Imagine a pizza so decadent, so loaded with pepperoni and melted cheese that it'll make your taste buds do a happy dance! Our Homemade Pepperoni Lovers Deep Dish Pizza isn't just a meal - it's a culinary adventure that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet pizzeria. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or just craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to deliver a slice of pure comfort that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your deep-dish pizza pan (about 14 inches in diameter).
- Grease the deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil or cooking spray. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by an even layer of pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni, and then add the Italian seasoning evenly over the cheese.
- Carefully place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit.
- Cut the pizza into 8 slices and serve hot. Enjoy your Homemade Pepperoni Lovers Deep Dish Pizza!
Tips
- Yeast Activation is Key: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Dough Consistency Matters: If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually. The perfect dough should be smooth and elastic.
- Rising Environment: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise effectively. A turned-off oven with the light on works great!
- Cheese Distribution: Layer your cheese strategically - some under the pepperoni and some on top - for maximum flavor and melting.
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings to ensure a crispy bottom.
- Cooling Time: Let the pizza rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
