Ingredients

Flour - 3 1/4 cups
Cornmeal - 1/2 cup
Butter - 1/2 cup, melted
Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
Sugar - 1 tablespoon
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Active Dry Yeast - 2 1/4 teaspoons
Warm Water - 1 1/4 cups
Mozzarella Cheese - 3 cups shredded
Parmesan Cheese - 1/2 cup grated
Canned Tomatoes - 2 cups crushed
Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
Italian Herbs - 2 teaspoons
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Mushrooms, Bell Pepper, Pepperoni - Optional Toppings

Special Equipment Needed

Deep-dish pizza pan
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Stand mixer (optional)

Preparation

Making the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and sugar. In another bowl, combine the warm water (around 110°F), yeast, and let it sit until it becomes frothy, about 5-10 minutes. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the melted butter and olive oil. Mix until dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough using the dough hook attachment for about 5 minutes, or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 2 hours.

Preparing the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed canned tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.

Building Your Deep-Dish Pizza

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease your deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out into a circle approximately 3 inches larger than your pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, making sure it covers the bottom and goes up the sides. Sprinkle the bottom with mozzarella cheese to your desired cheese flavor.

Layering the Pizza

On top of the cheese, evenly spread your selected toppings such