Little Caesars Deep! Deep! Dish Pizza (Copycat Recipe)

This copycat recipe captures the essence of Little Caesars' iconic Deep! Deep! Dish Pizza, featuring a thick, buttery crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Layered with rich marinara sauce, a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, and your choice of classic toppings, this pizza is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It adheres to traditional cooking methods, ensuring a delicious and authentic experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Toppings of choice (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with olive oil.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and spread it into the prepared baking pan, pressing it up the sides to form a crust.
6. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add any additional toppings as desired.
7. Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.