Deep-Dish Tomato Basil Pizza with Mozzarella and Garlic Butter Crust
A hearty deep-dish pizza loaded with fresh tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a garlic butter crust that adds a savory punch to every bite. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 120 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (110°F) warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil into the yeast mixture. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 3: While dough rises, combine 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter with 3 cloves minced garlic in a small pan over low heat until garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Press the risen dough into a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan greased with 1 tbsp olive oil, pushing dough up the sides to form a crust.
- Step 6: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the dough crust edges.
- Step 7: Spread the tomato basil sauce evenly over the dough base, then sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Step 9: Remove from oven, sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pizza, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Deep-Dish Tomato Basil Pizza with Mozzarella and Garlic Butter Crust take to make?
Total time is about 120 minutes (90 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Deep-Dish Tomato Basil Pizza with Mozzarella and Garlic Butter Crust?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Tomato Basil Pizza with Mozzarella and Garlic Butter Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Deep-Dish Tomato Basil Pizza with Mozzarella and Garlic Butter Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Deep-Dish Tomato Basil Pizza with Mozzarella and Garlic Butter Crust?
Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
