Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno features a golden, thick crust layered with melted mozzarella, sharp cheddar, creamy ricotta, and tangy Parmesan cheeses, topped with rich tomato sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, delivering a hearty and savory indulgence.
Equipments
- Deep dish pizza pan
- Mixing bowls
- Dough scraper
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater
- Rubber spatula
- Ladle (for sauce)
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Understanding the balance of cheeses is crucial for your Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza; mozzarella provides a stretchy texture, sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, ricotta brings creaminess, and Parmesan offers a tangy finish. Using a combination of fresh and dried herbs enhances the sauce's aroma and depth, so be sure to measure your oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes carefully. For the crust, incorporating cornmeal will give it that authentic slight crunch and golden appearance unique to deep dish pizzas. When handling the dough, allowing the yeast to activate in warm water with sugar ensures a good rise, and softened butter contributes to a tender, flavorful crust. Your homemade Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno copycat menu will deliver a hearty, savory indulgence reminiscent of the classic Chicago-style favorite.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- Add flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and softened butter to the yeast mixture.
- Mix and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, heat olive oil in a saucepan, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan; simmer to thicken.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease the deep dish pizza pan with olive oil or butter.
- Roll out the risen dough and press it into the pizza pan, bringing it up the sides.
- Layer mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on the dough.
- Dollop ricotta cheese over the first cheese layer.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over ricotta.
- Spoon tomato sauce over the cheese layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling, 30–35 minutes.
- Remove pizza from oven and cool briefly on a cooling rack.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Slice with a knife and serve warm.
Substitution
Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno copycat menu can be customized by substituting cheeses based on availability--replace sharp cheddar with provolone for a milder taste or swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture. If you don't have cornmeal for the crust, fine polenta or semolina flour makes a great alternative to maintain the characteristic crunch. Use any crushed tomatoes if fresh tomatoes aren't accessible, but adjust seasoning with extra garlic and herbs to enhance flavor. You can prepare the sauce in advance to allow flavors to meld, making your cooking process more efficient. Avoid overloading the pan with cheese to ensure even cooking and prevent a soggy crust.
Tips
Ensure your yeast is fresh and water temperature is between 105-110degF to activate it properly for a good dough rise. When kneading, develop gluten by working the dough until it's smooth and elastic, which improves crust texture. Press the dough evenly into the deep dish pan, making sure it reaches the edges to avoid shrinking during baking. After baking, let your pizza cool slightly on a rack to prevent sogginess from steam trapped under the crust.
Nutritions
Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno offers a rich source of protein and calcium due to its combination of mozzarella, cheddar, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. The thick crust made from all-purpose flour and cornmeal provides carbohydrates for energy, while olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats. The tomato sauce contributes antioxidants like lycopene and essential vitamins such as vitamin C. Your meal delivers a balanced mix of macronutrients, making it both indulgent and satisfying.
Storage
Store your Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring that the pizza is fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess. Reheat slices in an oven or skillet rather than a microwave to preserve the crust's crispiness and cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the sharp cheddar for provolone or gouda to add a different depth of flavor to the cheese blend. Try mixing fresh mozzarella balls instead of shredded mozzarella for a creamier texture that melts beautifully in the deep dish pan. Incorporate caramelized onions or sauteed mushrooms between the cheese layers for a savory twist that complements the tomato sauce. For a gluten-free option, experiment with a cauliflower crust using a similar layering technique to maintain the hearty style of this pizza.
Allergies
Your Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella, cheddar, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. The crust includes wheat flour, posing a risk for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. People with yeast allergies should also be cautious due to the active dry yeast used in the dough.
Why this recipe?
Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza from Pizzeria Uno is loved for its rich blend of mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and provolone cheeses, creating a creamy and indulgent flavor profile. The signature deep-dish crust delivers a crispy exterior with a soft, buttery interior, perfectly balancing the cheesy filling. You'll appreciate how this iconic recipe can be replicated at home, offering a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience without leaving your kitchen. Making your own copycat version allows customization of cheese ratios and toppings to suit your personal taste preferences.