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Homemade Pan Pizza

The Ultimate Homemade Pan Pizza Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!

There’s something truly magical about homemade pan pizza—the crispy, golden crust, the gooey, stretchy cheese, and the rich, flavorful sauce. If you love deep-dish, pizzeria-style pizza with a soft yet crunchy base, this recipe is for you. Say goodbye to delivery and make the perfect pan pizza at home with simple ingredients and an easy method.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Thick & Crispy Crust – Achieve a crispy, golden bottom with a soft, airy interior.
  • Customizable Toppings – Load up your pizza with your favorite toppings.
  • Restaurant-Style Quality – The perfect combination of crispiness and chewiness just like your favorite pizzeria.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a rough dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Sauce

While the dough rises, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, then set aside.

3. Shape and Proof the Dough

Grease a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet or a deep, oven-safe pan with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and stretch it out to fit the pan. Cover and let it rest for another 30 minutes.

4. Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Spread a layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a slight border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, followed by your favorite toppings, and finish with parmesan cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. The crust should be crisp at the bottom and soft inside. If you want an extra crispy bottom, cook on the stovetop for 1–2 minutes before serving.

6. Enjoy!

Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade pan pizza!

Tips for the Best Pan Pizza

  • Use a Cast Iron Skillet – It retains heat well and gives you that perfect crispy crust.
  • Don’t Overload Toppings – Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy.
  • Let the Dough Rise Fully – A well-risen dough ensures a fluffy, airy texture.
  • Experiment with Cheese – A mix of mozzarella and provolone can add extra stretch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade pan pizza is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Whether it’s a family dinner, game night, or just a craving for something delicious, this recipe will have you skipping takeout and making your own pizza masterpiece. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

Happy cooking!