Quick Deep Dish Pizza Dough Recipe in Cast Iron

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This quick deep dish pizza dough bakes up golden and crisp in a cast iron skillet—perfect for thick, chewy, pan-style pizza in under an hour. No fancy tools or long rise times needed!

There’s just something magical about pizza night, isn’t there? Whether it’s a Friday wind-down or a midweek “we need comfort food now” kind of situation, pulling a bubbling, golden pizza from the oven never gets old.

At our house, this quick deep dish pizza dough has become a bit of a ritual. It’s got that thick, chewy Chicago-style crust we all love—but the best part? It comes together in under an hour, uses easy grocery store ingredients, and no fancy tools or long rise times required.

Just a few simple ingredients, a bowl, and our trusty cast iron pan. I love that it feels like a treat, but doesn’t take all day. And it’s incredibly forgiving—you don’t need to be a seasoned bread maker to pull it off. Just stir, rest, press, top, bake. That’s it.

deep dish pepperoni pizza in a cast iron skillet

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Homemade pizza dough isn’t just delicious—it’s also a surprisingly wholesome choice. I have found that when I make my own dough, I can control the ingredients, which means no preservatives, artificial flavors, or excess sodium like found in many store-bought or takeout versions. I love that I am using simple pantry staples like flour, active dry yeast, and olive oil, and if you want to get a little crazy, you can even experiment with bread flour or whole grains like wheat flour or nutrient-rich flours for a heartier, more nourishing crust.

Of course, you also know I have a sourdough crust recipe in my back pocket just for safe keeping! But beyond the health perks, making pizza dough from scratch is a genuinely fun and rewarding experience—especially for me, when it is made with family.

In a world where schedules are packed and screens compete for attention, gathering around a large mixing bowl, kneading dough on a lightly floured work surface, and topping your creations together is a chance to slow down and reconnect. My kids love shaping little dough balls, and as they get older, I am finding that they are enjoying getting creative with sauces and favorite toppings! All of this, and the whole process brings everyone into the moment together. I simply love it. It’s messy, it’s imperfect—and that’s what makes it perfect for me.

Whether it’s a Friday night ritual or a spontaneous weeknight dinner, making homemade pizza dough turns a meal into a memory, and always reminds me that the best way to feed our bodies is often not just with food, but with quality time and togetherness.

plice of deep dish pizza on a plate beside a cutting board and pizza cutter

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Quick: From mixing bowl to bite in under an hour. I have always loved the idea of homemade pizza, but at first thought it always felt like too big of a task. Not with this recipe! The dough ingredients are simple, and the process is even easier and straight forward!
Chicago-style vibes: Thick, chewy, and golden crust–this pan pizza gives you the feelings of city pizza eating. I promise you’ll love it!
Easily doubles: I absolutely love that this dough recipe can be easily doubled. Pizza is a great meal for friends or hungry teens. This recipe can easily feed a whole crew—or better yet, just allow us to have leftovers!

Key Ingredients

Like any great recipe, there are some key ingredients that makes this crust stand out!

Active dry yeast or instant yeast–like traditional pizza, the yeast gives the deep dish pizza crust the perfect rise. You can use either active dry yeast or straight up instant yeast. The process is a bit different, so be sure to check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!
All-purpose flour–I always use all-purpose, but you can always try adding or substituting a little wheat flour, just be aware it may change the texture slightly. I have never tried gluten-free flour, so be sure to let me know if you do and what you tweak to make it work!
Olive oil–I enjoy using extra-virgin olive oil, but avocado oil works as well. I love that the oil not only gives flavor, but it also allows for the perfect crisp to the crust.
Sugar, salt, and hot tap water–Key ingredients to get your deep-dish pizza dough to rise!

You can find the full ingredient list in the recipe card at the bottom of this post,

How to Make Deep Dish Pizza Dough

This pizza dough recipe is so simple, I promise you’ll have it memorized after the first try. The whole process—from mixing to pressing it into the pan—takes less than 30 minutes, and most of that is just letting the dough rest while the oven heats up.

Active the Yeast–Start by warming up your mixing bowl. It’s a little trick I picked up—just fill it with hot tap water for a minute or two and then dump it out. This keeps your yeast cozy and helps it bloom more quickly. Next, pour in ¾ cup of hot tap water (somewhere between 105°–115°F is perfect), along with your packet of yeast and a tablespoon of sugar. Give it a gentle stir, just enough to dissolve the yeast. Now let the yeast mixture sit for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a little bit of foam and bubbling on top—that’s the yeast doing its thing. If nothing happens, it’s a sign the yeast might be dead and it’s worth starting fresh. (Annoying, I know, but totally worth it.)

