A homemade thick-based pizza is typically considered a main course or entree. It’s a substantial and filling dish that can stand on its own as a meal. While pizza is often associated with Italian cuisine, thick-based pizza is more commonly associated with American pizza styles.
In the United States, there are several regional variations of thick based pizza, each with its unique characteristics:
- Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza: Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, which features a thick, buttery base that is more like a savory pie crust. The pizza is known for its layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
- Sicilian Pizza: While it has Italian roots, Sicilian pizza is widely enjoyed in the United States. It has a thick, square or rectangular base that is light and airy on the inside, with a crispy outer edge. It’s often topped with a simple tomato sauce and cheese.
- Detroit-Style Pizza: Detroit-style pizza is similar to Sicilian pizza but with its own unique characteristics. It’s known for its rectangular shape, thick and crispy base, and the cheese that caramelizes around the edges, creating a delicious crispy cheese base.
These styles of thick-based pizza have become popular across the United States and have their own regional fan bases. While they draw inspiration from Italian pizza, they have evolved into distinct American variations.
Home Made Thick-based Pizza
Learn how to make a mouthwatering home made pizza right in your own kitchen. This pizza features a hearty, doughy base that's perfect for holding all your favorite toppings
Equipment
- black and decker bread maker Optional
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tbsp. honey or sugar
- 2 tbsp. olive oil extra virgin
- 11/2 tsp. salt
- 4 1/4 cups bread flour
- 2 tsp. active dry yeast
Instructions
- Make the Pizza dough: Add ingredients in the order listed into the bread pan of the automatic breadmaker. After securely inserting the bread pan into the unit, select the dough setting and follow the prompt. Once the dough is done, the complete signal will sound. Please note that using the automatic breadmaker is optional and the items can be mixed with hand or a dough mixer.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Dough: Carefully remove the bread pan from the unit using hand mittens or pot holders. Invert into a lightly floured surface and let it rest for 10 mins. Divide dough in half. Roll out each individual pizza dough on a floured surface into a thin crust. You can aim for 1- 1/2 inch thickness, depending on your preference. The two rolled out Pizza dough should fit prepared pan. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over one rolled out pizza dough, lay over it the second pizza dough and fold over the edges for that thick crust.
- Transfer to a Pan: Place the rolled-out dough in a greased pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet
- Add the Sauce: Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce over the dough, ensuring you leave a border for the crust.
- Add the Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice it into wedges. Serve your delicious thick-based pizza while it's hot!
Notes
You can experiment with adding extra cheese to the crust edges to create a stuffed based pizza for an even heartier option.
This thick-based homemade pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings for a doughy, hearty pizza with your favorite toppings. Adjust the thickness of the base to your liking and enjoy!