Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• ¾ cup warm water (not hot)

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Optional: 2 tbsp softened butter (for richer, more authentic crust)

Toppings

• 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½–1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara)

• 10–12 slices pepperoni or cooked sausage (or any toppings you like)

• 2–3 tbsp grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Make the dough

   • In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

   • Add flour, salt, and olive oil (plus butter if using). Mix and knead 5 minutes until smooth.

   • Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes (until doubled).

2. Preheat & prep the pan

   • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

   • Grease your pan generously with olive oil or butter.

3. Form the crust

   • Press the dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides to form a thick edge.

   • Optional but tasty: Brush the dough with a thin layer of butter.

4. Layer the pizza (important order!)
   Deep dish goes cheese first so the crust doesn’t get soggy.

   • Add mozzarella

   • Add your toppings (pepperoni, sausage, veggies)

   • Pour the sauce on top

   • Sprinkle with parmesan

5. Bake

   • Bake for 22–28 minutes, until the crust is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

   • Let it cool 5–10 minutes before slicing (deep dish stays molten hot).