Deep!Deep! Dish Pizza from Little Caesars features a thick, buttery crust layered with a generous blend of gooey mozzarella cheese, savory tomato sauce, and zesty Italian seasonings, delivering a hearty and satisfying deep-dish experience packed with bold flavors.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (optional, for dough)
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Deep-dish pizza pan or rectangular metal baking pan
- Pastry brush
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Box grater (for cheese)
- Sauce ladle or large spoon
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups (400g) bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for pan)
- 2 cups (225g) shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Using bread flour is essential for achieving the chewy, thick crust typical of Little Caesars' Deep!Deep! Dish Pizza, giving your pizza the perfect texture. Instant yeast helps your dough rise quickly, so make sure it is fresh for optimal leavening. Olive oil not only enriches the dough but also prevents sticking when greasing your pan; use extra for best results. Combining whole milk mozzarella with mild cheddar cheese provides the gooey, savory layer that defines the pizza's bold flavor. Your deep-dish pizza will capture the hearty and satisfying taste of the Little Caesars copycat menu when you follow these ingredient suggestions closely.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough (by hand or stand mixer with dough hook) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Drizzle melted butter and a little olive oil into a deep-dish pizza pan, spreading evenly to coat the bottom and sides.
- Punch down the dough and transfer to the pan.
- Gently press and stretch the dough to cover the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Cover loosely and let rest for 30 minutes for a second rise.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar over the dough, all the way to the edges.
- Spread pizza sauce over the cheese, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried basil on top of the sauce.
- Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy and cheese is bubbling.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes on a cooling rack.
- Run a spatula or knife around the edges to loosen the crust.
- Transfer pizza to a cutting board, slice, and serve.
Substitution
The Deep!Deep! Dish Pizza from Little Caesars copycat menu replicates the signature thick, buttery crust layered with rich mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and classic Italian herbs. You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour for a slightly lighter crust, but expect less chewiness and structure. If you don't have instant yeast, active dry yeast works well but requires proofing in warm water before mixing. Using a conventional round pizza pan instead of a deep-dish pan will change the thickness and baking time; monitor your pizza closely to avoid burning. To accommodate dietary preferences, swap whole milk mozzarella for part-skim mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing texture and meltiness.
Tips
Make sure your warm water is between 105degF and 115degF to activate the instant yeast properly without killing it. Use enough olive oil and melted butter to grease the pan well, which prevents sticking and adds that signature buttery crust flavor. Allow the dough to rise in a consistently warm, draft-free spot to ensure it doubles in size for a light, airy crust. When spreading the sauce over the cheese, avoid using too much to prevent a soggy crust, maintaining a perfect balance of flavors and textures for Your deep dish pizza.
Nutritions
Deep!Deep! Dish Pizza from Little Caesars offers a rich nutritional profile, primarily featuring carbohydrates from 3 1/4 cups of bread flour and 1 1/2 cups of pizza sauce, which fuel your energy needs. The cheese blend, totaling approximately 275 grams of mozzarella and cheddar, contributes significant protein and calcium, supporting muscle maintenance and bone health. Olive oil and unsalted butter add heart-healthy fats that enhance flavor and satiety without excessive saturated fats. Your nutrition intake also benefits from Italian seasonings like oregano and basil, which provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Storage
Store leftover Deep!Deep! Dish Pizza from Little Caesars in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of baking, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat your slices in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes to restore the crispy crust and gooey cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with the crust by substituting bread flour with a mix of whole wheat and bread flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Swap out the mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone to introduce a smokier, richer cheese profile. Instead of traditional pizza sauce, try a roasted garlic and tomato sauce to deepen the savory notes of your Deep!Deep! Dish Pizza. For an extra buttery crust, brush the edges with garlic herb butter after baking to enhance the aroma and taste.
Allergies
Deep!Deep! Dish Pizza from Little Caesars contains common allergens such as wheat (bread flour) and dairy (mozzarella and cheddar cheese), which can trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to gluten or lactose. Your risk increases if you have allergies to yeast or olive oil, although these are less common. Always check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Deep! Deep! Dish Pizza from Little Caesars offers a satisfying combination of thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and ample toppings that create a unique, hearty flavor experience. Its distinctive deep-dish style provides a substantial bite, setting it apart from traditional thin-crust pizzas and appealing to those craving something filling and savory. Making a copycat recipe allows you to customize ingredients and control freshness, ensuring your version matches or even exceeds the original. Trying to replicate this menu favorite supports culinary creativity while delivering the beloved taste and texture that fans appreciate.