Craving a pizza that’s not just delicious but also boasts a perfectly crispy crust? Look no further! Our Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Crust recipe is your ticket to pizza perfection. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden crust that’s thick, chewy, and full of flavor, all baked right in your trusty cast iron skillet. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this Italian classic that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Get ready to elevate your pizza night with a homemade crust that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 pizza
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate small bowl, activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water (around 110°F). Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbling, indicating the yeast is active.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients begin to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Stretch and press the dough into a well-seasoned 10-inch cast iron skillet, making sure to push the dough up the sides of the pan.
- Let the dough rest and rise again in the skillet for an additional 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Before adding toppings, brush the dough's surface with a thin layer of olive oil to help create a crispy golden crust.
- Add your desired pizza toppings, ensuring even distribution and leaving a small border around the edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest in the cast iron skillet for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the crust to set and cool slightly.
Tips
- Preheat Your Skillet: For an even crispier crust, preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven while it warms up. This will give your dough a head start on achieving that perfect golden brown finish.
- Don’t Rush the Yeast: Allowing the yeast to activate properly is crucial. Make sure the water is warm but not too hot—around 110°F is ideal. This will ensure your dough rises beautifully.
- Knead with Care: Kneading the dough is key to developing gluten, which gives the crust its structure. Aim for a smooth, elastic texture, and don’t be afraid to flour your hands and surface to prevent sticking.
- Let it Rise: Be patient during the rising phases. A warm, draft-free area will help the dough double in size, resulting in a light and airy crust.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Before adding your toppings, brushing the crust with olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also helps achieve that desirable crispy texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or a veggie-loaded delight, just remember to distribute them evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow your pizza to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the crust set and makes slicing much easier without losing all that delicious cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
