Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that takes comfort food to a whole new level. With its thick, buttery crust, gooey layers of cheese, rich tomato sauce, and all your favorite toppings, it’s the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for pizza nights, game days, or any time you’re craving something extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Layers of flavor and texture: buttery crust, melty cheese, and savory toppings.
- Customizable to suit your favorite pizza preferences.
- Feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to build your deep-dish pizza masterpiece:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian sausage or pepperoni
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough and press it into a deep-dish pan or a cast-iron skillet. Let the edges of the dough hang slightly over the rim of the pan.
Step 2: Layer the Cheese
Start with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Placing the cheese first prevents the crust from becoming soggy when you add the sauce.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Spread your favorite toppings over the cheese layer. Cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, sautéed vegetables, or even a mix of all three work beautifully.
Step 4: Pour on the Sauce
Spread a thick, flavorful tomato sauce evenly over the toppings. This layer gives the pizza its signature deep-dish feel.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bake the pizza pie for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use a deep-dish pan: A springform pan or cast-iron skillet works perfectly for achieving the height and structure of a true deep-dish pizza.
- Drain toppings: If you’re using veggies, sauté them first to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy crust.
- Par-bake the crust: Baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the cheese helps it cook evenly.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian by loading up on sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Swap mozzarella for a blend of provolone, parmesan, and asiago for a richer cheese flavor.
- Experiment with sauces—pesto or a creamy garlic white sauce can be fantastic alternatives to tomato sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie with a crisp green salad, garlic breadsticks, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. A cold soda or a glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this cheesy, hearty dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes, though the oven is better for maintaining the crust’s texture.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pizza and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Absolutely! Wrap slices in foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Q3: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free dough?
Yes, both options work well. Just keep in mind that gluten-free dough may require a slightly longer bake time.
Q4: What’s the best way to prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Par-bake the crust and use toppings that aren’t overly wet. Adding cheese directly on the crust also helps.
Conclusion
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion when you want something satisfying and indulgent. With its layers of gooey cheese, savory toppings, and buttery crust, it’s a guaranteed hit. Ready to give it a try? Let’s make pizza night unforgettable!
Print
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 slices 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is a thick, hearty twist on a classic pizza, featuring a buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, savory toppings, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an indulgent treat for pizza lovers!
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers or spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pizza Pie:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the dough into a circle slightly larger than your 9-inch deep-dish pan. Press the dough into the pan, letting it come up the sides.
- Layer half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on the bottom of the crust. Add your desired toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, etc.).
- Spread the tomato sauce over the toppings and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve hot with a side of marinara or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Customize the toppings to your preference.
- For extra crispiness, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg