Name: Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1½ cups warm water; 1½ tsp honey; 1½ tsp yeast; 4 cups flour; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 5 Tbsp pizza sauce; 200g pizza cheese (grated); 100g pepperoni slices

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If you are craving something rich, satisfying, and wonderfully indulgent, this Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort meal. Imagine a thick, buttery crust baked to golden perfection, generously layered with tangy pizza sauce, melty cheese, and spicy pepperoni slices that crisp beautifully in the oven. This recipe combines simplicity with classic flavors to create a pizza experience that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing friends with some homemade goodness, this deep dish pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round pizza in a black cast iron pan, showing three layers: the bottom layer is white dough with a smooth texture and thick edge border; the middle layer is bright red tomato sauce spread evenly over the dough; the top layer is shredded pale yellow cheese scattered across the sauce with nine round slices of pink salami placed on top, evenly spread out in a circular pattern. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, vibrant flavor, and eye-catching color that make this pizza so mouthwatering.

1½ cups warm water: Activates the yeast so your dough rises soft and fluffy.
1½ tsp honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the sauce.
1½ tsp yeast: The powerhouse for the dough’s rise and airy texture.
4 cups flour: The base for your dough, providing structure and a chewy crust.
2 Tbsp olive oil: Keeps the dough tender and gives it a golden finish.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough and toppings.
5 Tbsp pizza sauce: Brings a rich tomato flavor with a hint of herbs.
200g pizza cheese: Melts perfectly into a gooey, stringy layer that is pure comfort.
100g pepperoni slices: Adds spicy, savory notes and crisp texture on top.

How to Make Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm water and honey in a large bowl to create a cozy environment for the yeast. Stir in the yeast, then cover with a tea towel and let it sit for 10 minutes until it turns frothy and bubbly—this signals your yeast is alive and ready to work.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture, then use a mixer with a dough hook on low speed to blend everything for about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth but slightly sticky dough. If you don’t have a mixer, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface to get the same result.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover your bowl with a clean tea towel and stick it somewhere warm. Let the dough rise undisturbed for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size, becoming light and airy.

Step 4: Divide and Rest

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and split it in half. Roll each portion into a ball and leave them to rest for an additional 15 minutes, so the gluten relaxes, making rolling out easier.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 210°C (fan bake). A properly heated oven ensures that golden crust and bubbly cheese you’re dreaming of.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Using a rolling pin, press each dough ball into a circular shape. Lightly oil your skillet or cake tin and transfer the dough circles in, gently pressing them up the sides to form a deep dish crust.

Step 7: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over each dough base, then cover generously with the pizza cheese and top with an even layer of pepperoni slices. This layering is key to locking in flavor and ensuring that classic deep dish pizza look.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Place your pans in the oven and bake for around 20 minutes, or until the cheese begins to bubble and turn golden, and the crust is cooked through with a slight crisp at the edges.

How to Serve Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

The image shows a pepperoni pizza in a black pan resting on a wooden board. The pizza is sliced into six pieces, with one piece slightly pulled away. The pizza features three layers: a light golden-brown crust forming the base, a bright red tomato sauce layer in the middle, and a top layer of melted, slightly browned cheese with round pepperoni slices scattered on top. A single slice of pizza is placed on a white plate in the foreground, showing the same layers clearly. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once your deep dish pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese to add freshness and a burst of additional flavor that complements the hearty toppings beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some garlic breadsticks for an extra indulgent carb fest that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your deep dish pepperoni pizza into smaller, wedge-shaped bites served on wooden boards or slate plates. Adding colorful dipping sauces like ranch or spicy marinara on the side invites an interactive and fun way to enjoy each slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days and still taste delicious when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat your pizza in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps restore the crispy crust and melty cheese better than a microwave.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-made dough can save you time and still deliver great results, especially if you’re short on time. Just make sure to follow the rising and resting steps if the dough requires it.

What type of cheese works best for Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe?

Classic mozzarella is your best bet for that perfect melt and stretch, but you can mix in provolone or cheddar for added flavor depth if you like.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Since this is a deep dish style pizza, aim for about ¼ inch thickness and make sure the dough goes up the sides of your pan to hold all those toppings.

Can I add extra toppings along with pepperoni?

Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or onions to customize your deep dish pizza. Just be mindful not to overload it to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for making more than two servings?

Yes, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities and use larger pans or more skillets to accommodate bigger batches of this delicious Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Making this Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—delicious, comforting, and perfect every time. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough, especially if you love a thick, cheesy crust packed with pepperoni goodness. Get your hands in the dough and enjoy every step of creating a pizza masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy any pizza craving.