skillet get hot to develop the crust.
  6. Shape the Dough (5 minutes): Once risen, punch down dough and transfer to a floured surface. Roll or stretch it into a circle about 12 inches diameter.
  7. Assemble the Pizza (5 minutes): Remove hot skillet from oven (wear mitts). Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil in pan and spread evenly. Lay dough into skillet, pressing it up the sides to form a deep edge. Spread sauce evenly over dough.
  8. Add Cheese & Pepperoni (3 minutes): Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over sauce, then layer 8 oz spicy pepperoni slices on top.
  9. Bake (15-18 minutes): Return skillet to oven and bake until crust is golden and crispy, cheese bubbly and starting to brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.
  10. Finish & Serve (2 minutes): Remove pizza and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Slice carefully with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Notes

Preheat the cast iron skillet to ensure a crispy crust. Avoid overloading with sauce or cheese to prevent sogginess. Let the pizza rest before slicing for better cheese set. For extra crispiness, place skillet on bottom rack for last 5 minutes of baking. Leftovers reheat best in oven or skillet, not microwave.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/crispy-cast-iron-deep-dish-pizza-recipe-easy-spicy-pepperoni-perfect-for-dinner/