Crockpot Pizza With Deep Dish Crust Recipe

Ever dreamt of crafting a mouthwatering deep-dish pizza with the magic of a crockpot? Let’s dive into this cheesy adventure and make your taste buds sing!

Crockpot pizza with deep dish crust is a convenient meal full of flavor. It offers a rich texture, and when you slice into it, you taste the blend of 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and a cup of pizza sauce that has melded together over the crust.

I love the flavor of pepperoni and mushroom over the sawn-up portion of this pizza; the stubby slices give a hearty presentation.

Crockpot Pizza With Deep Dish Crust Recipe Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Source of carbohydrates, provides a chewy, satisfying crust.
• Pizza Sauce: Rich in flavor, adds acidity and moisture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: High in protein and calcium, melts beautifully.
• Pepperoni: Adds savory, meaty flavor; high in protein.
• Mushrooms: Low in calories, provides umami and texture.
• Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C, adds sweetness and crunch.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavor and browning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor; rich in calcium.
• Oregano: Aromatic herb, adds earthy, peppery notes.

Crockpot Pizza With Deep Dish Crust Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound pizza dough, refrigerated or homemade
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Non-stick cooking spray

How to Make this Crockpot Pizza With Deep Dish Crust Recipe

1. Begin by spraying your crockpot with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure your pizza will not stick.

2. On a floured surface, stretch the pizza dough until it’s large enough to cover the bottom and extend partially up the sides of the Crock-Pot. You want the dough to be about the thickness of a tortilla, or just a little thicker.

3. Place the rolled dough gently into the crockpot. Press it to fit and form a deep dish crust that spans the bottom of the pot and goes up the sides around 1-2 inches. Form the sides to your desired look for a deep dish crust.

4. Dough should be brushed with olive oil, then the surface should be smeared with garlic powder and dried oregano.

5. Distribute the pizza sauce in an even layer over the bottom of the dough, making sure to cover the edges.

6. Put down half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

7. Distribute the sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers evenly over the cheese.

8. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top of the veggies and pepperoni.

9. Spread the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top.

10. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to
2.5 hours or until the top crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Carefully lift the pizza out of the slow cooker with a spatula, slice, and serve hot.

Crockpot Pizza With Deep Dish Crust Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Crockpot/Slow cooker
2. Non-stick cooking spray
3. Rolling pin
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Pastry brush
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Spatula
10. Flour (for dusting the surface)

FAQ

• Can I use store-bought pizza dough?Indeed, this recipe works well with both bought refrigerated pizza dough and homemade dough.
• Do I need to pre-cook the toppings?You do not need to cook the toppings beforehand. The toppings will be cooked perfectly in the Crockpot.
• How long should the pizza cook in the Crockpot?Prepare on high for 2-3 hours or until the crust is a rich gold and the cheese is a-boil.
• Can I make this pizza vegetarian?Certainly. You could totally leave out the pepperoni or substitute it for something else. If you enjoy the texture of pepperoni and have a serious pizza craving, try this with olives or spinach. Olives are a good alternative because they also have a often European culinary reference as do both pizzas and pepperoni. If you try this, let me know how it goes. But really, if you’re short on time and high in vegetable enthusiasm, this pizza is a winner with or without the pepperoni.
• How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?The bottom of the Crockpot should be oiled lightly, and it should be preheated for about 20 minutes before the dough is added.
• Is it okay to leave out the red pepper flakes?Red pepper flakes are optional and can be left out if you want something milder.
• Can I add different toppings?Without a doubt, personalize with your preferred toppings; just make sure they are cut thinly to ensure even cooking.

Crockpot Pizza With Deep Dish Crust Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For pizza crust: Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust for a low-carb option.
For mozzarella cheese:
Substitute with dairy-free cheese or any preferred cheese blend.
For pepperoni: Substitute with turkey pepperoni or sliced vegetarian sausage for a vegetarian version.
For mushrooms: Substitute with either artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor change.
For bell peppers: Replace with slices of zucchini or spinach for a different vegetable topping.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat for Better Crust Before placing the dough in the crockpot, preheat the slow cooker on high for about 15 minutes. This can help the bottom of the crust become crispier.

2. Use Cornmeal for Extra Texture Sprinkle a layer of cornmeal on the dough before adding the sauce. This can add a pleasant texture and help prevent the dough from getting too soggy.

3. Layer Ingredients Strategically To prevent the pizza from becoming too watery, consider sautéing the mushrooms and bell peppers briefly to release some of their moisture before adding them to the pizza.

4. Vent the Lid for Steam Management Place a clean kitchen towel under the lid of the crockpot while cooking. This will absorb excess moisture, helping the crust stay firm.

5. Finish with a Broil (Optional) For an extra crispy top, carefully transfer the cooked pizza to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a couple of minutes to brown the cheese further.