We love Pizza Hut pizza but since we are trying our best to cut back on ordering in I have been searching for a replacement for our favourite deep pan pizza. This recipe is as good as it gets. I make the dough and divide it into 4 and make individual pizzas in 9inch cake pans. We topped these with Italian sausage, red onion, mushrooms and red pepper as well as a canned pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. I sauteed the veggies slightly before putting them on the pizza and it turned out perfectly.
DOUGH
1 russet potato (8 ounces) peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for the counter
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup water, warm
1. Cover the potato with warm water in a small saucepan and simmer until the potato is completely cooked and easily pierced with a knife, 10-15 minutes. Drain and, when the potato is cool enough to handle, grate it on the large holes of a box grater. Reserve 1 1/3 cups lightly packed potato
2. Mix the 3 1/2 cups of flour, salt and yeast in a stand mixer (fitted with the dough blade) to combine. With the mixer running, pour 2 tablespoons of the oil, then the water and finally the potato into the bowl and mix until a rough ball forms. Let the dough rest for 2 minutes.
3. Knead (by hand or in the mixer) to form a smooth, round ball, about 3 minutes adding the remaining 1/4 cup of flour as needed to prevent the dough from sticking to the counter or side of the bowl. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Oil the bottom of the pizza dishes with the remaining 1/4 cup oil. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured counter and pat until round. Transfer the dough into the oiled pan(s), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let rest for 1o minutes.
5. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 425 degrees. Pull up the edges of the dough to form a lip. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let wise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
6. Generously prick the dough with a fork. Place in the oven and bake until dry and lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
7. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Cover with desired toppings and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese melts, 15-20 minutes.
8. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
