Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe for Cozy Nights In

Pizza lovers find deep-dish pizza pie a delectable Chicago culinary treasure that promises pure comfort.

Layers of melted cheese and robust tomato sauce create an irresistible landscape of flavor.

Crispy golden crust embraces rich ingredients waiting to delight your palate.

Robust Italian-inspired techniques merge with midwestern cooking traditions in this mouthwatering creation.

Hearty and satisfying, each slice tells a story of culinary passion and regional pride.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this iconic dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Bold flavors and textures await you in this classic recipe that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

What Makes Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Satisfying

• Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Delights
• This recipe transforms novice cooks into kitchen champions with straightforward steps and minimal professional techniques required. No advanced culinary skills needed, just enthusiasm and basic mixing abilities.
• Perfect for leisurely weekend cooking, this deep-dish pizza provides an engaging culinary project that brings families together. Preparing the dish becomes a fun, interactive experience where everyone can participate in mixing, rolling, or topping.
• Although requiring longer preparation time compared to regular pizzas, the result delivers intense, layered taste profiles. Slow-rising dough and simmered sauce guarantee rich, developed flavors that commercial pizzas cannot match.
• Easily customizable with different meats, vegetables, and cheese combinations, this recipe adapts to various dietary preferences and tastes. From vegetarian options to meat lover's dream, everyone can create their perfect pizza pie.

What You’ll Need for a Loaded Deep-Dish Pie

• Flour: Provides structure and texture for the pizza dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Sugar: Helps yeast activate and adds subtle sweetness.
• Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating light texture.
• Warm Water, Milk: Hydrates flour and activates yeast.
• Olive Oil, Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps dough elasticity.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Core base for pizza sauce.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth sauce base and flavor.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to sauce.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs for authentic pizza flavor.
• Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Balances and seasons sauce.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Provides melty, rich cheese layer.
• Sausage, Pepperoni: Optional protein toppings for added flavor.

Note: Choose high-protein flour for better dough structure. Fresh yeast works best for rising. Use San Marzano tomatoes for superior sauce flavor. Select whole milk mozzarella for best melting.

How to Layer and Bake This Thick-Crust Favorite

Step 1: Create Dough Mixture

• Flour
• Salt
• Sugar
• Yeast

Pour warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter. Combine until dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rest in a cozy spot for 2 hours. The dough will expand and become puffy.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Oregano
• Basil
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and develop rich flavors.

Step 3: Build Pizza Foundation

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Sausage or pepperoni

Pour tomato sauce evenly across the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes until the crust turns golden and cheese bubbles magnificently.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow pizza to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into hearty portions. Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Getting the Crust and Center Just Right

• Knead with Confidence: Work the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring a stretchy and smooth texture that creates a perfect pizza base.
• Sauce Simmering Secret: Let the tomato sauce reduce slowly to concentrate flavors and achieve a rich, thick consistency that won't make your crust soggy.
• Cheese Layer Strategy: Spread cheese directly on the crust before adding toppings to create a protective barrier that prevents moisture from making the dough wet.
• Temperature Timing Trick: Use a hot oven and preheated pan to guarantee a crispy, golden-brown crust that's perfectly cooked throughout.
• Rising Room Recommendation: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheating oven to help it rise evenly and develop better flavor profiles.

How to Store Pizza Without Soggy Bottoms

• Store leftover deep-dish pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place pizza slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and crust becomes crispy.
• Heat pizza slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, then finish in a preheated oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.

What Matches This Chicago-Inspired Favorite

• A bold Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich tomato sauce and meaty toppings, cutting through the cheese's richness with its robust flavor profile.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pizza's heaviness, adding a bright, zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that stands up to the deep-dish's intense flavors, with enough carbonation to cut through the cheese and sausage's richness.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top to elevate the pizza's aromatic profile, connecting the herb notes in the sauce with a vibrant, fresh finish.

Swap in Different Meats, Veggies, or Sauces

Vegetarian Delight: Replace meat toppings with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a nutrient-packed veggie version.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, using gluten-free yeast to create a celiac-friendly pizza pie crust.

Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based cheese substitutes, swap dairy milk with almond milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a completely dairy-free pizza experience.

Low-Carb Transformation: Create a cauliflower or almond flour crust, reduce tomato sauce quantity, and add extra protein-rich toppings like grilled chicken or tofu for a keto-friendly adaptation.

Deep Dish Pizza FAQs

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

Deep-dish pizza has a thick, high-edged crust that’s more like a pie, allowing for layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce. The crust is buttery and crisp, creating a substantial meal that’s almost like a savory cake.

• Can I make this pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and proceed with rolling and assembling the pizza.

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

You’ll need a deep-dish pan or a 9-inch round cake pan with high sides. A heavy, sturdy pan helps create the signature thick crust and prevents the bottom from burning.

• How do I know when the deep-dish pizza is fully cooked?

The pizza is done when the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The edges should look crisp and slightly pulled away from the pan’s sides, indicating a perfectly baked crust.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chicago’s legendary Deep-Dish Pizza Pie combines buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese into a hearty culinary masterpiece. Savory slices promise comfort and satisfaction for pizza enthusiasts seeking authentic Midwestern flavor.

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Ingredients

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Cheese and Meat:

• 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni
• ½ cup (75 g) sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 ml) warm water
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the 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. Gently knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface for 7-8 minutes, developing a silky, resilient texture.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly lubricated container, drape with a kitchen towel, and allow it to proof in a cozy environment for approximately 1-1.5 hours, or until it dramatically expands.
3. Prepare the aromatic sauce by warming olive oil in a saucepan. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Fold in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture, occasionally stirring, for 15-20 minutes until it thickens and develops rich flavors.
4. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously coat a deep-dish or 9-inch round pan with olive oil. Roll the dough into a generous circle, pressing it meticulously to line the pan’s bottom and sides.
5. Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the crust. Arrange selected proteins like sausage or pepperoni. Lavishly spread the prepared tomato sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
6. Bake the pizza pie for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the crust transforms to a golden hue and cheese bubbles enthusiastically.
7. Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to settle. Slice and serve alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is lukewarm (110-115°F) for perfect yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Kneading develops gluten, creating a stretchy, tender crust that holds toppings beautifully without falling apart.
• Choose high-protein bread flour for a chewier, more robust pizza crust with excellent structural integrity.
• Allow longer rising time in cooler environments, which enhances flavor development through slow fermentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg