The Most Scrumptious Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe Ever Made

Pizza lovers, a deep-dish pizza pie promises pure comfort with its thick, golden crust and layers of melted goodness.

My Chicago-inspired creation brings serious flavor to your kitchen table.

Sinking your fork into a slice packed with robust ingredients and oozing cheese.

Each bite tells a delicious story of culinary tradition and personal passion.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe breaks through ordinary pizza expectations with its impressive height and intense flavor profile.

Traditional techniques meet modern cooking magic in this memorable dish.

You’ll want to gather friends and savor every indulgent morsel of this remarkable meal.

Why Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe Works So Well

• Unbeatable Layered Deliciousness: This deep-dish pizza pie delivers incredible flavor with its perfectly stacked ingredients, creating a mouthwatering experience where every bite combines crispy crust, melted cheese, and savory sauce.
• Hands-On Homemade Magic: Making this pizza from scratch allows you to control ingredients, customize toppings, and enjoy the satisfying process of creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings, this hearty pizza pie serves multiple people and offers something everyone will love, with its rich flavors and filling texture.
• Easy Weekend Cooking Adventure: Despite looking impressive, the recipe is straightforward enough for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring basic ingredients and simple techniques that guarantee a delicious result without complicated steps.

Everything In Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating a soft and chewy pizza crust.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, key for dough development.
• Sugar: Helps yeast activate and adds subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating texture.

• Warm Water, Milk: Provides hydration and helps activate the yeast.
• Olive Oil, Melted Butter: Adds richness, softness, and a subtle flavor to the dough.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Thick base for authentic pizza sauce with rich tomato flavor.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic quality to the sauce.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that provide traditional pizza sauce taste.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasons and enhances overall sauce flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides melty, stretchy texture and sharp flavor.
• Sausage, Pepperoni: Classic pizza protein toppings with rich, savory taste.

Making The Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

Step 1: Create Magical Dough

• Flour
• Salt
• Sugar
• Yeast

Pour warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough emerges. Transfer to a floured surface and knead with love for several minutes until silky smooth. Place the dough in an oil-kissed bowl, drape with a towel, and let it rest in a cozy warm spot. Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which typically takes about 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Tomato Sauce

• Oregano
• Basil
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and bubble, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops rich flavors, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble Pizza Masterpiece

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle your favorite toppings like sausage or pepperoni. Pour the vibrant tomato sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and cheese bubbles with excitement.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes. Cut into hearty slices and serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread on the side. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips That Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe Better

• Activate Dough Rising: Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area like inside an unheated oven or near a heating vent to ensure consistent and faster rising.
• Customize Cheese Layers: Mix different cheese varieties like provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a more complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the traditional deep-dish experience.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer tomato sauce uncovered to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors, preventing a soggy pizza crust and ensuring a robust, thick sauce.
• Prevent Burnt Edges: Cover the pizza crust edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking to protect them from over-browning while allowing the center to cook thoroughly.
• Boost Topping Distribution: Pre-cook meats like sausage before adding to the pizza to eliminate excess moisture and ensure even, crispy topping placement throughout the pie.

How To Store And Warm Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftover deep-dish pizza pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Option: Slice the pizza, wrap individual pieces in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention and easy future meals.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and crust becomes crispy, restoring the original delicious texture.
• Microwave Quick Fix: For a faster option, reheat pizza slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Add a small cup of water alongside to prevent the crust from becoming rubbery and maintain moisture.

Sides That Pair With Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, hearty deep-dish pizza with a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that can stand up to the intense flavors of cheese and tomato sauce.
• Freshen Up with Crisp Salad: Balance the heavy pizza with a light, zesty side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Enhance with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale that can match the pizza's bold flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, saucy goodness.
• Cool Down with Citrus Drink: Serve a cold lemonade or sparkling orange soda to brighten the meal and provide a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the deep-dish pizza's intensity.

Fun Spins On Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

• Veggie Power Pizza: Replace meat toppings with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a nutrient-packed vegetarian version. Add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and protein.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap traditional meats with fresh shrimp, crab, or salmon pieces. Incorporate herbs like dill and parsley to complement the seafood and lighten the sauce with a white wine base.
• Mediterranean Magic: Transform the pizza by adding kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano for an authentic Greek-inspired experience.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Introduce jalapeños, chorizo, black beans, and corn. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with a side of fresh cilantro-lime sour cream for a zesty kick.

FAQs About Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

• What makes a deep-dish pizza different from regular pizza?

Deep-dish pizza features a thick, high-sided crust that creates a pie-like structure, allowing more cheese, sauce, and toppings to be packed inside. It’s more like a savory cake than a traditional flat pizza.

• Can I make this pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After kneading, place it in a covered bowl in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and assembling the pizza.

• Do I need any special equipment to make deep-dish pizza?

A 9-inch round cake pan or a dedicated deep-dish pizza pan works best. The high sides are crucial for creating the signature thick crust and helping the pizza hold its shape during baking.

• How can I tell if my pizza is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese. The edges should be crispy and the bottom should be firm and not soggy. If you’re unsure, use a pizza cutter to peek at the bottom of the crust.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza delivers a robust culinary adventure straight from Windy City kitchens. Layered with rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and savory toppings, you’ll savor this iconic comfort classic that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni

Crust and Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) warm water
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ cup (75 g) sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a foundational dough by blending flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter, stirring until a cohesive mixture emerges. Thoroughly knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface for 7-8 minutes, achieving a silky, elastic consistency.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled container, drape with a kitchen towel, and allow it to proof in a draft-free environment for 1-2 hours, expanding to nearly double its original volume.
3. While the dough rises, create a robust tomato sauce by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Introduce crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper, simmering gently for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a rich flavor profile.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously coat a deep-dish pan with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Gently roll the proofed dough into a circular shape, carefully pressing it into the prepared pan. Ensure the dough completely lines the bottom and sides of the pan, creating a sturdy vessel for toppings.
6. Layer the base with a generous spread of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Distribute sausage, pepperoni, or selected protein evenly across the cheese foundation.
7. Ladle the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading it uniformly to create a vibrant, glossy surface.
8. Slide the pizza into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the crust transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece and the cheese bubbles enthusiastically.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the pizza pie to rest for 5 minutes, permitting the layers to settle and cool slightly. Slice and serve alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic bread.

Notes

• Opt for bread flour to achieve a chewier, more robust crust that holds up well to hefty toppings and dense sauce.
• Cold-proof the dough overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor development and improved texture.
• Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, ensuring consistent dough quality every time.
• Prebake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings to prevent a soggy bottom and create a crispier foundation.
• Experiment with alternative cheese blends like fontina, provolone, or ricotta for unique flavor profiles and creamy textures.
• For a vegetarian version, swap meat toppings with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
• Drain excess moisture from fresh mozzarella to prevent a watery pizza and maintain a perfectly crisp crust.
• Sprinkle cornmeal on the pan before placing the dough for an extra crispy and golden bottom crust.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg