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Crispy Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Recipe with 3 Cheese Blend Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy deep dish pizza made in a cast iron skillet featuring a crispy yet tender crust and a luscious three cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for dough)
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (240 ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing garlic)
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (113 g)
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (85 g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, fresh basil leaves (added after baking)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: whisk warm water (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit until frothy, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Make the dough: combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Add flour if sticky but avoid too much.
  4. Let dough rise in a lightly oiled bowl, covered, in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
  5. Prepare the sauce: heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Cool.
  6. Preheat oven and skillet to 450°F (232°C) for 10 minutes.
  7. Shape the dough: punch down risen dough and roll or stretch to a 12-inch circle. Remove hot skillet from oven, drizzle olive oil inside, and press dough into skillet, pushing up sides.
  8. Layer pizza: spread tomato sauce evenly over dough. Sprinkle three cheese blend evenly. Add optional toppings sparingly.
  9. Bake pizza in skillet at 450°F (232°C) for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and browning. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set.

Notes

Preheat the cast iron skillet thoroughly to achieve a crispy crust. Avoid overloading with sauce or toppings to prevent soggy crust. If crust edges brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. Reheat leftovers in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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