Chicago Style Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza

For the Chicago Style Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza: 

• 1 tub/package of pizza dough (whole foods refrigerated section, it typically is located where the remade sandwiches and packed sides are in the store.)
• 2-4 TBSP olive oil (I honestly do not measure this out. I coat the bottom of the cast iron with enough olive oil so every inch is covered and is glistening)
• Italian seasoning - This is hands down the best italian herb blend that i’ve had
• Garlic Powder
• 3/4 Lb. Pepperoni, (Whole Foods, have them slice it from the deli), cut in thin slices
• 1-2 cups or more pizza cheese (sprinkle to your liking)
• 1 Fresh tomato, diced (sprinkle as much or as little on your pizza as you would like)
• Fresh basil leaves, sliced (sprinkle as much or as little on your pizza as you would like)

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** IMPORTANT: I used a 12” cast iron. Make sure it is big enough. If it is not big enough and you use too much cheese to will spill over and create a mess in your oven. **

For the Homemade Pizza Sauce:

• 1/2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 TBSP minced garlic
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 12 oz can tomato paste
• 1 TBSP Italian seasoning
• 1 TBSP sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 TSP pepper
  

1. Pour olive oil in your cast iron and swirl around. Using a basting brush, brush every inch of your cast iron.
2. Take your garlic powder and sprinkle over the olive oil in your cast iron. Sprinkle as much or as little as you would like. NOTE: the more the better because this will give the crust and the bottom of the pizza extra flavor.
3. Next, repeat but with the Italian seasoning. NOTE: the more the better because this will give the crust and the bottom of the pizza extra flavor.
4. Remove the dough from its packaging. Place in your oil and seasoned cast iron pan. Press down with your fingers and spread out. Spread out as much as you can so the whole pan is covered with dough and the bottom of the dough has been coated. Repeat the olive oil, garlic powder and Italian seasoning process with the top of the dough.
5. Cover your cast iron with foil and set aside to let rest and rise for 1 hour.
6. While your dough is resting, rising and marinating, make your pizza sauce.
7. To make your pizza sauce, combine all ingredients in one pot. Bring to a simmer and heat. Once hot, turn off and remove from heat. Set aside until ready to assemble pizza.
8. Chop your tomatoes, thinly slice your basil and slice your pepperoni. Place all in separate bowls and set aside until ready to assemble pizza. Place your cheese in another bowl and set aside as well.
9. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
10. Once the 1 hour is up and while your oven is preheating assemble your pizza.
11. Start by layering your cheese. NOTE: sprinkle as much or a little as you would like. But, the more cheese the better, especially on the outer edges because the cheese will get Caramelized when cooked. Makes for an extra tasty crust!
12. Next sprinkle your fresh diced tomatoes, followed by your fresh thinly sliced basil over the cheese.
13. Spoon your pizza sauce over the cheese, tomatoes and fresh basil. Spread evenly over the entire pizza.
14. Last, sprinkle your sliced pepperoni over the sauce.
15. When done layering, place in the oven and bake at 450 for 40 minutes. Make sure to check it every so often. You will know it‘s done when the dough is not flimsy and is golden and crispy.
16. When done, remove from heat. Let cool for 20 minutes or so. Serve right away with extra fresh basil, tomatoes and cheese. Save any extra in a air tight container.
17. ENJOY!