Description

Pan pizza is the ultimate comfort food—thick, golden, crispy on the outside, and irresistibly soft and chewy inside. This homemade version delivers that pizzeria-style crunch with easy techniques and flexible toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon instant yeast
¾ cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
½ cup pizza sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, veggies, sausage, etc.)

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast. Slowly add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes, then stretch and fold 2-3 times. Cover again and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
About 2 hours before baking, coat the bottom and sides of your pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Transfer the dough into the pan, pressing it to the edges. Cover loosely and let it rise at room temperature until puffy.
Preheat your oven to 500°F. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, sprinkle on mozzarella, and layer your toppings generously. Add a ring of cheese touching the pan edges for a crisp cheesy crust.
Bake on the bottom rack for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the top is bubbling. Let it rest in the pan for 2–3 minutes, then use a spatula to lift and slide it onto a cutting board.
Slice and serve hot for the ultimate crispy, cheesy satisfaction.

Notes

Use olive oil generously to ensure a crisp crust. Cold ferment the dough to enhance flavor. Avoid overloading with sauce or wet toppings to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked in Pan
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pan pizza, homemade pizza, deep dish, thick crust, cast iron pizza