This modified deep-dish creation loaded with interesting toppings originated in 1973 at an Idaho Springs, Colorado, restaurant called Beau Jo’s. The most unique element of Colorado-style pizza is its thick, braided crust, which is traditionally enjoyed with honey. A knife and fork are usually required for deep-dish pies, but the sturdy braided crust makes it possible to eat Colorado-style pizzas with your hands. Beau Jo’s owns the trademark for Colorado-style pizza, but a recipe for a similar dish called Colorado mountain pizza has been around for a long time.
Recipe Servings: 8
+ 1 hour 35 minutes resting
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 4 tsp dry yeast
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp basil, dried
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup milk
- 4 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cups flour, plus extra for surface
For the Filling:
- 1 jar (32 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 2 Tbsp basil, dried
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups steamed broccoli
- 6 oz black olives, drained
- 8 oz canned red bell pepper, drained
- ¼ cup pepperoni
Directions
- Combine yeast, sugar, salt, and basil in a large bowl.
- Add hot water and milk. Let sit for a few minutes.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil until the mixture assumes a “soapy” appearance.
- Stir in the flour, bit by bit, until a thick dough is formed. If necessary, add water to the mixture a little at a time in order to achieve the desired texture.
- Cover your hands with flour, and knead the dough on a liberally floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Flour up a rolling pin and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and about 20 inches in diameter.
- Use the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to grease the pan.
- Form the dough into a deep-dish pizza pan, folding a little bit of it over the edge of the pan.
- Cover the dough with a damp dish towel and put it someplace warm for about 90 minutes so the dough will rise.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Add toppings in the following order: all the sauce, all the spices, 8 ounces of the cheese, broccoli, olives, red bell peppers, the other 8 ounces of cheese, and pepperoni.
- Bake the pie for about 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove pizza from oven, cut into 8 slices, and serve.
Notes
Optional: Any meats or vegetables you like should do fine in this recipe. Use your imagination!
Recipe introduction and directions © Copyright 2016-2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.