DEEP DISH CHEESE PIZZA

Deep Dish Cheese Pizza image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 2h35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 teaspoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons cornmeal, such as Arrowhead Mills, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 to 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the bowl
6 ounces sliced provolone
1 cup jarred marinara sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Dried oregano and red pepper flakes, optional

Steps:

Combine the yeast, water and honey in a small bowl. Set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Combine the cornmeal, salt and 2 cups flour in a bowl. Add the water mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil. Using your hands, stir together to form a rough dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead the dough, adding more flour as needed, until it forms a slightly tacky but smooth dough that doesn't stick to your hands or the counter, 5 to 10 minutes. Place the dough in an olive oil-coated bowl, turning to coat the dough in the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Position an oven rack in the top third of the oven and another in the bottom third. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Grease a 9-inch springform pan with the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Wrap the bottom of the pan in aluminum foil and set aside.
Gently place the dough in the pan and spread it out to the edges using your fingers. Work the dough about 2 inches up the side of the pan. Shingle the provolone on the bottom of the crust and part of the way up the sides. Spoon the marinara over the cheese and smooth with the back of a spoon. Bake for 30 minutes on the lower rack. Rotate the pizza and move it to the top rack and continue to bake until the crust is deep golden brown and the sauce is slightly darker, another 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and seasonings, if using, and allow the pizza to rest for 10 minutes before unmolding, slicing and serving.