Cheese & Tomato Deep Dish Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill features a thick, buttery crust layered with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and ripe, juicy tomato slices, delivering a hearty and satisfying blend of savory flavors and a golden, crispy top.
Equipments
- Deep dish pizza pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Oven mitts
- Ladle
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons softened butter (for pan)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Using both all-purpose flour and yellow cornmeal in the dough creates a unique texture with a crisp yet tender crust, important for an authentic deep dish pizza experience. Active dry yeast must be proofed in warm water to ensure proper rising and a light, airy crust. The combination of fresh crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, along with herbs like oregano and basil, delivers the rich, savory flavor essential to the sauce. Butter is incorporated twice--melted in the dough and softened for the pan--contributing to the buttery, golden crust that defines this dish. Your copycat Cheese & Tomato Deep Dish Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill will shine when layering high-quality mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add flour, cornmeal, salt, melted butter, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, 1–2 hours.
- For the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Butter the deep dish pizza pan with 2 tablespoons softened butter.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a circle larger than your pan.
- Fit dough into the prepared pan, pressing it up the sides.
- Layer shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on the dough base.
- Spoon tomato sauce over the cheese.
- Arrange tomato slices on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil, if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Substitution
The Cheese & Tomato Deep Dish Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill copycat menu offers a robust tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, but you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned for convenience without sacrificing flavor. Mozzarella cheese is essential for the classic gooey texture, yet a blend of provolone and mozzarella can provide a delightful twist. If a deep dish pizza pan isn't available, a high-sided cast iron skillet can be an effective alternative for achieving a similar crust and bake. You can adjust the herbs by using fresh oregano and basil if dried ones are not on hand, which will enhance the aromatic profile of your sauce. Your butter and olive oil measurements are flexible enough to cater to slight variations in crust texture and richness.
Tips
Make sure your yeast is fresh and water temperature is between 100degF and 110degF to activate it properly and achieve a good dough rise. When rolling out the dough, it should extend beyond the pan edges so you can press it firmly up the sides for the classic deep dish shape. Use a generous amount of shredded mozzarella beneath the tomato sauce to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Letting the pizza cool on a rack after baking allows the cheese to set, making it easier for you to slice and serve without losing toppings.
Nutritions
Your Cheese & Tomato Deep Dish Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill offers a good source of protein and calcium primarily from the melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, supporting bone health and muscle function. The tomato sauce and fresh tomato slices provide antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C, which contribute to immune support and skin health. The crust, made with all-purpose flour and cornmeal, supplies carbohydrates for energy and some dietary fiber for digestion. Olive oil and butter add heart-healthy fats and richness, enhancing flavor while contributing essential fatty acids to your meal.
Storage
Store your Cheese & Tomato Deep Dish Pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of baking to prevent bacterial growth, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. For longer storage, freeze the pizza in a sealed freezer bag or container, then reheat thoroughly before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance this Cheese & Tomato Deep Dish Pizza by substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Swap the mozzarella with a blend of provolone and fontina cheeses to introduce a richer, creamier texture. Try roasting the tomato slices before layering to intensify their sweetness and reduce moisture. For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 5 minutes prior to adding toppings.
Allergies
Your Cheese & Tomato Deep Dish Pizza contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The recipe also includes yeast, which some individuals may be sensitive to, and garlic, which can cause reactions in certain people. Always check ingredient labels carefully if you have food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
The Cheese & Tomato Deep Dish Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill is popular for its rich, gooey mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce perfectly layered in a buttery, thick crust that delivers a satisfying, hearty bite. Its unique deep-dish style offers a filling meal that balances robust flavors and textures, making it a standout among traditional pizzas. You can recreate this iconic dish at home to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience with fresh ingredients tailored to your taste preferences. Perfecting the copycat recipe lets you savor the same indulgent comfort without the wait or cost of dining out.