Picture this: You just returned from three weeks in Italy, where you ate your weight in pizza, but now you’re back home and you can only find regular pizza – with gluten. Unfortunately, I know all too well how difficult it is to follow a gluten-free diet, especially if you enjoy Italian cuisine and an original recipe, which often relies heavily on dough and pasta. However, I have the perfect solution for you: homemade gluten-free deep dish style pizza!

Making your own pizza from scratch can seem intimidating, but this quick and simple recipe makes it a breeze – perfect for a pizza night!

What You Need For Gluten Free Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

You probably already have most of these items in your kitchen, so here’s the whole ingredient list:

For the Gluten-Free Crust:

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it has xanthan gum in it, if not, add 1 tsp)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast (instant yeast works too!)
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt

For the Toppings:

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup marinara or tomato sauce (ensure they’re gluten-free)
Protein: cooked sausage crumbles, ground beef, pepperoni slices, cooked diced chicken, etc.
Veggies: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, olives, etc.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (great for the layers of cheese!)
Fresh basil or oregano for garnish (optional)

Tip: If you have it, use a deep dish pizza pan! Alternatively, you can also use a round pan or a sheet pan.

That’s it!

How to Make Gluten Free Deep Dish Pizza

Making pizza at home is easier and quicker than you might think, and it will probably taste twice as good as store-bought pizza. While nothing can compare to authentic Italian pizza – this recipe comes really close.

How to Prepare the Pizza Dough in 10 Steps

Step 1: Put the sugar in the bowl with the warm water and stir until it dissolves. Add the yeast to the water, and let the mix settle for 5-10 minutes – or until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Next, whisk the gluten-free flour and salt together in a large bowl to create a flour mixture.

Step 3: To the dry ingredients from step 2, add the yeast mixture from step 1, along with the oil and apple cider vinegar. Knead the dough until it forms – if it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.

Step 4: Let the mixture in the bowl rise in a warm area for an hour, or until it has doubled in size, covered with a moist cloth.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 6: Use oil, a deep pizza pan, or a cast-iron skillet to form the dough. When the dough has risen, press it into the pan and up the sides to make a crust.

Tip: If you prefer a thick crust, add more dough to the bottom of the pan. If you prefer thin crust, only add less dough – don’t forget the sides of the pan either!

Step 7: Start by spreading mozzarella cheese on the pizza dough as a base layer. After the cheese has melted, top it with the meat of your choosing.

Step 8: Cover the protein with marinara and top with the vegetables of your choice.

Step 9: Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 10: Baking time! Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown.

Take the pizza out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If you like, consider topping it with some fresh basil or oregano before slicing it and serving it hot.

How to Make Homemade Italian Marinara Sauce (in 6 steps!)

This deep dish gluten-free recipe goes really well with some homemade marinara sauce! No problem! Here’s our favorite homemade marinara sauce recipe!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, finely grated (optional for sweetness)
2 cans (28 oz. each) whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
2-3 fresh basil leaves
1 small sprig of fresh rosemary (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp sugar or to taste (optional)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Warm the olive oil in a large pot, such as a Dutch oven, over low to medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent – sauté the garlic for a further minute or two until aromatic.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes

If using whole tomatoes, you can crush them by hand for a chunkier sauce or if you have it available use a blender/food processor for a smoother texture – then add the tomatoes and their juices to the pot.

Step 3: Season

Now add the seasonings: Basil, rosemary (optional), oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, sugar (optional), and red pepper flakes (optional) – then stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour over low heat, stirring regularly. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful and concentrated it will become.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Try the sauce and tweak the seasonings as necessary.

Tip: You can adjust the acidity of your sauce by adding some sugar or chopped carrot.

Step 6: Finish with Parsley

Add the chopped fresh parsley right before serving – and voilá!

Tip: Remove Herbs: Before using or storing, remember to remove the bay leaf and any large sprigs of herbs.

Helpful Tips for This Recipe

Making pizza for the first time from scratch can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to – this is where our helpful expert tips come in!

Choose High-Quality Gluten-Free Flour

Not all flours are the same, especially not the gluten-free ones! Try to find one that has a blend of different flours and starches, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch – it’ll mimic the texture of traditional wheat flour.

Check for Gluten-Free Ingredients

You may be surprised, but gluten can be hidden in various processed ingredients such as marinara sauce, sausage, or other topics – so make sure to double-check.

Let the Pizza Dough Rest

Unlike the traditional wheat pizza dough, the gluten-free one won’t stretch as easily since it lacks gluten. So, after you’re pressing it into the pan, let it rest for 10-15 minutes to reduce shrinking or a tough texture.

How to Get Crispy Crust

If you like a crispy crust, consider pre-baking your crust for about 10 minutes before adding any toppings to it. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy under the sauce and toppings.