Deep Pan Pizza: The Ultimate Guide

Deep-pan pizza is a style of pizza characterised by a thick crust. It is often cooked in a deep or tall-sided cooking vessel, such as a cast-iron skillet, which allows the pizza to hold more cheese, toppings and sauce. The crust is usually made with more fat, such as olive oil or butter, than regular pizza dough.

To make a deep-pan pizza, you will need to prepare the dough and let it rise. Then, divide the dough in half and roll each portion out on a lightly floured work surface. Transfer each portion to a greased cast-iron skillet, using your fingers to form the dough and pressing it into the skillet's corners and up the sides. From there, you can add your desired toppings and pop it in the oven!

Choosing the right pan

Material

The pan's material will influence how quickly and evenly it heats up and retains heat. Metal pans, such as those made of aluminized steel or cast iron, heat up quickly and evenly, producing a nicely browned crust. Ceramic and stone pans take longer to heat up but retain heat better. Cast iron pans are excellent for deep-pan pizzas as they hold heat well and create a crispy crust.

Weight

The weight of the pan is also important. Heavier pans made from materials like cast iron or thick stone absorb moisture better, resulting in a crispier crust. Lighter metal pans, such as those made of aluminium, are easier to handle. Choose a weight that you are comfortable with.

Shape and Size

Round, square, or rectangular pans can all be used to make deep-pan pizzas. Round pans are best for smaller pizzas, while rectangular pans allow you to make longer pizzas that can be cut into multiple slices. Choose a size that is suitable for the quantity of pizza you regularly make. Individual 6-10 inch pans are good for personal pizzas, while larger 14+ inch pans can accommodate family-sized or commercial pizzas.

Wall Height

For deep-pan pizzas, choose a pan with taller sides, at least 1-2 inches high. This will hold in the dough layers and create the thick, dense crust characteristic of deep-pan pizzas.

Non-Stick Coating

Some metal pizza pans have a non-stick coating, which is not essential but can be helpful in preventing sticking and making cleanup easier.

Price

Inexpensive metal pizza pans often work just fine, but higher-priced ceramic or stone pans will retain heat better and may be more durable. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when choosing a pan.

Preparing the dough

Ingredients

First, gather your ingredients. For the dough, you will need:

• Flour (all-purpose or strong white bread flour)
• Cornmeal (yellow or regular)
• Salt
• Sugar (granulated or caster)
• Yeast (active dry, instant or quick-rise)
• Olive oil
• Water (lukewarm or slightly warm)
• Butter (optional)

Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast. Give these ingredients a quick mix to blend them together. Then, add the liquid ingredients: olive oil and water. If using butter, you can melt it and add it here as well. Mix everything together until a rough ball of dough starts to form.

Kneading the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and start kneading. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes soft, supple, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough feels too hard, you can add a teaspoon of warm water. If it feels too soft, add a tablespoon of flour.

First Rise

Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place. It should take about 1-2 hours for the dough to double in size.

Shaping the Dough

After the first rise, punch down the dough to remove any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle. If you want to make your pizza extra flaky, you can spread softened butter over the dough at this point and roll it up like a cinnamon roll. Then, cut the dough in half and shape each piece into a ball. Place the dough balls back into the greased bowl, cover, and let rise in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Now your dough is ready to be used for your deep-pan pizza! Simply roll it out to fit your pan, add your desired toppings, and bake according to your recipe instructions. Enjoy your homemade deep-pan pizza!

Making the sauce

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Onion (grated)
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed tomatoes
• Sugar

Method:

• Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
• Once melted, add the grated onion, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the onion is slightly browned, which should take around 5 minutes.
• Next, add the garlic, tomatoes, and sugar. Stir everything together.
• Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the sauce simmer. This will allow the flavours to develop and the sauce to thicken. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hearty, fragrant, and thick.
• You should now have around 2 and 1/2 cups of sauce. If you have more, continue to simmer until it reduces.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside until you're ready to assemble your pizzas. You can also store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Your deep-pan pizza sauce is now ready to use! Simply spread it over your prepared pizza crust, add your favourite toppings, and bake according to your pizza recipe instructions. Enjoy your delicious, homemade deep-pan pizza!

Adding the toppings

Toppings are what make a pizza so great, so this is the fun part! You can add whatever you like, but here are some ideas to get you started.

First, you'll want to add a layer of cheese. Mozzarella is a popular choice, but you can also use cheddar, parmesan, or a mix. Then, you can add your favourite meats. This could be pepperoni, bacon, sausage, or ham. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you could add extra veggies like peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach.

Now, you'll want to add your sauce. A traditional tomato sauce is always a good choice, but you could also try something different like a barbecue or chilli sauce. Finally, if you're feeling extra indulgent, add another layer of cheese on top!

• Hawaiian: extra cheese, pineapple, ham, bacon, peppers, and red onions, with barbecue sauce
• Spinach and tomato: mozzarella, spinach, basil, olive oil, grape tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and grated cheese
• Taco: ground beef, cheese, taco seasoning, olives, beans, onions, and extra taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and tomatoes
• Loaded: all the meats, extra cheese, and any veggies you like

Baking the pizza

Now that you've prepared your deep-pan pizza, it's time to bake it!

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) or 450°F, depending on your recipe. Grease your deep-dish pizza pan with butter or olive oil. If you're using a cast-iron skillet, place it on a baking sheet to catch any spills.

Next, stretch your dough to fit the pan. You can do this by hand or on a lightly oiled surface. Make sure to push the dough up the sides of the pan to create a deep cavity for your toppings. If your dough is resistant and keeps shrinking back, let it rest for 15 minutes before trying again.

Once your dough is in the pan, it's time to add your toppings! Start with your cheese—a thick layer of shredded mozzarella is standard for deep-dish pizzas. Then, add your meat and vegetable toppings. Finish with a generous layer of tomato sauce.

Cover your pizza and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover your pizza with aluminium foil after the first 15 minutes of baking.

Remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Be careful, as the pan will be very hot! Enjoy your homemade deep-pan pizza!

Frequently asked questions