Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with our Castelvetrano Deep Dish Pizza—a dish that promises to elevate your pizza game to new heights! Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, flaky crust, generously layered with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and the delightful brininess of Castelvetrano olives. This Italian classic isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to discover the secrets behind this mouthwatering masterpiece? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 deep dish pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 deep dish pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 200g Castelvetrano olives, pitted
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even cooking of the deep dish pizza.
- Generously grease two 9-inch deep dish pizza pans with olive oil, ensuring the entire surface and sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Divide the pizza dough into two equal portions. Gently stretch each portion to fit the dimensions of the deep dish pans, pressing the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Create a thin layer of mozzarella cheese on the bottom of each pizza crust, which will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce evenly over the cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Distribute the pitted Castelvetrano olives across the sauce, ensuring an even distribution for consistent flavor in each slice.
- Dollop ricotta cheese in small spoonfuls across the pizza surface, creating small pockets of creamy texture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the entire pizza for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizzas rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to set and make slicing easier.
- Carefully remove the pizzas from the pans, slice into wedges, and serve hot.
Tips
- Perfect Your Dough: For the best results, allow your deep dish pizza dough to come to room temperature before stretching it. This makes it easier to work with and helps achieve that perfect flaky texture.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese Layer: Adding a layer of mozzarella cheese at the bottom not only enhances flavor but also acts as a barrier to keep the crust from getting soggy. Trust us, your pizza will thank you!
- Balance Your Toppings: When distributing the Castelvetrano olives and ricotta, ensure even coverage across the pizza. This way, every slice is packed with flavor, making each bite a delightful surprise.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pizzas as they bake. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese to know when they’re ready to come out.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the pizzas to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the cheese set, making it easier to slice and serve without losing all that delicious filling.
- Experiment with Toppings: While Castelvetrano olives are a star ingredient, feel free to experiment with other toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or even fresh basil for added flavor.
- Pair with a Salad: Serve your deep dish pizza with a light salad to balance the richness of the pizza and create a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
