🍕✨ Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza

If you’re a fan of thick, cheesy, and indulgent pizza, this Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza is about to become your new favorite comfort food! Featuring a soft, fluffy crust, rich tomato sauce, layers of melted cheese, and savory pepperoni, this pizza delivers all the flavors of your favorite pizzeria right from your own kitchen.

✨ Perfect for family dinners, movie nights, or whenever you’re craving a delicious homemade “fakeaway” meal.

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

⏳ Rise Time: 1 hour

🔥 Bake Time: 25–30 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 6

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough

* 3 cups all-purpose flour

* 2¼ tsp instant yeast

* 1 tbsp sugar

* 1 tsp salt

* 1 cup warm water

* 3 tbsp olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce

* 2 cups tomato sauce

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 tsp dried oregano

* 1 tsp dried basil

* ½ tsp sugar

* Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Toppings

* 300 g (10 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated

* 150 g (5 oz) pepperoni slices

* ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated

* 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until a smooth and elastic dough forms.

Cover and leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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3️⃣ Assemble the Pizza

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

Grease a deep pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.

Press the dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides to create a deep crust.

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4️⃣ Add the Toppings

Spread half of the mozzarella cheese over the dough.

Layer the pepperoni slices evenly across the pizza.

Add the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

Spoon the prepared tomato sauce over the top.

Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

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5️⃣ Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

* Fresh garden salad

* Garlic dipping sauce

* Ranch dressing

* Crushed chili flakes

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💡 Tips for Success

✔️ Use full-fat mozzarella for the best melt and stretch.

✔️ A cast-iron skillet creates a beautifully crisp crust.

✔️ Avoid adding too much sauce to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

✔️ Let the pizza rest before slicing to help the layers set.

✔️ Add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or extra pepperoni for even more flavor.

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😍 The Result

A rich, cheesy, restaurant-style deep dish pizza with a golden crust, gooey melted cheese, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly crisp pepperoni in every bite.