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Easy Mini Chicago Deep Dish Pizzas

Easy Mini Chicago Deep Dish Pizzas
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Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Chicago-style deep dish pizza in a convenient, personal-sized version. These Easy Mini Chicago Deep Dish Pizzas feature a buttery, flaky crust, a melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese base, bold tomato sauce, and customizable toppings, perfect for gatherings or solo indulgence with a quicker bake time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups chunky tomato sauce or marinara sauce
  • Classic toppings such as sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables (quantity as desired)
  • Olive oil, for brushing crust edges
  • Salt and sugar, small amounts for dough balancing and yeast activation

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Mix warm water with yeast and a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast. Combine flour, melted butter, salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  2. Shape the Mini Crusts: Divide the risen dough into small balls approximately the size of a baseball. Using your fingers, press each ball into a thick circle, creating a small lip around the edges to hold the toppings securely.
  3. Layer Cheese First: Place a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese directly onto the base of each crust. This cheese layer helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy once the sauce is added.
  4. Add Your Toppings: Evenly distribute your choice of meats, vegetables, or other toppings over the mozzarella cheese. Pack them lightly without overcrowding the crust.
  5. Spoon on the Tomato Sauce: Generously ladle thick, flavorful tomato sauce over the toppings. Ensure the sauce covers the toppings well, as it is a key feature of the deep dish style.
  6. Sprinkle Parmesan and Brush with Olive Oil: Add a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the tomato sauce for extra savory flavor. Brush the exposed edges of the dough lightly with olive oil to promote a golden, crisp crust during baking.
  7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the mini pizzas into a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly and develop better texture.
  • Avoid overloading the toppings to prevent soggy crusts and slow baking times.
  • Always preheat the oven fully for a crisp crust.
  • Let the dough rest before shaping to avoid shrinking during baking.
  • Using a deep-dish or muffin tin can help maintain shape and make handling easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicago deep dish pizza, mini pizza, personal pizza, deep dish, easy pizza recipe, individual servings, cheesy pizza

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/easy-mini-chicago-deep-dish-pizzas/