Epic Deep Dish: Start to Finish Instructions
Urban Slicer Epic Deep Dish Pizza Dough Mix makes two 8x8 inch Detroit style pan pizzas, or one 10x14 inch pan pizza, from a single packet. You add nothing but water. The trick with deep dish is the second rest: once the dough is stretched into the oiled pan, it needs a full hour before it goes in the oven.
Full written directions are below. The video walks through the same steps if you would rather watch someone do it.
At a glance
| Makes | Two 8x8 inch pans, or one 10x14 inch pan |
| You add | 1 cup (236g) warm water. Nothing else. |
| Hands-on time | About 15 minutes |
| Rise time | 2 to 4 hours, then 1 more hour resting in the pan |
| Bake | 500F for 15 to 20 minutes |
| Servings | About 11 per package (34g dry mix each) |
What you need
- 1 packet Urban Slicer Epic Deep Dish Pizza Dough Mix
- Exactly 1 cup (236g) warm water
- Two 8x8 inch pans, or one 10x14 inch pan
- Oil for the pans
- Cheese and toppings
- Warm pizza sauce for the top, added after baking
Directions
- In a large bowl add the entire packet of dough mix and exactly one cup (236g) warm water.
- Mix well until the dough is smooth and elastic. 10 minutes kneading by hand, or 8 minutes with a stand mixer and dough hook.
- Form into 2 identical sized balls and let rise in a covered bowl for 2 to 4 hours at room temperature.
- Place in lightly oiled baking pans. Stretch to the corners of the pan. Let rest 1 hour.
- Cover the dough generously with cheese and toppings. No sauce yet.
- Bake 15 minutes. Turn and bake another 5 to 10 minutes. Remove, slice, and add warm sauce to the top.
For the perfect deep dish crust
| Pans | Two 8x8 inch, or one 10x14 inch |
| Oven temperature | 500F |
| Cook time | 15 to 20 minutes total |
Get your water temperature right
This one matters more than people expect. The best water temperature is between 75 and 80 degrees. Anything over 100 degrees will kill the yeast and the dough will not rise.
Why the sauce goes on last
Detroit style is built upside down compared to a normal pizza. Cheese and toppings go directly on the dough so the cheese can spread to the edges of the pan and caramelize against the sides. The sauce goes on in stripes after the bake, which keeps it bright instead of cooking it into the crust.
Watch it done start to finish
The video below walks through mixing, kneading, stretching into the pan, that critical one hour rest, and the bake.
What pans work for deep dish?
Our favorites are LloydPans, but they are not required. Quality cake pans, cast iron, pyrex dishes or cookie sheets all work. Use oil, grease or butter so the pizza releases after baking. Note that pyrex is glass, so the crust will be less crispy.
Common questions
Can I make one big pizza instead of two?
Yes. One 10x14 inch pan works for the full packet. You can also adjust dough ball sizes and split it however you like.
Do I really need the extra hour in the pan?
Yes. That second rest is what gives Detroit style its open, airy interior. Skipping it gives you a dense crust. One alternate method you can follow is to mix the dough and then stretch it immediately in the pan. Cover it and let it rise 4-8 hours in the pan. This takes one step out, but not the time and produces excellent pizza. All other instructions are the same.
How should I store the mix?
Our dough mixes have live yeast and are sensitive to temperature. Never store above 80F or in a humid environment. Hot cars and summer garages are bad. Store in a cool dry place, or freeze it to extend shelf life significantly.
Ready to make it? Shop Epic Deep Dish Pizza Dough Mix
Using a different Urban Slicer dough? Compare all four doughs to find the right instructions.