by Hannah Walton aka The Cheapskate Mom

  Muffin Pan Deep Dish Pizza ! …. Really?

I've been lucky enough to visit Chicago – home of the deep dish pizza – twice in the past three years. I love that city and I love Chicago deep dish pizza even more ( big shout out to Gino's East). Since we are living on a cheapskate budget, we simply don't go out to eat anymore. That being said, I've had a huge craving for deep dish pizza lately and wondered if I could somehow make my own. I took to the internet – and low and behold – found a recipe for MINI DEEP DISH PIZZA (that's in all caps because I'm that excited) using a muffin pan instead of a deep dish pizza pan. Of course, I had to make this as soon as I had a free hour to myself. Which is what I did tonight. Below is how I made deep dish pizzas (mini ones that is).

For the past year, I have been making my own pizza dough. It is so fast and easy – and CHEAP. Here's a link to my favorite recipe for pizza – I've never had it not come out great – just add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Also, roll out the dough, put it into the muffin pan – and then – before you put any toppings on it – cook for five to ten minutes until it is just a bit golden. Works great to ensure the dough is cooked through before it gets too heavy from the toppings.

How to Make Mini Deep Dish Pizza:
Make the pizza dough according to these very simple directions

Warm up pizza or marinara sauce

Divide your dough into six to eight balls. Roll out each ball into a circle. Place dough circle into well greased muffin pan and pinch the sides. Fill with sauce, cheese then sauce and cheese again.
Cook in an oven at 410 degrees until dough is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Let cool.

ENJOY your mini deep dish pizzas!