Mix in the Rest–Once your yeast is awake and bubbly, stir in a tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the flour and salt all at once. I use a wooden spoon for this part, but honestly, whatever’s clean and handy will do the job. You can use the dough hook attachment on low speed for your mixture, but be sure to not over mix. Stir until it starts looking messy and shaggy—that’s exactly what you want.

Knead the Dough–Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (your counter or a large cutting board works great). You don’t need to knead for long—just a minute or so, until the dough comes together into a smooth, soft ball. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Think rustic and forgiving.

Let It Rest–Place your dough ball back in the bowl and cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise or really just sit for 15 to 20 minutes in a warm place. This gives the gluten a chance to relax, which makes it easier to press into the pan later. I usually take this time to grate cheese, prep toppings, or wrangle kids out of the kitchen.

3 cast iron skillets with deep dish pizza dough

Prep the Skillet–After the dough has rested, it’s time to get that cast iron skillet ready. Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom, then plop your dough in and roll it around so it’s coated in oil. Using your fingertips, gently press and stretch the top of the dough out to cover the bottom of the skillet. Don’t worry if it doesn’t reach all the way at first—just keep dimpling and nudging it outward. It’ll continue to relax and fill the pan as it bakes. No need to fuss about pushing the dough up the sides—it naturally rises along the edges during baking, giving it that iconic deep-dish chicago-style pizza look.

Add Toppings–Time for the fun part—layer on your pizza sauce, cheese, and whatever favorite toppings you’re craving. Classic pepperoni? Go for it. Pineapple and ham? Yes, please. Veggies, leftover rotisserie chicken, spicy sausage—this dough holds it all beautifully. Once it’s topped, cover the skillet loosely again and let it hang out while the oven finishes preheating.

Bake It–Preheat your oven to 450°F and make sure your rack is at the lowest level. This helps the bottom crisp up while the top stays gooey and melty. Before it goes in, cover the skillet loosely with aluminium foil. This protects the cheese from browning too fast while the crust cooks through. Bake for 15 minutes like this, then carefully remove the foil and let it finish baking uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. When it’s done, the cheese will be bubbly and golden brown, and the crust edges will look crisp and slightly puffed.

top view of deep dish pepperoni pizza in a cast iron skillet

Slice and Serve–Use a spatula to lift the pizza out of the skillet and onto a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes—it’ll slice more cleanly and the cheese won’t slide right off. Then dig in!

Baking Tips

Bake low: Place the skillet on the lowest oven rack for best crust results.
Tent with foil: Cover loosely to avoid burnt cheese before the crust is done.

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cast iron skillet with unbaked pizza beside a plate of freshly grated cheese

Favorite Pizza Topping Combos

Hawaiian: Ham or bacon, pineapple, mozzarella
Veggie Supreme: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives
Buffalo Chicken: Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch drizzle
Margherita: Fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, olive oil, and a little balsamic sweet glaze

Recipe FAQs

Do you need to preheat the cast iron skillet for pizza?

Preheating the skillet isn’t required but can help achieve a crispier crust. If you want that extra crunch, place the skillet in the oven while it preheats, then carefully add your dough and toppings. Just be cautious—it’ll be very hot!

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough works great in a cast iron skillet. Let it come to room temperature before stretching—it’ll be easier to shape and won’t shrink back as much in the pan.

Can I bake this dough in something besides a cast iron skillet?

Definitely. A 9×13 baking dish works, but the crust won’t get quite as crisp and the baking time may need adjusting.

Next time you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or planning a fun pizza night with friends, remember this real deal pizza dough! It is that quick deep dish thick crust pizza dough that delivers every time—crispy edges, chewy middle, and all the melty cheese you can handle. It’s the kind of original recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro without breaking a sweat.

I know sometimes the homemade dough can feel intimidating, but there is a first time for everything! The good news, is I think you will fall in love with this great recipe! So, grab your skillet, this deep dish pizza recipe, your favorite toppings, and get ready to make pizza night a little more magical!

More Cast Iron Skillet Recipes You’ll Love

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