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Crispy Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Recipe with Sausage and Peppers

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A quick and easy deep dish pizza made in a cast iron skillet with a crispy crust, savory Italian sausage, and sweet bell peppers. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 315 g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for dough)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 12 oz Italian sausage, casing removed (mild or spicy)
  • 2 medium bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (240 ml), preferably San Marzano
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella (about 200 g)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by stirring warm water (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Adjust with water or flour if needed.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
  4. Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  5. While dough rises, cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  6. In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onions, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes until soft and caramelized, about 7 minutes.
  7. Make the sauce by heating 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place cast iron skillet in oven to heat for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Punch down the risen dough and roll or press into a 12-inch circle. Remove hot skillet, brush with olive oil, and press dough into skillet with edges up the sides.
  10. Layer half the mozzarella over dough, then cooked sausage, sautéed peppers and onions. Pour tomato sauce over toppings, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan if using.
  11. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and crust is crisp and brown.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Preheat the cast iron skillet well to achieve a crispy crust. Use enough olive oil to prevent sticking and create a golden crust. Avoid overloading toppings to prevent soggy crust. Let dough rest after kneading for easier stretching. Check pizza at 15 minutes to avoid burning. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid to keep crust crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: deep dish pizza, cast iron pizza, sausage and peppers pizza, crispy pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/crispy-cast-iron-deep-dish-pizza-recipe-with-sausage-and-peppers-easy-and-perfect/