Deep Dish Pizza Pie

Deep-dish pizza is a culinary treasure with its golden flaky crust loaded with generous layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings. This Chicago-style classic transforms ordinary pizza night into something extraordinary, offering a hearty meal that satisfies even the most demanding appetites. Unlike regular pizza, this deep-dish version creates a delicious pie-like experience with its tall edges and generous filling.

I first tried making deep-dish pizza after visiting Chicago years ago. The memory of that thick, cheesy slice haunted me until I finally perfected this recipe. My family now requests it regularly for our Friday pizza nights, and the empty pan always confirms it was worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a sturdy yet tender crust.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Creates a beautiful rise and slight chewiness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and enhances browning.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Strengthens gluten structure and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup warm water: Activates the yeast at the perfect temperature (110°F).
• 1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes: Forms the perfect sauce base with a slightly chunky texture.
• ¼ cup tomato paste: Adds richness and thickens the sauce.
• 2 cloves fresh garlic: Provides aromatic complexity.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings balanced traditional flavors.
• 1 pound Italian sausage: Contributes savory richness and satisfying texture.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese: Creates that perfect stretchy pull when you take a slice.
• ½ cup bell peppers: Adds sweetness and color.
• ½ cup mushrooms: Brings earthy notes and meaty texture.
• ½ cup onions: Provides sweet aromatic undertones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate Yeast:

Combine warm water with yeast in a small bowl and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. The water should feel warm to the touch but not hot enough to burn your finger.

Form Dough Base:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything until thoroughly combined into a shaggy dough.

Knead Until Smooth:

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. When properly kneaded, the dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.

Allow First Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Create Sauce Base:

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about one minute.

Combine Sauce Ingredients:

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Simmer For Flavor:

Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook Meat Thoroughly:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces until completely browned. Drain excess fat.

Enhance Meat Flavor:

Stir in about half a cup of your prepared pizza sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

Prepare Vegetables:

If desired, sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions until just softened but still firm.

Heat The Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and allow it to reach full temperature before baking.

Shape Pizza Dough:

Roll out your risen dough into a large circle about 16 inches in diameter for a 12-inch pan.

Transfer To Pan:

Carefully lift and press dough into your greased deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet.

Layer Ingredients Properly:

Start by covering the bottom with mozzarella cheese, then add your cooked meat and vegetables.

Top With Sauce:

Pour the remaining pizza sauce over the toppings, spreading evenly to cover everything.

Add Final Garnishes:

Sprinkle with additional mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and any remaining toppings.

Bake Until Golden:

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust becomes golden brown.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the pizza to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Slice And Serve:

Use a sharp knife and spatula to cut and lift slices.

Pin it

Serving Inspirations

Create a complete Italian feast by pairing your deep-dish pizza with a crisp Caesar salad tossed with homemade garlic croutons and freshly grated Parmesan.

Consider serving smaller portions as a hearty first course before a lighter main dish of grilled chicken or fish when entertaining guests who might appreciate variety.

For casual gatherings, set up a pizza bar with your deep-dish as the centerpiece, accompanied by breadsticks, buffalo wings, and various dipping sauces.

Recipe Adaptations

Transform this dish into a vegetarian delight by replacing meat with a robust mixture of sautéed portobello mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts.

Create a breakfast version using cooked breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and after baking, top with lightly fried eggs.

Explore international flavors by incorporating ingredients like feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano for Greek inspiration.

Pin it

Deep-dish pizza remains one of the most satisfying cooking projects in my repertoire. The process of creating the dough, preparing the sauce, and carefully layering ingredients becomes almost meditative. This recipe has become part of our family traditions, and I hope it finds a place in your kitchen as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the dough for this Deep Dish Pizza Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. After the initial rise, punch down the dough, place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.

→ What's the best pan to use for Deep Dish Pizza Pie?

A 9-inch springform pan works best as it allows easy removal and serving. A deep cake pan or cast iron skillet (at least 2 inches deep) also works well. If using a regular pan without removable sides, line it with parchment paper with overhanging edges to help lift the pizza out after baking.

→ Why is the cheese placed on the bottom in this recipe?

Placing cheese directly on the crust creates a protective barrier that prevents the sauce from making the crust soggy. This is a classic technique in Chicago-style deep dish pizza and helps maintain the integrity of the crust during the longer baking time required for deep dish pizza.

→ Can I freeze this Deep Dish Pizza Pie?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the pizza, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking. For baked pizza, cool completely, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like sliced zucchini, eggplant, spinach, or artichoke hearts. You can also add plant-based meat alternatives if desired. Consider increasing the cheese or adding a layer of ricotta mixed with herbs for added richness and protein.