Why We Love This Deep Dish Pizza
Our classic crock pot version (you read that right) of this recipe has long been a reader favorite. It’s pretty great because the slow steaming makes the pizza crust super soft and fluffy on the inside and crisp around the edges. However, this Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza recipe is faster to make, and just as tasty. Cooking the pizza pie in a cast iron skillet also creates ultra-crisp edges with a crunchy golden bottom. We’re big fans of traditional Chicago pizza, traditionally loaded with cheese and sausage on the bottom and a thick tomato sauce on top. However, you can add any toppings you like to this cast iron pizza! Feel free to include a variety of cooked meats (like pepperoni and ham), or make as a vegetarian pizza recipe with lots of chopped veggies. Or do a combo of both! Even an all-cheese pizza is terrific if you prefer. With readymade dough (homemade or store-bought), the Chicago deep-dish pizza recipe takes only about an hour to prepare and bake. So, any night of the week is great for a family pizza party!
Ingredients You Need
Olive oil – or preferred neutral-tasting oil Cornmeal – to keep the crust from sticking to the pan Pizza dough – homemade or store-bought Butter – unsalted Onion – chopped Garlic – minced Crushed tomatoes – unsalted Italian seasoning – use homemade which includes a combination of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram or store-bought Granulated sugar – to balance the savory and salty flavors Salt Italian sausage – cooked Italian cheese blend – or mozzarella Parmesan cheese – grated Fresh parsley – chopped
This recipe includes an easy homemade tomato sauce. However, for faster prep, you can use a chunky store-bought pizza sauce.
How to Make Pizza in a Cast Iron Pan
Suggestions for Fillings and Toppings
Our favorite filling for the pizza is browned sausage, but you can also use or add pepperoni, chopped ham, pieces of Canadian bacon, crispy crumbled bacon, cooked sliced chicken… Or just about any cooked protein you prefer! If you want to include veggies like mushrooms, olives, or green peppers, I suggest you cook them in the skillet along with your meat (if using) before adding to the pizza. If you add them raw they will release moisture into the filling and make the crust soggy. These cooked vegetables can also be added to the top of the cast iron pizza after it bakes!
Serving Suggestions
Deep dish pairs well with salads like Caesar Salad to balance the hearty, savory flavors of the pizza. If you want a more indulgent meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or breadsticks to complement the warm, comforting nature of the dish. For additional sides, roasted vegetables or even a fruit salad add a light and flavorful touch that pairs well with the rich ingredients of the deep dish pizza.
Looking For More Scrumptious Cast Iron Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Skillet Skillet Steak Bites with Mushrooms Perfect Tamale Pie Recipe Cottage Pie Recipe (Best Shepherds Pie)
Get the Complete (Printable) Cast Iron Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy! Share This Recipe With Friends!
