Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

A Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is a classic comfort food that brings the perfect balance of thick crust, hearty toppings, and gooey cheese. Originating from Chicago, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for family dinners or gatherings. With its golden crust and layers of savory fillings, this pizza is more than a meal—it’s an experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: Thick crust and generous toppings make it a satisfying meal
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and fillings to make it your own
Perfect for Sharing: Serves a crowd and is always a hit at gatherings
Restaurant Quality at Home: Recreate the magic of a classic pizzeria in your kitchen

Ingredients

For the Crust

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crust, giving it structure
Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a fluffy texture
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the taste of the crust
Olive oil: Adds moisture and a rich flavor to the dough
Warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the dough

For the Sauce

Crushed tomatoes: The foundation of the rich, tangy pizza sauce
Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and deepens its flavor
Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic flavor
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes
Salt and pepper: Enhance the overall flavor

For the Toppings

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey goodness
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the topping
Italian sausage: Provides a savory, spiced protein layer
Pepperoni slices: Adds a classic, zesty kick
Bell peppers and onions: Offer a crunchy texture and fresh flavor
Mushrooms: Earthy and hearty, complementing the rich toppings

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the olive oil and warm water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Roll out the dough into a circle large enough to cover the pan’s base and sides. Press the dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the edges
Layer the pizza
Spread a generous layer of the prepared sauce over the dough
Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese
Add your Italian sausage, pepperoni, and other toppings like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms
Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top

Step 5: Bake

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the pizza cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade deep-dish masterpiece

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 950mg
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 20g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought dough?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought dough works well if you’re short on time

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Omit the sausage and pepperoni, and load up on veggies like spinach, artichokes, and zucchini

Q3: How can I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture

Q4: Can I freeze the pizza?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the baked pizza or just the dough for up to 3 months

Q5: What type of pan is best for deep-dish pizza?
A5: A deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet works best to achieve the signature thick crust

Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
A6: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast doughs

Q7: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A7: Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down longer to achieve the same consistency as canned tomatoes

Q8: What’s the best cheese for deep-dish pizza?
A8: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can also use provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses for extra flavor

Q9: How do I prevent a soggy crust?
A9: Make sure your sauce isn’t too watery, and don’t overload with wet toppings like fresh tomatoes

Q10: Can I add a second layer of toppings?
A10: Yes! For an extra indulgent pizza, add a second layer of sauce, cheese, and toppings before baking

Enjoy the rich, hearty layers of this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie, perfect for pizza lovers who enjoy every bite packed with flavor!

Print