Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp. oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 8 ounces Italian cheese blend or mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce
• 4 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
• toppings of choice such as pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, etc.
• dash of garlic pepper or garlic powder and some Italian seasoning for top of pizza

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.  Whisk in the eggs until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.  Add the parmesan and seasonings, then stir in the 8 oz. of mozzarella until completely moistened.  Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a well-greased 9x13 glass baking dish or lightly greased and lined with parchment paper.  Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes or until evenly browned, but not too dark.  Let cool completely on a wire rack.  When nearly cooled, take a metal spatula and carefully pry up the edges to loosen from pan.  Ease spatula under the whole crust to loosen.  Keep crust in the pan.  Refrigerate, uncovered, until shortly before serving time.

Spread the chilled crust with pizza sauce, then the cheese and toppings.  Lightly sprinkle with the seasonings.  Bake  at 375 for about 15-20 minutes or until the toppings are bubbly.  Let stand a few minutes before serving.