Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Cheesy Deep Dish Pizza with Pretzel Crust Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 63 reviews

This Cheesy Deep Dish Pizza with Pretzel Crust offers a deliciously unique twist on traditional pizza by replacing the usual dough with a soft pretzel-inspired crust. The dough is enriched with semolina flour and baked with a special baking soda and cornstarch wash to achieve that classic pretzel exterior. Filled with a creamy vegan cheese sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh basil or spinach, this pizza provides a rich, satisfying flavor profile that’s perfect for a hearty meal or special gathering.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Crust Dough

  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon active yeast
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons semolina flour or rice flour or almond flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 cup warm water (for baking soda wash)

For the Cornstarch Wash

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water

For the Toppings

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups vegan cheese sauce
  • 1 tablespoon flour (to mix in the cheese sauce)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh basil or baby spinach
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Pepper flakes, as needed

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Combine the warm water, active yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Mix well and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast until it becomes frothy.
  2. Make the Dough: Add olive oil, flour, salt, and semolina flour to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly to form a dough. If the dough feels sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
  3. First Rise: Cover the dough with a wet kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place or an oven preheated to 110°F to 130°F for 45 minutes to an hour until it has risen significantly.
  4. Knead and Shape Dough: Sprinkle flour on a surface, transfer the dough, and knead into a ball. Place it into a parchment-lined 7.5-inch cast iron skillet, cake pan, or springform pan.
  5. Form the Crust: Using floured hands, press the dough to cover the base and sides of the pan, building up sides 1½ to 2 inches high. Let it rise again near the warm oven for 20 minutes.
  6. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: Mix cornstarch in ½ cup water. Heat in a saucepan or microwave until boiling, stirring to thicken evenly. Set aside.
  7. Make Baking Soda Wash: Heat ¼ cup warm water and dissolve the baking soda into it. Brush this wash all over the dough crust, applying twice on the edges for a pretzel-like finish.
  8. Apply Cornstarch Slurry: Allow the baking soda wash to dry for 2-3 minutes, then brush the cornstarch slurry all over the crust, focusing on edges.
  9. Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 10-11 minutes until set and lightly browned. Prepare toppings in the meantime.
  10. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon of flour into the vegan cheese sauce thoroughly. If using a homemade mozzarella-style sauce, this step is not necessary.
  11. Assemble Pizza: Remove crust from oven and spread the cheese sauce evenly inside. Top with sliced mushrooms. Toss basil or spinach with olive oil and black pepper, then spread over the pizza. Sprinkle pepper flakes to taste.
  12. Optional Oil Brush: Lightly brush the crust edges with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
  13. Bake Until Done: Lower oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) and bake the pizza for 16-20 minutes until cheese sauce thickens and crust edges turn golden brown. Use parchment paper on top if browning too fast after 16 minutes.
  14. Rest the Pizza: Remove from oven and let the pizza rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cheese to set, making it easier to slice without mess.
  15. Serve: Slice the pizza and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use semolina flour for authentic pretzel crust texture; rice or almond flour are alternatives but may change texture.
  • The baking soda and cornstarch washes are key to achieving the classic pretzel crust exterior and texture.
  • If the cheese sauce is too thin, adjust thickening by adding flour gradually.
  • Resting the pizza after baking improves slicing and presentation.
  • Use fresh basil for a herbaceous note or baby spinach for a milder flavor.
  • Adjust pepper flakes to your spice preference.
  • Optional olive oil brush on crust enhances color and crispness.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/cheesy-deep-dish-pizza-with-pretzel-crust-recipe/