Why We Love Crockpot Pizza
I have a strange fondness of making out of the ordinary dishes in the crockpot. I secretly consider it a personal challenge. One day when I was craving Chicago-Style Pizza, I had the thought to make it in my crockpot! Since I had made bread in the crockpot before, I knew what wonderful things low heat could do to yeasty dough. So I knew there was no reason this wouldn’t work! You might be wondering, “Why would I make pizza in a slow cooker when I could just pop it in the oven?” I’m so glad you asked. Slow cooker deep dish pizza is hard to burn. I mean, you really have to try to burn it. If you have an affinity for leaving things in the oven too long, this recipe is for you! Leave the house for a few hours without fear. Crockpot cooking saves energy. It also keeps your house cool. Crockpots make the perfect crust. Cooking the crust low and slow gives it a fabulous pillowy texture on the inside, yet it still crisps up on the outside. It’s a great kids’ cooking project. Gone are your concerns of singed fingers. Set out toppings and let the kids go crazy! They’ll have fun stretching the dough and piling on the cheese, right in the crockpot. You’ll come home to a finished dinner. Like with most crockpot recipes, you can prep the pizza in the morning and come home to a tantalizing dinner, ready and waiting for you. Perfect for those busy weeknights! Plus, if you have several crockpots you can make multiple varieties at once. (You wouldn’t believe how many friends and readers tell me they have 3-4 crockpots at home.)
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Deep Dish Pizza
Pizza dough – homemade fresh pizza dough or frozen pizza dough, thawed Cornmeal – adds flavor and texture to the crust Butter – for sauteeing the garlic and shallot Shallot – peeled and diced Garlic cloves – minced Tomatoes – crushed Italian seasoning – or make your own mix Sugar – just a pinch to add a little bit of sweetness Salt – brings out the flavor in the crust Italian blend cheese – shredded Italian sausage – cooked Garnishes – parmesan cheese, chopped parsley
How to Make Pizza in the Crockpot
Recipe Variations
You can make this dish with classic pepperoni if you prefer. Use sliced pepperoni layered between mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce for a traditional pizza flavor. If you want to make a veggie version, simply swap out the pepperoni for bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives. Sauté the vegetables lightly before adding them for enhanced flavor. To create a BBQ chicken pizza, use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce. Add red onions and cilantro on top. Set out a bunch of favorite pizza toppings, and let everyone create their own!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this slow cooker pizza with a fresh side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, enjoy it with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to complement the pizza’s rich tomato flavors. Make it a full meal and enjoy it with any of these delicious sides: roasted vegetables, stuffed mushrooms, or a classic Caesar salad. You can also serve it with a side of marinara sauce, ranch, garlic sauce, or whatever your favorite is, for dipping!
Looking for More Slow Cooker Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler Crockpot Thanksgiving Stuffing Slow Cooker Quiche Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Slow Cooker Apple Yeast Rolls
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