Go Back
Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish Pizza

Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish Pizza

A thick, crisp-edged cast iron skillet pizza layered with mozzarella, Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and Parmesan. This Chicago-inspired dinner serves 4 to 6 people.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 2 cups (240 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) Warm water, about 105-110°F
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Skillet and Filling
  • 2 tablespoons, plus more for the bowl Olive oil
  • 8 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed, or pepperoni
  • 1/2 small onion Small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 360 g) Crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 8 ounces Low-moisture mozzarella, shredded or sliced
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
  • Optional Mushrooms, bell pepper, or cooked spinach

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and fine salt. Add the warm water and 1 tablespoon olive oil, then stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise until nearly doubled, about 60-90 minutes.
  3. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove excess grease if necessary, then add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Heat the oven to 450°F. Coat a 10-inch cast iron skillet generously with the 2 tablespoons olive oil, then press or gently stretch the dough across the bottom and 1 1/2-2 inches up the sides.
  6. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes if it resists stretching. Add the mozzarella first, followed by the sausage and any other toppings, then spoon the tomato sauce over the top and finish with Parmesan.
  7. Bake on the lower oven rack for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling. Rest the pizza for 10-15 minutes before slicing so the hot filling can set.